SELLERS/CURRENT OWNERS:
The SFR certification courses trained the holder of the designation to become a knowledgeable expert in advising clients about their options if they have become, or are anticipating becoming, delinquent in their mortgage payments.  Borrowers may have many options considerably less damaging options available to then than a mortgage foreclosure. Nationally over 70% of people who are experiencing possible loss of their home never speak to any professional before their lender begins foreclosure proceedings.  A foreclosure not only the loss of the owner's home, it also reduces the borrower's credit score between 200 to 300 points. A foreclosed borrower can be prohibited from owning a home for the next seven years.  Nine other far less damaging alternatives are available to property owners if they seek professional assistance from a SFR designee.

BUYERS:
Additionally, this certification program has allowed the designee to become knowledgeable when representing buyers who are interested in purchasing short sale properties. Buyers working with a SFR designee will be afforded the greatest probability of successfully closing on a short sale property contract.  SFR designees have learned how to identify and resolve the 18 most common reasons short sale contracts fail to close.