A new program has been set in the works for real estate professionals in California to become Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Specialists, according to the California Association of Realtors (CAR). Created with AssetPlanUSA, the HAFA Specialist Program is a 2-3 hour webinar that will provide an opportunity for real estate professionals to learn all there is to know about HAFA.

According to Steve Goddard, CAR President, California was one of the states hardest hit by the housing downturn, and much remains to be done to help families in distress either keep their home or help them through the foreclosure process, this certification program will clearly identify real estate professionals who have chosen to specialize in HAFA, arguably the most important short sale program in the nation.

Ray Mathoda, the CEO of AssetPlanUSA, stated HAFA is the first program to set much needed nationwide standards for how short sale transactions should be conducted, while the number of short sales has increased in the last two to three years, both in California and nationwide, a large percentage of transactions currently fail to be completed prior to foreclosure. The HAFA program should increase the volume and success rates of short sales and will set an important precedent for the market: Lenders should forgive the deficiency for borrowers who are forced to short sell due to documented financial hardship.

For more information on CAR, AssetPlanUSA or the HAFA program please visit the websites.