Leading real estate education and membership organization fully funds and commits to build Austin Habitat for Humanity’s first home of 2010.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – January 13, 2010 – The Distressed Property Institute, LLC announced it will begin construction of its first home with Austin Habitat for Humanity in the Meadow Lake community of Austin, Texas, January 23, 2010. This home will be the first build of 2010 for Austin Habitat, and marks a continuation of the Institute’s community outreach program.

Habitat reports that there are more than 60,000 Austinites living in overcrowded, unsafe and cost-burdened conditions. These families are hoping for a brighter future for themselves and their children.

“We want to help a family build their future by helping to build their home,” Alex Charfen, co-founder and CEO of the Institute, said.

The Institute trains real estate professionals in the tools and solutions available to homeowners facing foreclosure, and confers the CDPE® designation. This build was made possible by the more than 17,000 CDPEs nationwide for their continued commitment to help struggling homeowners during the current housing crisis.

“This home is a tribute to every CDPE who has invested their time and effort into providing solutions to struggling homeowners and rebuilding communities during this crisis,” Charfen continued. “It is in their honor we dedicate this gift to a local family in need.”

The Meadow Lake community presents an opportunity for Habitat partners looking to provide a stable environment that only living in Southeast Austin can provide. The lot, surrounded by parks, great schools and public transportation offers a location where a family can truly feel at home.

If you are a CDPE, or would like to volunteer and participate, the Institute’s Austin Habitat build will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, and continue every Saturday thereafter for ten weeks. For more information, or to coordinate your participation, contact CDPE Member Services at 800-482-0335.

About Austin Habitat for Humanity


At Austin Habitat, we believe everyone deserves a simple, decent and affordable place to live. It changes everything. We know that together we can end the cycle of poverty. Together we can change lives.

We have served the Austin community since 1985, building more than 235 new affordable homes with hardworking low-income families. Homes are built with volunteer labor and community funding, and sold to our homebuyers with zero-interest mortgage loans. Each homebuyer participates in housing counseling programs and contributes approximately 400 hours of "sweat-equity."

You can change lives by giving at AustinHabitat.org.

About the Distressed Property Institute, LLC


The Distressed Property Institute trains real estate professionals to engage with and assist homeowners facing hardships. The Institute has developed a curriculum to provide the tools and knowledge to handle distressed properties, including short sales, deeds-in-lieu, mortgage modifications, forbearance, refinances, reinstatements and, if that fails, how to help homeowners through the foreclosure process. After completing a comprehensive on-site or online course, graduates are awarded the Certified Distressed Property Expert® Designation.

About the CDPE Designation


The CDPE Designation provides real estate industry professionals with detailed information on how to engage with and assist homeowners in distress. The CDPE designation has been endorsed by major U.S. brokerages and industry icons, including: Brian Buffini, founder of Buffini & Company; Dave Liniger, chairman and co-founder of RE/MAX; Howard Brinton, founder of STAR POWER® Systems; and Joe Stumpf, founder and national spokesman for By Referral Only®.



For more information about The Distressed Property Institute and the CDPE Designation, visit www.cdpe.com.



Contact: Austin Habitat for Humanity


Michael Kellerman


512-472-8788 x408


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Contact: The Distressed Property Institute, LLC


Adam Pedowitz


512.501.2588

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