Certified Distressed Property Expert · Confidential Consultation
Short Sales and Foreclosures:
Expert Guidance When You Need It Most
If you are facing foreclosure, behind on your mortgage, or owe more than your home is worth, you have options. Lisa Harris holds the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, one of the first certifications she earned when she became licensed in 2007. With nearly two decades of experience, Lisa has the specialized training to help homeowners navigate short sales and avoid foreclosure.
What Is a Short Sale?
A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the remaining mortgage balance, and the lender agrees to accept the proceeds as full satisfaction of the debt. It is a voluntary arrangement between the homeowner and the lender, negotiated by a real estate agent trained in distressed property transactions.
Short sales are not just a way to sell a home. They are a strategic financial decision that can help homeowners avoid the long-term consequences of foreclosure. According to data from Realtor.com, short sales can result in 9% more value than foreclosure, and homeowners who complete a short sale recover financially faster than those who go through foreclosure.
Short sales are on the rise. Nationwide, short sale activity increased 4% from 2023 to 2024, nearly 10% from 2024 to 2025, and 16% year-over-year in Q1 2026. As market conditions shift, having a CDPE-certified agent on your side makes all the difference.
Source: Realtor.com Market Trends Report · Data on file with Lisa Harris, REMAX Center.
Download the full NAR consumer guide for more information about your options.
Know Your Options
Your Options If You Can't Pay Your Mortgage
Every situation is different. Below are the most common options available to homeowners facing financial hardship. Lisa can help you understand which path fits your circumstances and goals.
Forbearance
A temporary pause or reduction in your mortgage payments, typically granted during a short-term financial hardship such as job loss, medical emergency, or natural disaster. Payments are not forgiven, but the repayment schedule is adjusted. Forbearance gives you breathing room to get back on your feet.
Deferment
Missed payments are moved to the end of your loan term. Unlike forbearance, deferred amounts do not accrue interest and are not due immediately. This option works well for homeowners who have resolved their hardship and can resume regular payments but need time to repay what was missed.
Loan Modification
A permanent change to the terms of your mortgage, such as a lower interest rate, extended loan term, or reduced principal balance. The goal is to make the monthly payment affordable. Loan modifications are negotiated directly with your lender and require documentation of financial hardship.
Reinstatement
Paying the full amount of missed payments plus any fees or penalties in a single lump sum. This option is available only if you have the funds to bring the loan current. Reinstatement stops the foreclosure process and restores the original loan terms immediately.
Short Sale
Selling the property for less than the mortgage balance with the lender's approval. The lender agrees to accept the sale proceeds as full payment. Short sales typically result in less damage to your credit than foreclosure and may allow you to buy a home again sooner. This is where a CDPE-certified agent is essential.
Deed-in-Lieu
You voluntarily transfer ownership of the property to the lender in exchange for release from the mortgage debt. This is faster than foreclosure and less damaging to your credit, but requires the lender's agreement. The property must be free of other liens or judgments.
Foreclosure
The lender takes legal ownership of the property after you default on the mortgage. Foreclosure is the last resort and has the most severe impact on your credit score, ability to rent, and future homeownership opportunities. It can remain on your credit report for seven years. Lisa's goal is to help you explore every alternative before foreclosure becomes the only option.
Why CDPE Matters
Why Work With a CDPE-Certified Agent
The Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation is one of the most rigorous credentials a real estate agent can earn in the field of foreclosure prevention and short sales. Lisa Harris earned this designation in 2007, the same year she became licensed, recognizing early that helping homeowners through financial hardship requires specialized knowledge, not just general real estate experience.
CDPE training equips agents with expertise in:
- Short sale negotiation and lender approval processes
- Understanding mortgage default, foreclosure timelines, and loss mitigation
- Tax implications of short sales, deed-in-lieu, and foreclosure (1099-C, cancellation of debt)
- Coordinating with lenders, attorneys, and housing counselors
- Marketing distressed properties to attract qualified buyers quickly
- Navigating FHA, VA, and conventional loan short sale requirements
With nearly 20 years of experience, including an engineering degree and an MBA, Lisa brings analytical precision and strategic thinking to every distressed property situation. She understands the numbers, the process, and the emotional weight of the decision. Her clients receive clear guidance, honest communication, and a plan designed to protect their financial future.
Confidential & No Obligation
Your Situation Is Confidential.
Let's Talk About Your Options.
Whether you are behind on payments, facing a notice of default, or simply want to understand your options before making a decision, Lisa Harris is ready to help. Every conversation is confidential and carries no obligation. Call or send a message to schedule a private consultation.
Request a Confidential Consultation
Helpful Resources
Additional Information
NAR Consumer Guide
"Can't Pay Your Mortgage? You Have Options." Download the National Association of Realtors consumer guide for a complete overview of foreclosure alternatives.
Read MoreRealtor.com Market Data
Review the latest short sale and foreclosure market trends. Short sales delivered 9% more value than foreclosures in recent data.
View ReportSpeak With Lisa
Schedule a confidential, no-obligation consultation with Lisa Harris, CDPE. Nearly 20 years of experience helping homeowners in Northeast Georgia.
ContactDisclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Every situation is unique. Consult with a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or housing counselor before making decisions about your mortgage or property. Lisa Harris is a licensed real estate agent in Georgia (#320847) and holds the CDPE designation. Short sale data referenced from Realtor.com market trends reports. Individual results may vary.