Frequently Asked Questions

CALM is designed for licensed real estate agents, brokers, and loan officers who want to specialize in distressed property transactions — including short sales, foreclosures, loan modifications, and foreclosure alternatives. Whether you're new to distressed property work or have experience and want to formalize your expertise, CALM provides the training, tools, and professional credential to differentiate yourself in this growing market.

The CALM certification is self-paced and includes 12 modules with over 20 hours of video instruction, quizzes, and hands-on exercises. Most students complete the course within 4 to 6 weeks, but you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule. You have 12 months from enrollment to complete all modules and earn your certification.

We are currently pursuing CE approval in multiple states. CE credit availability varies by state and licensing board. Check back for updates on approved states, or contact us for the latest information. Regardless of CE status, the CALM certification itself is a professional credential that demonstrates your specialized expertise to clients and referral partners.

CALM is the most comprehensive distressed property certification available. At 12 modules and 20+ hours of instruction, it goes significantly deeper than the SFR (6 hours) or CDPE (1-day course). CALM includes two full modules on marketing and business development, step-by-step loan modification training with scripts, 40+ downloadable tools and templates, and a verified listing in the CALM national directory. Most importantly, CALM content is built for today's market — post-COVID forbearance rules, FHA Mortgagee Letter 2025-12 changes, and current servicer practices — not recycled material from 2008.

The $99 annual renewal maintains your CALM certification and includes: continued listing in the CALM national directory, access to updated course content reflecting regulatory changes and market shifts, updated tools and templates, and continued use of the CALM badge and marketing materials. Renewal ensures your knowledge stays current as loss mitigation rules and market conditions evolve.

Yes. Every CALM-certified advisor receives a verified profile in the CALM Certified national directory. Your listing includes your photo, bio, specialties, service areas, and the CALM certification badge. The directory is designed to connect you with homeowners seeking qualified help — driven by referral traffic from American Default and organic search. Your listing remains active as long as your certification is current.

Absolutely. Upon certification, you receive a digital badge and logo pack that you can use on your website, business cards, email signature, social media profiles, listing presentations, and other marketing materials. The CALM badge signals to clients and referral partners that you hold a verified, specialized credential in distressed property work. Badge usage guidelines are included in your certification materials.

Yes. If you complete the first three modules and feel the course isn't right for you, we offer a full refund within 30 days of enrollment. We're confident in the depth and quality of the CALM curriculum, and we want you to feel the same. After the 30-day window or after completing more than three modules, refunds are not available.

While CALM is primarily designed for licensed real estate professionals, the course is open to anyone working in the distressed property space — including loan officers, real estate attorneys, HUD-approved housing counselors, and mortgage servicer staff. The directory listing feature is available only to licensed real estate agents and brokers, but the knowledge and tools are valuable for anyone in the industry.

CALM complements and goes well beyond existing certifications. If you already hold a CDPE or SFR designation, you'll find that CALM fills significant gaps — particularly in loan modification strategy, marketing systems, and current regulatory content. Many of our students hold other designations and pursue CALM for the deeper training, modern content, and the CALM directory listing. Your existing certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development, and CALM builds on that foundation.

CALM is delivered entirely online through our learning platform. Each of the 12 modules includes video lessons, downloadable tools and templates, and a module quiz. The course is self-paced — watch the videos, download the materials, and complete the quizzes on your own schedule. You can access the course from any device with an internet connection. There are no live sessions required, though optional live Q&A sessions may be offered periodically.

The CALM curriculum was created by Ross Kilburn, a 20+ year veteran of the foreclosure and distressed property industry. Ross has worked across every aspect of the distressed property lifecycle — from loss mitigation and servicer negotiations to short sale execution and REO disposition. The curriculum draws on real-world experience, not academic theory, and is built specifically for the market conditions agents face today.