What is a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert)?

From the CDPE Property Institute Literature:

Regardless of the reasons used to explain the current mortgage crisis in the United States, the reality is we are faced with more homeowners in financial distress due to real estate than at any other time in the history of residential real estate.  One thing remains the same for a majority of all homeowners:  the best solution for an individual wanting to sell a property is to seek the guidance, counsel and services of an Educated Licensed Real Estate Agent.

The CDPE Program's goals are to give a Licensed Realtor the tools, information and tactics needed to effectively help homeowners in distress.  Distressed homeowners need an advocate to act in their best interests and help them find the best solutions to the financial crisis they are facing.  The individual best suited for this role is the well-informed agent who is also experienced in short sales.

The agent who chooses to accept this designation, and task herself with working with distressed property owners, may find this to be the most rewarding work she will do in her entire real estate career; rewarding not only in a financial sense but, more important, as a person and as a professional.  It takes commitment not only to learn what it takes to succeed in this category and become a Certified Distressed Property Expert and member of the Distressed Property Institute, but this action will elevate an agent above others with little or no formal training in this category, setting a CDPE agent apart in the marketplace.