Greg Moen, broker/owner, along with Heather Allen, Lynn Kelley and Matt Johnson, Realtors at Re/Max  Properties in, Albert Lea, have earned the certified distressed property expert (CDPE) designation after completing extensive training designed to assist homeowners facing foreclosures and to help home buyers in purchasing a distressed property.

“Their dedication in earning the CDPE designation demonstrates their willingness to not only help troubled homeowners in Albert Lea and surrounding areas, but it shows a commitment to help the community recover from this recession,” said David Linger, Re/Max regional director. “Seasoned real estate agents like Greg, Heather, Lynn, Matt and nearly 5,000 RE/MAX Associates who are already CDPE certified, know that specific training is essential in helping families buy and sell homes.”

According to the National Association of Realtors, more than 45 percent of U.S. existing home sales in the fourth quarter of 2008 were foreclosures and short sales. In a short sale transaction, a lender allows the homeowner to sell their property for less than the mortgage amount, to avoid the foreclosure process.

“In this market, more than ever before, home buyers and sellers appreciate working with a professional real estate agent who is qualified and trained to navigate through the short sale and foreclosure process,” said Moen, who has more than eight years of experience in the real estate business. “I’m anxious to put the CDPE designation to work and help Minnesota families stay in their homes.”

The Distressed Property Institute, based in Boca Raton, Fla., offers the CDPE designation and was founded by dynamic real estate veteran Alex Charfen. In March, Linger, Re/Max chairman and co-founder, encouraged all real estate agents to obtain the CDPE designation. In less than 60 days, nearly 5,000 agents took the two-day course. There are more real estate agents from Re/Max with the CDPE designation than from any other real estate company.  

For more information on the Distressed Property Institute and CDPE, visit www.cdpe.com. To contact Moen, Allen, Kelley or Johnson or to look for information on how they can help you, visit www.savemefrommyhouse.com.