With real estate sales declining, many agents are now turning to divorce attorneys for business — some claiming to be “specialists” or promoting various certifications. This growing trend has led attorneys and clients to ask:
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What truly distinguishes a trained divorce real estate expert from an untrained agent?
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Among the certifications out there, which ones actually hold credibility?
To help answer these questions, I’ve provided a breakdown of key divorce real estate designations below.
The Burden of Choosing the Right Realtor
When selecting a listing agent, the common practice of one party providing three names to the other party (who then selects from the list) places the burden on the “list-provider” to ensure that all three nominees are truly qualified for the job.
Divorce-related sales involve unique challenges, as properties are often under court jurisdiction, and the two parties typically have opposing interests. An ill-equipped agent can escalate conflict, increase liability, cause court order violations, and ultimately lead to a loss of equity in the home — a heavy price to pay for selecting the wrong professional.
Comparing Key Real Estate Designations
Below is a comparison guide to assist in discerning the level of expertise each represents:
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Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®)
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Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS)
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Real Estate Divorce Specialist (REDS)
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Real Estate Collabor-ation Specialist – Divorce (RCS-D)
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Realtor with No Training
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Application Criteria
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Yes (15% acceptance rate)
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No
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No
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No
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N/A
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Length of Program
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12 weeks
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16 hours
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8 hours
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9 hours
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N/A
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Cost
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$5,000
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$895
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$250
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$795
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N/A
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Continuing Ed Requirements
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Yes (6 hours per year, plus 5 hours per month if a “Master”)
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Yes (10 hours every 2 years)
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No
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No
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N/A
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Code of Ethics
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Yes
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No
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No
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No
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N/A
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The CDRE® designation holds industry recognition as the gold standard due to its rigorous application process, extensive training, and strict ethical standards.
At the core of the CDRE® program is its Code of Ethics, which includes:
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Prohibiting dual representation (no Buyer-side representation on a listed property)
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Ensuring agents remain at arm’s length from the Buyer (A listing agent cannot act as the Buyer or have a vested financial interest in the Buyer, such as representing an investor purchasing for profit)
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Maintaining client confidentiality with the public (disclosing the divorce, for example, can put them at a disadvantage when negotiating)
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Banning kickbacks and conflicts of interest
Without these checks and balances, appointing or naming a listing agent in a court order can lead to an abuse of power and influence.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Choosing the wrong agent isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can result in:
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Lost equity
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Legal disputes and unnecessary litigation
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Excessive attorney’s fees
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Increased burden on judicial resources
With so much at stake, the selection of a listing agent should never be an afterthought.
For a more detailed understanding of the CDRE® designation and to locate certified professionals, you can refer to the following:
