New masseuse in Gardnerville

Katie Luce of Glow Massage & Bodywork, inside Focus Salon in Gardnerville, is ready for business.

The 1998 Douglas High grad offers Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage.

"I'm licensed and have been nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork since 2005," Luce said. "I graduated from the Nevada School of Massage Therapy and have a bachelor's in health ecology from University of Nevada, Reno."

Luce grew up in Gardnerville. She and husband Jim Luce have a 9-month-old son named Kaden.

Focus Salon is located at 1492 Highway 395. Luce can be reached for appointments at 782-2669.

Dee Dee Moreau of Coldwell Banker Itildo in Minden has earned the certified distressed property expert designation, having completed training in foreclosure avoidance, with an emphasis on short sales.

At a time when millions of homeowners are struggling with the possibility of foreclosure, the skills and education amassed by Moreau will help benefit Carson Valley-area residents and communities.

Short sales allow the distressed homeowner to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even if it is lower than what is owed on the property.

With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

"The designation has been invaluable as I work with homeowners and lenders on complicated short sales," said Moreau. "It is so rewarding to be able to help families save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, co-founder and CEO of the Distressed Property Institute in Austin, Texas, said that agents such as Moreau with the designation have valuable perspective on the market, and training in short sales that can offer homeowners real alternatives to foreclosure, which can be devastating to credit ratings.

"These experts better understand market conditions than the average agent, and can help sellers through the complications of foreclosure avoidance," he said.

The Distressed Property Institute provides live and online courses to train real estate professionals how to help homeowners in distress, with a strong focus on handling short sales.

"Our goal is to help as many homeowners as possible, by educating as many real estate professionals as possible," Charfen said. "Dee Dee Moreau has demonstrated a commitment to struggling homeowners, a commitment that can provide much-needed stabilization to the community."

n Those interested in having items appear in the business section should contact reporter Scott Neuffer at sneuffer@recordcourier.com