Turn challenging market conditions into an opportunity to expand your business with the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR®) certification. 

Distressed properties can create complicated transactions, but they can also create opportunities for real estate professionals who know how to navigate them. The Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification course gives you specialized knowledge to work with distressed homeowners, buyers, asset managers and servicers while building the systems and professional relationships needed to pursue this specialized area of real estate. 

This approximately 6-hour, self-paced online course covers short sales, Real Estate Owned transactions, distressed-property opportunities, loan-specific requirements, buyer and seller representation, compliance, documentation, negotiations and business development. You’ll learn how to recognize opportunities, guide clients through complex transactions and determine whether distressed property services could be a valuable addition to your business.  

What You Will Learn 

• Spot Distressed-Property Opportunities. Recognize short-sale and Real Estate Owned opportunities to turn market challenges into potential business growth. 

• Become a Trusted Resource. Help distressed homeowners understand their options and navigate difficult decisions with confidence and empathy. 

• Master Short Sales. Navigate financial hardship, documentation, liens, lender requirements, compensation and compliance. 

• Know the Loan Requirements. Understand key differences across Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA and non-GSE transactions. 

• Win More Buyer Opportunities. Prepare buyers, create competitive offers, negotiate effectively and navigate the approval process. 

• Tap Into Real Estate Owned Business. Understand financing, offers, negotiations, asset managers and the unique opportunities these transactions can provide. 

• Build a New Revenue Stream. Develop the partnerships, systems and six-month action plan to turn distressed properties into a specialized business opportunity. 

Why This Course Matters 

• Fulfills the education requirement for the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification.  

• Helps you identify and pursue opportunities in distressed-property transactions.  

• Prepares you to work with both buyers and sellers involved in short sales and Real Estate Owned transactions.  

• Builds knowledge of loan-specific requirements and distressed-property processes.  

• Helps you develop the professional relationships and business infrastructure needed for this specialty.  

• Provides practical guidance for managing complex transactions, client communications, documentation, and compliance.  

• Can help you diversify your business and create another source of opportunity in changing market conditions.  

• Counts as an elective toward the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation 

Important Notes 

• CE credit is not available for this course 

• Courses purchased as of May 1, 2026 must be finished by December 31, 2026, or after January 1, 2027 at no additional charge and completed by December 31, 2027. 

• A one-time credentialing fee is required to earn the SFR® Certification. Learn more here. 

• International students can register at the member price by becoming an International REALTOR® Member.