Course Outline Below:
Module 1
Introduction to Short Sales & The Market ShiftModule 1 – Introduction to Short Sales & The Market Shift
- What a short sale is (explained simply)
- Difference between short sale, foreclosure, deed-in-lieu
- Why lenders approve short sales
- Market conditions: defaults, foreclosures, delinquencies rising
- Why this creates opportunity for agents
Module 2
Understanding Loan Types, Investors & GuidelinesModule 2 –Understanding Loan Types, Investors & Guidelines
- FHA loans explained (HUD rules, PFS process)
- VA loans explained (Compromise Sales)
- Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac guidelines
- Conventional investor-owned loans
- How investors, MI companies, and servicers differ
Module 3
Hardship Letters & Borrower FinancialsModule 3 –Hardship Letters & Borrower Financials
- What counts as hardship
- How to guide sellers in writing hardship letters
- Borrower financial worksheets (line-by-line explained)
- Examples of strong vs weak hardship packages
Module 4
Packaging the Short Sale File for ApprovalModule 4 –Packaging the Short Sale File for Approval
- Anatomy of a short sale package
- Required documents for all lenders
- FHA-specific & VA-specific documentation
- Submitting files via portals or direct contacts
- Cover letters, checklists, and packaging tips
- Deficiency Judgements & Borrower Release Strategies
Module 5
FHA Short SalesModule 5 –FHA Short Sales
- FHA PFS rules explained
- HUD appraisal process
- Partial claims explained simply
- Relocation assistance ($1,000 incentive)
- Why FHA deals sometimes get denied
- Escalating FHA issues to HUD
Module 6
VA Compromise SalesModule 6 – VA Compromise Sales
- Definition & purpose of VA Compromise Sale
- Who qualifies
- How VA measures “net return” vs foreclosure
- Relocation assistance rules (reasonable moving expenses only)
- Entitlement issues explained
- Buyer & seller disclosure requirements
Module 7
Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Short SalesModule 7 – Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Short Sales
- How FNMA/Freddie differ from FHA/VA
- Common investor guidelines
- How to check if a loan is Fannie or Freddie
- Escalation processes through FNMA/Freddie
Module 8
Conventional Short Sales & Investor RequirementsModule 8 – Conventional Short Sales & Investor Requirements
- Conventional loan rules explained
- Role of mortgage insurance (MI) companies
- Portfolio lenders vs securitized investors
- Common investor quirks and denials
- Case studies: conventional short sale approvals & rejections
Module 9
Buyer Disclosures & AcknowledgmentsModule 9 – Buyer Disclosures & Acknowledgments
- Why managing buyer expectations is critical
- Explaining delays & approvals
- “As is” sale conditions
- Buyer acknowledgment forms
- Scripts for preparing buyers for the process
Module 10
What Survives Foreclosure, What Doesn't, and How to Get Liens ReleasedModule 10 – Negotiating Liens in Short Sales
- Identify which liens survive foreclosure vs. those that get wiped out
- Master the step-by-step workflow for negotiating with every lienholder
- Build powerful net sheets and settlement packages that get approvals
- Use proven scripts and templates for HOAs, judgments, and junior liens
- Document everything properly for primary lender and closing agent
- Close deals others walk away from by knowing exactly what matters
Module 11
Using Statutory Knowledge to Win NegotiationsModule 11 – State Lien Laws - Your Hidden Advantage
- Research your state’s specific lien priority and foreclosure laws
- Understand super-priority HOA liens and how they vary by state
- Include statutory citations in your settlement packets for leverage
- Master the 4-round negotiation process that gets liens released
- Create your personal State Lien Priority Cheat Sheet
- Become more effective than 90% of agents by knowing the law
Module 12
When Judgments Must Be Paid vs. When They Don't MatterModule 12 – Judgments and Short Sales
- Distinguish between recorded judgment liens and unrecorded judgments
- Handle “name match” issues that title companies flag
- Navigate special cases: child support, spousal support, and IRS liens
- Clear title without paying unnecessary judgments
- Use proper documentation to prove non-attachment
- Protect your deals from unnecessary delays and costs
Module 13
The Deal Killers Most Agents MissModule 13 – Solar & PACE Liens
- Identify solar leases vs. loans vs. PACE liens on Day 1
- Understand why PACE liens are super-priority and survive foreclosure
- Navigate buyer assumptions and credit approval requirements
- Scripts for sellers and buyer’s agents about solar obligations
- Gather critical documents before listing to avoid surprises
- Implement strategies to save deals when solar/PACE issues arise
Module 14
Negotiation Strategies & Escalation ChannelsModule 14 – Negotiation Strategies & Escalation Channels
- How to negotiate with loss mitigation reps
- Escalating to supervisors, HUD, VA, or investor reps
- Scripts for effective escalation
- Common lender objections & how to respond
- Example escalation log (sample completed)
Module 15
Marketing Yourself as a Short Sale SpecialistModule 15 – Marketing Yourself as a Short Sale Specialist
- How to position yourself as the short sale expert
- Marketing templates (postcards, mailers, social media)
- Online strategies to attract distressed sellers
- Referral network development (attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors)
- Building credibility in your community
Module 16
The Short Sale Listing PresentationModule 16 The Short Sale Listing Presentation
- Master the emotional approach vs. traditional sales pitch
- Use the “Magic Wand” technique to uncover seller goals
- Build trust through listening and understanding, not scripted closes
- Guide sellers from fear and confusion to clarity and control
- Create your specialized short sale presentation package
- Implement immediate action steps after securing the listing
Module 17
Protecting Your License, Your Seller, and Your TransactionModule 17 – Agent Safeguards - Risk Disclosure and Compliance
- Always disclose third-party approval requirements properly
- Recommend legal, tax, and financial advice without overstepping
- Maintain detailed records and documentation for every transaction
- Recognize and avoid common short sale fraud scenarios
- Handle all payments through proper channels on the HUD/CD
- Protect sellers from foreclosure rescue scams and predators
Module 18
Confidence, Motivation & SuccessModule 18 –Confidence, Motivation & Success
- Reinforcing that short sales are a proven career path
- The opportunity is massive and growing: delinquencies are rising, foreclosures are returning
- You have the knowledge, tools, forms, and marketing system to succeed
- This is a specialty niche where few others compete
- Action steps: how to start immediately and build your career with dignity and expertise


