Trinity Z. McCormick with RE/MAX Integrity Group Earn CDPE Designation

To Assist Homeowners in Distress

(Merrillville, IN– January 11, 2010)  Trinity Z. McCormick with RE/MAX Integrity Group in Merrillville earned their Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation from the Distressed Property Institute, LLC offered through RE/MAX International.  Trinity completed the two-day, 12-hour course January 7-8, 2010.

The CDPE course offers licensed agents the tools and knowledge necessary to efficiently and effectively help homeowners in distress avoid foreclosure and sell properties.  Trinity says the designation is exactly what’s needed in today’s challenging market. “A foreclosure can affect the surrounding neighborhoods’ market value and ultimately affect an entire community.  We’re in this business to not only help people find homes but sell homes and make sure communities stay vibrant.” 

The National Association of Realtors® reports that more than 45 percent of existing home sales in the fourth quarter of 2008 were foreclosures and short sales.  Short sales benefit both homeowners and lenders.  In a short sales transaction, homeowners sell their property for less than the mortgage amount, but avoid the foreclosure process.  By preventing a foreclosure in today’s market, a lender can save as much as half the carrying costs. 

NAR® also reports that nationally, only 12 percent of short sales are approved.  Among CDPE designated Realtors® more than 80 percent of short sales are approved.  Dave Liniger, RE/MAX Chairman and Co-founder, says, “The CDPE designation is one of the most important and timely educational products I have seen in over 40 years in the real estate business.  I will do whatever it takes to get as many agents as possible through this course so they can help homeowners, the economy and our country.”