JOAN HARNED Earns NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification

Jan. 29, 2010 - PRLog -- Eagle, CO, January 2010 — Joan Harned with TEAM BLACK BEAR at Keller Williams Mountain Properties has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS® offers the SFR certification to REALTORS® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures.  For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction.  REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

“As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS® believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR® who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.”

The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves. To earn the SFR certification, REALTORS® are required to take one core course and three Webinars.  For more information about the SFR certification, visit www.REALTORSFR.org or call 1-877-510-7855.

For more information on Buying or Selling a Distressed Property, contact Joan Harned with TEAM BLACK BEAR at Keller Williams Mountain Properties in Eagle, Colorado: 970-337-7777 or info@teamblackbear.com.

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Team Black Bear: talented group of professionals with individual specialties & a team spirit that provides expert guidance for all of your real estate investment needs. With 65+ years of collective experience in Eagle County Real Estate, we possess the knowledge, skills & expertise it takes to help you make informed decisions in today’s Real Estate market. It is not only our business philosophy, but also our commitment to provide you with Exemplary personalized service beyond your expectations. Our practice is to listen, hear and truly understand your needs.

Keller Williams Mountain Properties is a part of the Keller Williams Realty network nationwide (3rd largest franchise in the US)-we receive referrals for second home buyers and relocation buyers, and we have the backing and values of a great professional organization. Keller Williams Mountain Properties is the 3rd largest Real Estate Company in Eagle County with 2 convenient offices to serve you, located in Edwards & Eagle.