Has anyone been able to determine if being certified as gotten them business? If so, which certifications seem to have the most value?It seems that the business to go into is providing certifications since so much is spent to get them.

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  • DP....Deep Pockets!

  • I have not recieved any REO business yet but I have been asked by a few asset management companies to come on board by having NABPOP and BPOR certifications.
  • I have just signed up for a course "endorsed by NAR" We will see what it is...



    There is only one NAR-endorsed short sales/foreclosure-specific certification: the Loss and Mitigation Certification program, created by the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® and licensed to the Mid-State Association of REALTORS
    • Are you taking the SFR - Short Sale Foreclosure Resource course? If so, it is good basic info. A good foundation class. It should probably be required for all Realtors, so that everyone has at least a minimum level of education on this market. I think that is probably wy NAR is currently waiving the application fee after you take the course.
  • Actually REO pro is a good name.
  • Hi Bonita, REOPRO may be doing some really cool things like offering a training program with its own certification at a cost (if any) that will be manageable. If you've been apart of this network for any period of time you know that this is a place to be trusted, at least I think so. I'd wait and see what rolls out here in the coming months before you shell out tons of dough.
  • Bonita,

    Great question!

    Certifications are not a substitute, but this marketplace is changing.

    There are lots of schlocks out there willing to give an endorsement/certification for $200 or $300. But there are also a number of "content rich" educational programs out there, which if successfully completed come with a legitimate, recognized certification.

    We've all been talking about the "inventory bubble" and the "shadow inventory" of REO's for a while. It's been due to arrive for a painfully long time . . . and still we wait. It may never come or it may arrive tomorrow morning with a blistering quantity of assignments. (One can hope!)

    But no matter what, REO is not dead, although its current complexion is somewhat translucently grey.

    REO cherry-pickers will be gone, some old-line REO agents will be gone. Internal budget re-alignments will result in many AMs and PMs finding more rewarding positions, or just other positions. It's really tough on their side too.

    During this 'draught" those remaining for the next on-set had better remain prepared, and up to date.

    When the fog clears and we find mostly new players, how will we distinguish ourselves from the wannabees?

    Good Certifications!

    Those taking a class to get a badge will also fall away, but good certification classes keep us current, teach us new things and just make us more valuable to our clients. I personally think it’s worthwhile and necessary.

    20-years’ experience in knowing how to drill a lock, get the trash out and winterize just ain't gong to cut it in the new REO.

    P.S. The CDPE Course is amazing. Do it in person if you can. While waiting for REO to stabilize, Short Sales are more than half the market, and shouldn't be ignored. CDPE is the one to do.
  • Johnny - I too got my first REO listing without certification, and have done tons of BPOs. I did find NABPOP cert as it was required by one of the companies I do BPOs for, and found that they have a pretty challenging test and a good foundation and wealth of information available.

    George - Having the REO experience is what got me listings before we saw a drop in inventory in our market, now its trying to determine what will make you stand out to get new accounts or more business if you are not already in the mega-broker category.

    Mark - I see you have the CDPE cert, what did you think of that training?
  • I got started with REOs in 9/2007 and have NEVER had an asset manager or company ask me to get any REO certifications. At one time I worked for 10 companies.

    I have since quit 5 of them as they were too hard to work for and the pay was crap.

    Be careful as some REO companies look at you like a walking "Visa" card. I have probably eaten at least $5000 over the past couple of years.

    Good luck!

    -Mark
  • I agree with your last sentence :-) I should write my own training manual but I won't because I know how frustrating it is for agents. Been there and done that. I pay it forward on my own terms, not at people's expense.
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