The Humphrey Team has been selling real estate in Ventura County since 1985. They pride themselves in providing an unmatched level of service. They have been known for their home staging, professional photography, cardstock color brochures, individual property websites, having their seller's homes cleaned after closing and more. All of these services are at no additional charge to their sellers.

However, today's market offers different challenges. Because of the economy and the lending practices in recent years, many families are in financial trouble. Some are finding their homes are worth less than they owe, some have lost their jobs, some have loans which have reset and some have other factors which have caused them distress.

Many of these families see no alternative but to allow the banks to foreclose of their homes. More than 70 percent of the families who have lost their homes to foreclosure received no professional intervention. If they talked to the bank, an attorney or a Realtor, they were told that there is nothing that could be done.

In fact, there are options. Often the Humphrey Team can help the homeowners work with the lender to renegotiate their interest rates or to sell the property for less than is owed. These options can help families move forward while saving their credit from the disastrous impact of a foreclosure.

Because of the Humphrey Team's dedication to providing a superior level of service, Sandy and Darren Humphrey did a great deal of research and found that there was an organizing providing in-depth training to Realtors in helping families in these circumstances.

The Humphreys received the certified distressed property expert designation and are continuing to receive advance training with this organization. They are among the few Realtors in Ventura County with this designation.

Because negotiating a short sale is involved and difficult, only 10 to 20 percent of short sales are approved. However, realtors with the certified distressed property expert designation are successful 80 percent of the time.

Many sellers are reluctant to contact a Realtor about selling their home if they are in trouble because of the Realtor's fee. However, in most short sales the commission and closing costs are paid by the bank with no charges to the homeowner.

A short sale allows the seller to walk away with their credit basically intact, whereas a foreclosure will negatively affect their credit.

The Humphrey Team provides the highest level of service, which is why most of their business is from repeat and referral clients. Now they are able to help families who have been negatively affected by the economy.

To reach Sandy and Darren Humphrey, call (805) 657-5152.