We’ve already detailed several testimonials from busy, profit-earning CEP agents here, here and here.

Naturally, we continue to receive positive feedback from our agents and brokers who are beating back buyers/investors who are looking to cash-in on the unbelievable real estate opportunities currently available.

It’s a huge buyer pool — nearly half of all transactions today involve some type of distressed real estate. CEP agents are strategically positioned on the frontlines of this all-out market assault thanks to the unrivaled Web power and reach of Foreclosure.com and its affiliate partners.

In fact, our online traffic has never been better, reaching all-time records month-over-month since the start of 2009.

Literally millions of buyers search our industry-leading database of nearly two million listings each month. And CEP agents, as well as their multiple buyers, are among the many who are riding this big wave of success right to the closing table.

Hear what just a handful of them have to say this time around:

Community Expert:
Bill Saedlo
Miami-Dade, Florida
Seven CEP zip codes

“Foreclosure.com has helped me to find qualified buyers easily. I was not expecting the quantity of leads that are coming in. I am receiving new leads usually on a daily basics. Most of my closed deals have been with cash buyers, which is a big benefit when dealing with REO properties.”

Community Expert:
Gary Franks
San Bernardino County, California
Five CEP zip codes

“As an 18-year real estate veteran, business has been like a roller coaster; I’ve had some good years and not so good. By the grace of God, I found Foreclosure.com. Trust me, I was skeptical at first, you see, there are charlatans lurking around each corner of the real estate business, anyway, for an unknown reason, I felt compelled to give this web-site a try. The first month was a flop, and my theory about these companies was confirmed, thus, it was a scam, so I withdrew my membership. A couple of months later, I thought I would give it one more shot, and thank God I did, within a couple of weeks, the leads began to rush in; and with my first closing, with a lead that came from Foreclosure.com, I made a commission of $24,000 and soon after, a commission of $9,000. Lets be realistic, not every lead will be a pay check, but at least there coming in.”

Community Expert:
Sally May
South/North Carolina
Six CEP zip codes

“I am so excited, I just can’t believe it. I just signed up two weeks ago and I have already had three calls from my Foreclosure.com registration. If I had only known how effective this would be, I would have signed up a long time ago!!!!!”

Community Expert:
Nicholas Tukmanian
Rumson, New Jersey
Five CEP zip codes

“In just a short period of time since I signed up to Foreclosure.com, I have been pleased with all aspects of the website. From customer support to detailed information on properties, I believe that Foreclosure.com is a definitive source for foreclosure information. More importantly, from a business perspective, I’m pleased with the quality of leads Foreclosure.com generates for me.”

Community Expert:
Richard Kim
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Five CEP zip codes

“I have been member of Foreclosure.com for two months. There are many leads who will be buyers in the future. If you can make one closing, your fee for year membership will be paid. This is a good investment!”

If you are a real estate agent/broker who would like more information on the Foreclosure.com Community Expert program click here or call us at 866-382-4445 — we’ll set you up fast!

Interested buyers/investors who would like to connect with CEPs in their areas should begin their searches right here.

Well this is interesting:

Housing starts jumped 22.2 percent in February 2009 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 583,000, according to the Associated Press. January’s figure, 477,000, had been an all-time low and economists had predicted that the slump would continue, dropping to around 450,00 when The Commerce Department issued its next monthly report.

It didn’t happen.

This is strange news, considering that there are already so many homes sitting on the market. The report indicates that the increase can be attributed to the construction of apartments nationwide.

Adam York, a Wachovia economist, thinks it’s a good sign:

“While it may be premature to call an absolute bottom in residential construction, we are clearly getting close.”

Of course, the article goes on to mention that housing construction is “down a whopping 47.3 percent from a year ago.” Regardless, it’s a pleasant surprise. More please.

Fortunately, it’s just a replica, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The lender has agreed to modify the loan:

The foreclosure crisis has affected families and communities throughout the United States hard … some more than others. Miami, Fla., which at its peak several years ago boasted a booming condominium market, is among those hardest hit.

And rather than let foreclosed homes sit vacant while families fend for themselves on the streets, one local activist, Max Rameau, is taking matters into his own hands and moving families — albeit illegally — into the bank-owned properties.

