I’ve been a Realtor along the GA400 corridor (covering Milton, Alpharetta, Cumming, Johns Creek, Suwanee and Dawsonville) since 2002, and have helped more than 300 families buy or sell a home in the area. My experience and knowledge of this market is extensive. With over 12 years’ experience in the Real Estate Industry, I realize the importance of being able to assist my clients with not only their buying and selling needs, but also to be able to help those in need during difficult financial times avoid foreclosure.
Through years of experience, I have developed what I believe is the most effective short sale listing system available: understanding what works; how banks think; and how to get banks to forgive outstanding debt associated with short sales.
In a previous blog, I explained the importance of having the CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) certification. This time, I would like to explain the CDPE certification.
A Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) has a thorough understanding of complex issues in today’s turbulent real estate industry and knowledge of foreclosure avoidance options available to homeowners. CDPEs can provide solutions, specifically short sales, for homeowners facing market hardships.
Homeowners regularly proceed without guidance of any kind through the often financially and emotionally devastating prospect of foreclosure. Speaking with a well-informed, licensed real estate professional is the best course of action for a homeowner in distress. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs have the tools to help homeowners find the best solutions for their unique situations and to avoid foreclosure through the efficient execution of a short sale.
So what is a short sale?
A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who need to sell, and who owe more on their homes than they are worth. In the past, it was rare for a bank or lender to accept a short sale. Today, however, due to overwhelming market changes, banks and lenders have become much more negotiable when it comes to these transactions. Recent changes in corporate policy and the Obama administration have also improved the chances of getting a short sale approved.
But to be technical, here’s a more official definition:
- A homeowner is “short” when the amount owed on his/her property is higher than current market value.
- A short sale occurs when a negotiation is entered into with the homeowner’s mortgage company (or companies) to accept less than the full balance of the loan at closing. A buyer closes on the property, and the property is then ‘sold short’ of the total value of the mortgage.
For homeowners to qualify for a short sale, they must fall into all of the following circumstances:
- Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
- Monthly Income Shortfall – A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
- Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.
This seems simple enough, but it is a complicated process that takes the expertise of an experienced professional. CDPEs don’t merely assist in selling properties, they serve and help save their clients in need.
While the market has shown definite improvement in the North Atlanta area, you or someone you know may still need advice on how best to avoid foreclosure during difficult financial times. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the short sale process.
Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
The Dinsmore Real Estate Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com
Marie@DinsmoreTeam.com | 
770-712-7789
770-712-7789
