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Issue link: http://digital.themreport.com/i/1044437
MNOTES Honoring Companies That Put Employees First W ith the industry facing a slew of challenges as it seeks to navigate the future of housing, we take a moment this month to pause and celebrate the best employers for mortgage professionals in 2018. Creating a culture that nourishes its employees is no small feat, and we distinguish between those companies that stand apart across multiple categories, considering law firms, lenders and servicers, service providers, tech firms, and minority- or women-owned or operated businesses. In addition to recognizing the individual companies that know how to best nurture talent and create a culture conducive to those who inhabit it, our cover story "Winning Work Cultures" by Radhika Ojha zeroes in on what specific practices and perspectives are necessary to establish and maintain such an environment. In order to do so, she takes into account the insights of leading companies in the mortgage industry, including their hiring and retention practices. We then turn our attention to foreign nationals, who account for roughly 8 percent of existing home sales. For those wishing to tap into this sizable market, it is crucial to grasp the best ways to address their particular needs and concerns, as well as to understand the rules and regulations that apply to them. In "Real Estate Goes Global," Jan B. Brzeski, the Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Arixa Capita, provides insight into just this matter, as well as what financial options and lenders are best situated to assist foreign buyers. As everyone knows, potential borrowers with low credit scores struggle to get approved for a home loan, so what are the best practices for assisting these would-be homeowners? Founder and CEO of Block66 Joe Markham takes up this issue, discussing a range of choices that best address the needs of low-credit-score applicants while breaking down the mindset of brokers most capable of assisting them. Lastly, Mark McElroy, President and CEO of Pavaso, tackles the perceived problems of digital closings. With innovations coming left and right to the industry, Elroy seeks to placate fears of the unknown that these new technologies create in his "Change Is Not the Enemy." Though many in the industry see eClosing vendors as nothing but obstacles, Elroy makes the case they are inevitable and should be embraced. It may be an old truism that we all have to work for a living, but isn't it nice when working doesn't mean suffering under a whip? In closing, I would like to salute those companies who made the Top 25 Companies to Work For this year, as well as all those employers who do all they can to stand with those who make their businesses successful, creating a workplace that is something to be proud of. Best regards, Rachel Williams Editor-in-Chief © 2011 First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. YOUR business is OUR business! First American Mortgage Services is laser focused on mitigating YOUR cost, risk and exposure by aligning our advanced solutions with YOUR strategic objectives and compliance needs. We are the New First American, over 120 years young, strong and financially secure. Insight | Innovation | Integrity First American Title Insurance Company and First American Mortgage Services make no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented and assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. FIRST AMERICAN and FIRST AMERICAN TITLE are trademarks owned by First American Financial Corporation. 2 | Th e M Rep o RT Publisher Jon Ball contributing editor Abby Gregory online editor theMrePort.coM Ryan Schuette coPy editors Alison Rich emily White Youree heather hill contributors phil Britt Bob Calandra eric Fox Jack Konyk Mark Lieberman creative director Jason Stone art director Jonathan Won associate art directors Bruce Sons Chanyanont Loha-Unchit design director Sean Walker advertising Dina Duncan (214.525.6740) Jason Myers (214.525.6760) Andi Zimmerman (214.525.6724) technology Toby Tull Brandon Shangraw social Media Leon McKenzie Ani Vera circulation/corresPondence Celina Avila corPorate officers chairMan & chief creative officer chief executive officer Mark hulme edward R. Delgado business develoPMent Andi Zimmerman chief financial officer John harrison director of huMan resources ernest Gillespie director of oPerations Toby Tull account executives senior account executive Donna Lott (214.525.6792) sPonsorshiPs Jason Myers (214.525.6760) account executives Renee Charles (214.525.6742) Thomas Griffin (214.525.6754) Kristin Larson (214.525.6713) Ryan McLemore (214.525.6706) Marketing Travis Bogdon Matt hulme Production Kyle Curtis Miguel Martinez Christian McCrossan concierge Celina Avila art direction Jason Stone Sean Walker Jonathan Won No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2011 Reo publishing LLC All Rights Reserved This publication is intended to provide accurate, authoritative, and detailed information in regard to the subject matter covered. All written materials are disseminated with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal advice or other professional services. Under no circumstance should the information contained herein be relied upon as legal advice as it is designed to be a source of information only. MReport strongly encourages the use of qualified attorneys or other qualified experts with regard to the subject matter covered. MReport does not guarantee the accuracy of the information and is not liable for any damages, losses, or other detriment that may result from the use of these materials. FORDEFAULTSERVICINGPROFESSIONALS THEFIVESTARINSTITUTE Follow us. 2 | TH E M R EP O RT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rachel Williams ONLINE EDITOR Radhika Ojha ONLINE CONTRIBUTORS J S Khan Seth Welborn David Wharton COPY EDITOR Dru Murray CONTRIBUTORS Jan B. Brzeski Joe Markham Mark McElroy Radhika Ojha CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jason Stone ART DIRECTOR Jonathon Won DESIGN DIRECTOR Sean Walker ADVERTISING Suzanne Andresen (207.443.3314) Vanessa Foster (214.525.6734) Kevin McCrea (214.525.6756) Jason Myers (214.525.6760) 2018 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Tim Anderson, Director of eServices at DocMagic; Kathy Cummings, SVP of Homeownership Solutions and Affordable Housing Programs at Bank of America; Maureen Davenport, SVP and Chief Communications Officer at Fannie Mae; David Gansberg, President and CEO at Arch Mortgage Insurance Company; Sharon McHale, VP of Corporate Communications & Marketing at Freddie Mac; Marion McDougall, EVP of Operations at Caliber Home Loans, Inc.; David Schroeder, VP of Claims at Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation; Landon Smith, SVP- Strategic Sales and Enterprise Lender Relations, ServiceLink; Kevin Wall, President at First American Mortgage Solutions CORPORATE OFFICERS CHAIRMAN & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Mark Hulme PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ed Delgado DIRECTOR OF HR/ACCOUNTING Jake Davis ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL Derek Templeton ART DIRECTION Jason Stone, Sean Walker, Jonathon Won PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FORCE, Legal League 100: Annie Collier (214.525.6740) American Mortgage Diversity Council, National Mortgage Servicing Association, Property Preservation Executive Forum: Derek Templeton (214.525.6757) No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2018 REO Publishing LLC All Rights Reserved This publication is intended to provide accurate, authoritative, and detailed information in regard to the subject matter covered. All written materials are disseminated with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal advice or other professional services. Under no circumstance should the information contained herein be relied upon as legal advice as it is designed to be a source of information only. MReport strongly encourages the use of qualified attorneys or other qualified experts with regard to the subject matter covered. MReport does not guarantee the accuracy of the information and is not liable for any damages, losses, or other detriment that may result from the use of these materials.