He’s also doing it in broad daylight and not under the cloak of the night.

Here’s is what he had to say about the brazen initiative:

“We’re matching homeless people with people-less homes…. I think everyone deserves a home. Homeless people across the country are squatting in empty homes. The question is: Is this going to be done out of desperation or with direction?”

Rameau is part of a recently-formed organization called, Take Back the Land. In addition to “placing” homeless families in foreclosure homes the group provides them with “secondhand furniture, cleaning supplies and yard upkeep

As mentioned earlier, this process, which is essentially referred to as squatting, is illegal and punishable by law. However, Rameau and his associates do not seem deterred by the prospect of possible arrest.

Here’s another quote from him:

“Within a couple of months, this place would be stripped and drug dealers would be living here. There’s a real need here, and there’s a disconnect between the need and the law. Being arrested is just one of the potential factors in doing this.”

Rameau has thus far helped six families into foreclosed homes and has nine on a waiting list, according to the report. He has not been arrested or approached by the authorities … yet.

We’ve arrived at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., for the 2008 REALTORS® Conference & Expo!

These are just a few pictures of our booth (#3454), which will be staffed throughout the weekend by a variety of folks from our relatively nearby headquarters in Boca Raton, including Director of Business Development/Creative Director Stephen Chip, Director of Partner Relations Zack Preble, General Sales Manager Anthony Segrich and Director of Education Linda Yates.

We’re introducing the Certified Foreclosure Agent (CFA) program at the show and signing up motivated agents on the spot who want to take their careers to the next level. CFA designation is an awesome way to stay on top of the latest market trends and continue to earn commissions even in the softest market conditions.

CFA agents stand out and thrive!

In addition, we are on the scene to tell you all about our Community Expert Program, which is a groundbreaking marketing solution that will help you close more buyer transactions. It’ an innovative and cost effective way to do business — thousands search for properties in your area and recognize YOU as their go-to person.

Then the calls and emails start pouring in because these buyers connect with YOU as a real estate expert. It’s a great way to build relationships today to ensure that you close the deals tomorrow. Earn more money!

Of course, the CFA and Community Expert programs are just two of the many ways in which Foreclosure.com helps real estate agents and brokers enrich their careers. Stop by booth #3454 at  the 2008 REALTORS® Conference & Expo this weekend or visit us online to learn more about how we can help you.

You’ll be glad you did!

Howard Small recently hosted a fantastic online Webinar, “Real Estate Money Machine,” during which he walked the class through current and former economic cycles and how housing is/was affected (i.e. pricing and making a profit).

He pinpointed the strategies to use during a cooler market. We also walked away with a great tool that was FREE to all who attended — his One-Minute Analysis.

Howard illustrated the different markets and what potential spread an investor could profit from. He taught profit-making principles where you can “invest small” and the potential timeframe to put that profit in your pocket.

In addition, Howard touched on the tools that are available for investors to use for finding great deals, potential buyers and motivated sellers. Audience members had an opportunity to give feedback on what some of their current challenges are today. They also asked several specific questions pertaining to them personally that Howard shared his insight on.

Lastly, he walked us through real world examples for today’s housing cycle and how to profit now. If you somehow missed this can’t-miss Webinar catch it on Foreclosure.com On Demand right now! Click here.

As if foreclosure didn’t cause enough problems, the Associated Press is reporting that the increase in foreclosure activity throughout California is exacerbating West Nile virus dangers.

That’s because abandoned or vacant homes with untreated swimming pools are becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which are responsible for spreading the virus to birds, horses and humans.

In fact, according to the report The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District got 288 service requests last month — nearly double the activity at the same time in 2007.

With so many homes in foreclosure throughout the “Golden State” it is becoming more and more difficult for lenders and local governments to manage and address the needs of all foreclosure properties.

It’s a nightmare scenario that goes to show the far-reaching effects of foreclosure.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. Its symptoms include fever, headache, chills, weakness and drowsiness. However, severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications such as meningitis and encephalitis.

