Stirling Sotheby's International Realty Associate is Qualified Short Sale and Foreclosure Certified by National Assn. of Realtors

ORLANDO - Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty associate Lauren Merrell recently completed a required curriculum and received the SFR, (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource) certification by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Roger Soderstrom, founder and owner of Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, said the technical training curriculum developed by NAR qualifies Merrell – one of his firm’s agents in the Brevard area – as an expert in short sale real estate transactions and foreclosures.

The recent increase in distressed home sales indicates a significant need for short sale and foreclosure expertise, Merrell said.

“In April of 2010 almost 40 percent of sales completed in Brevard County were either short sales or foreclosures,” said Merrell.

Short sales – selling properties with approval of the lender for an amount less than the principal owed on the mortgage – often represents a viable alternative to foreclosure proceedings for both sellers and lenders.

“I am now combining my knowledge of the luxury market and my training as an SFR expert to assist both owners of luxury homes experiencing difficulties and investors or buyers with their purchases of REOs or bank owned homes and short sales,” Merrell said.

Expertise in negotiating the best possible terms for the seller or buyer can offer substantial tax advantages too, she added.

“Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty began developing specialized skills in short sale transactions almost two years ago,” Soderstrom explained, adding, “and it has been very advantageous.”

For more information contact: Roger Soderstrom, Founder/Owner Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty, 407-581-7890

About Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty: Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty is affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, the largest luxury real estate brand in the world. Stirling Sotheby’s exclusive services include luxury residential, new homes, commercial, property management, in addition to supporting builders, developers, lenders, and asset managers. The company operates three performance centers which serve all of Central Florida.