CDPE certification quetstion

Aaron Ayotte, Short Sale Monkey June 3, 2011 at 2:19am

I couldn't agree with you more, Bob. I, nor the negotiators that work for me on my team have not taken CDPE training, and I guarantee they know more than any graduate simply by experience.....could probably even teach the class. A starting point, sure, a right to carry an "expert" badge, not likely. Ive got to hand it to Alex though, for making millions on the pitch.

Bob Hertzog said:

I took the CDPE training at the end of 2008. It was a great "starting point", to learn the ins-and-outs of short sales. Basically, it provided a good foundation. Since then, experience has taught me WAY more than any class could teach. In the past year, CDPE has become very "salesy", always trying to get you buy something (advanced membership, attend conferences, etc.). This has been a major turn-off for me. And by the way, you won't see CDPE on any of my business cards, letterhead, etc. In my opinion, taking a two-day class does not make anyone an "expert". Just my 2 cents.

Bob Hertzog June 2, 2011 at 2:53pm

I took the CDPE training at the end of 2008. It was a great "starting point", to learn the ins-and-outs of short sales. Basically, it provided a good foundation. Since then, experience has taught me WAY more than any class could teach. In the past year, CDPE has become very "salesy", always trying to get you buy something (advanced membership, attend conferences, etc.). This has been a major turn-off for me. And by the way, you won't see CDPE on any of my business cards, letterhead, etc. In my opinion, taking a two-day class does not make anyone an "expert". Just my 2 cents.

Eric Mieles May 31, 2011 at 8:52am

Bryant, I think it would really great for you guys to put together. Unfortunately I do not have any contacts on how to get this started but I do maybe have some brainstorming ideas I would throw out there.

Maybe you guys could just start out by putting together an Ebook and a tele seminar to follow along with during the training course. Maybe on that call you have contacts at the banks standing by to give their lecture/info/material. Maybe you could start small while you continue to brainstorm and put it together and launch it locally. Refine it and allow it to grow organically like ss superstars did.

Maybe you start a paid membership portion of the site and allow the member to feel as if their a part of the training and we all contribute to the development and growth. This gives the members a feeling of belonging and they take stock in the brand. Mission.

Once it grows and the demand is there people in the industry will be asking to develop things for you and now you select who will be the right instructor of a live class.

How about finding a good copywriter and allowing him to sift through the many postings and pull out the best stuff from this amazing site. Package it up and offer as an info product.

I could go on and on, sorry just the way my brain works. I would love to keep contributing ideas to benefit the site and the growth.

Thanks

Bryant Tutas May 30, 2011 at 6:40am

Eric. This is something Wendy and I desperately want to do. We have discussed it on several occasions and have had conversations with other trainers about partnering. BUT the material they were offering was still just surface stuff. Wendy and I ceratinly have the knowledge and the ability to put together an outstanding second level training course. What we don't have is the time or the tech knowledge to do so. Any ideas?

Janice MacMillan May 30, 2011 at 5:41am

I like that idea!

Eric Mieles May 30, 2011 at 3:53am

After reading all the reply's and being CSP and Five Star certified myself I think the biggest opportunity and resource for all of us would be Wendy and Bryant creating a "Elite" or "Second Level" course. There doesn't seem to be any certification course that goes in depth with negotiations, bank contacts, and some of the detail and deeper work we do on a daily business within the short ale niche.

Think about it....Hmmmmm!!

Bryant Tutas May 30, 2011 at 1:43am

My designation is real life experience. I have to say that I've never felt short sales were difficult. They are a process. It took about 5 minutes to figure out what was included in a short sale package to the lender. All I did was ask them. From there short sales involved negotiating. Well heck I've been negotiating real estate deals for 17 years. A deal's a deal. Lender nuances, rules, regs and laws change constantly. These you stay on top of by being in the short sale business, listening, asking questions and researching. A designation class may get you started but it certainly won't make you an expert. Only experience will do that. And maybe after another 100 or so closings I'll consider my self one.

Janice MacMillan May 30, 2011 at 12:23am

Patty,

I did take the SFR class and did not learn anything that I didn't already know. I felt the information was just regurgitated information you could hear anywhere. The CDPE class were awesome, and although I had done a few short salees prior to taking the class, the CDPE really clarified things for me and put me in a better position to help my clients.

Patty Da Silva said:

I took the CDPE class in 2008, one of the best real estate class I have ever taken and I have taken a lot.

I have encountered great short sale agents with and without the CDPE designation. A 2 day class cannot teach a bad agent how to become a good agent so just because someone took the class does not make them a professional. Experience cannot be thought in class... experience comes with time...

To touch on what Melissa Polce wrote above, NAR only recognizes courses they profit from, it is my understanding the NAR had an interest in the CDPE designation but Mr. Charfen was not interested in selling...so they ended up creating SFR.

I do not have the SFR designation but I have heard mixed reviews, agents have told me the material is very basic ...again, I have not taken the SFR so I am only sharing what I have heard from agents who have.

I am a big believer in learning and in taking classes so I support any agent who spends the time an money in educating themselves in the areas they plan to specialize in.

Rodney, I dont know if the CDPE company stills offers a "money back guarantee", they offered when I took it...

Patty Da Silva, CDPEAdvanced, RESS®, AHWD®, e-PRO®, GREEN, CFS, TRC, RSPS

Alyce Nelson May 29, 2011 at 7:07am

If you've closed 25-30 short sales the CDPE class most likely will not do a thing for you. I attended after doing short sales for three years, thinking the designation would be helpful, and I could have taught the class. They tell you the designation will make a difference with the lenders, I have had the designation for 2 years now and my prep-time is not shorter nor has it been of any noticeable benefit with the lenders. Like you, I was already successfully proficient at short sales and already had (and still do) a highly efficient system for process and tracking. If you believe it will add to your success then go for it! Since I work solely as a 3rd party negotiator (I am a Licensed REAgent, MARS compliant, and work under a debt negotiator license) I found the networking to be the MOST valuable part of the course. Otherwise the course is a good course and they do have a good system. As previous responders have said, the training is geared towards newbies. They do have good marketing materials for additional monthly fees!

Diego Marin May 20, 2011 at 2:11pm

I also have the designation CDPE. I don't particularly like the "Expert" attached to it. I would've prefered "Specialist" instead. But to the point "is it worth it?" Or more importantly... WHO recognizes the designation. While NOT endorsed by NAR it is recognized by NAR. Now two (CHASE & BofA) of the big 4 lenders also encourage their distressed borrowers to seek the help of a CDPE agent. I don't know how others see it, but to me it's an advantage over agents that don't have it. I have been previledged to have recieved such leads (CHASE called me). I'm sure there are other fine, well experienced agents, without the designation (hats off to you). However, hands down the training I recieved was by far some of the best training I have personally taken on Short Sales, and it's paid off.

Forum

CDPE certification quetstion

Replies