Ed McMahon — the iconic television personality who is perhaps best known for his role as an announcer on the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson for three decades — has defaulted on a $4.8 million home loan and is in danger of losing his Beverly Hill, Calif., residence to foreclosure, according to WSJ.com.

The report indicates that McMahon has been actively attempting to sell the house for the past two years and has reduced the price to $5.75 million.

However, the 85-year-old celebrity and the mortgage lender, Countrywide Financial Corp., are now working together to hammer out a resolution that ensures McMahon and his wife remain in their six-bedroom home.

So how does something like this happen to such a well-known — and seemingly wealthy — homeowner?

His lawyer indicates that a slumping housing market, as well as a broken neck sustained 18 months ago that has prevented McMahon from working, are the causes behind the foreclosure proceedings.

It’s a painful reality that McMahon shares with many homeowners throughout California and beyond. In fact, his lawyer issued this statement from the McMahon’s:

“… understand that they are in the same situation as hundreds of thousands of other hard-working Americans, and their hearts go out to them.”

There are several options still open to avoid foreclosure. And it’s not just because McMahon is famous. It’s important to be open and honest with lenders and open the lines of communication as soon as possible.

Often times banks will bend over backwards to ensure that their loans don’t end up in foreclosure — no matter who you are … especially right now.

That’s not a typo … the headline is accurate.

Back in 1995, Sonya Capri Ramos took her daughter to the dentist to fill some cavities. She paid a majority of the bill; however, there was a $68 balance that she could not cover, according to ABCNews.com.

Over time, the $68 outstanding balance grew to more than $950 because of legal fees and other expenses shelled out to collect the payment. And when Ramos still didn’t cough up the cash, a judge ordered the local Sheriff to auction off the property to pay off the debt.

Her home was eventually sold for $1,550 in 1996. However, she claims she had no idea that any of this was going on. In fact, she continued to make payments on the mortgage — a home she technically no longer owned — for 12 years.

Ramos learned about the sale when she applied for a loan to make home renovations. She was denied, because, well, she wasn’t the homeowner.

Ever since she’s been embroiled in a legal battle to reclaim the title to her property, which she feels was sold out from under her. Even to this day, unfortunately, she and her lawyers have been unsuccessful.

This is a bizarre case — perhaps one in a million. The experts quoted in the article, in fact, are puzzled about how this all went down.

Regardless, lessons can and should be learned from this tale:

Always pay your bills … and remember to floss.

Foreclosure.com, regarded as the most reliable and comprehensive source for nationwide distressed real estate data, today announced the release of its first-ever instructional CD and DVD course entitled, “Get Rich Buying Real Estate Foreclosures.”

To purchase the comprehensive six-CD educational audio training course, which is packed with the latest information, secrets, expert tips and other invaluable resources (and to lock-in a special introductory savings offer) CLICK HERE.

“Get Rich Buying Real Estate Foreclosures” is adapted from the real-world success of Foreclosure.com Founder, President and CEO, Brad Geisen, who became a self-made millionaire before the age of 24 thanks to smart foreclosure investing.

It covers all phases of the foreclosure investing process step-by-step, including, but not limited to:

• Preforeclosure training
• Sheriff Sale training
• Post foreclosure/REO training
• How to find money to finance deals
• Foreclosure rehab and flipping tips

In addition, the course includes a bonus training DVD with Brad, which shadows him throughout various investment property inspections during which he reveals foreclosure buying strategies, in-depth analysis and every thing you need to know to spot great foreclosure deals.

Put simply, Brad himself tells you firsthand all the things you should and shouldn’t do when rehabbing homes to rake-in monster profits … fast!

That’s not all.

“Get Rich Buying Real Estate Foreclosures” also features a comprehensive glossary of real estate terms you need to know, as well as nearly 30 forms, checklists, contracts and other documents that you need to be successful when it comes to investing in foreclosure homes.

This course is the ultimate step-by-step guide to investing in distressed properties for unbelievable riches. Put a small slice of that rebate check toward “Get Rich Buying Real Estate Foreclosures” and watch your bank account balance soar!

It’s a step in the right direction for those who seek financial freedom.

To purchase your copy of “Get Rich Buying Real Estate Foreclosures” and to finally start making money flipping foreclosure homes CLICK HERE.