TheMReport

MNOTES Guiding the Path Ahead A s we stand on the precipice of a new year, I'm filled with excitement for what's in store—but also trepidation of the unknown. Fortunately for me—and our MReport readers—I don't need to go into 2019 unprepared. In this issue, we've spoken to some of the industry's sharpest minds to understand what the trends of this year may tell us about the year ahead. In her cover story "Reading the Market," MReport's Radhika Ojha spoke to execs from Freddie Mac, U.S. Bank, Citizens Bank Home Mortgage, Bank of America, and more to get their take on pressing hot topics such a rising mortgage rates, housing affordability, and lending opportunities. "Unlike past cycles that could be managed by sorting demand, the problem this time is on the supply side, and there are no federal interventions or levers to deal with that," Sam Khater, Chief Economist, at Freddie Mac shared with Ojha. Next, Fiserv's Lionel Urban proves that seamless digitization will be an essential part of the next year in his article "At Your Fingertips," which explores ways lenders can integrate a digital mortgage portal into their existing structure. "In Need of Reform" by the Appraisal Institute's Stephen S. Wagner, gives readers a peek into how regulation will continue to be top of mind for housing professionals in 2019. In his piece, Wagner proposes that the solutions to outdated appraisal rules could be a new, nationwide licensing structure. Closing the issue is Joe Welu from Total Expert. In his article, "Putting Data in Motion," Welu shines a light into how lenders can "turn growing mountains of data into insights and revenue," in 2019 and beyond. While no one in the industry has it all figured out, I feel more secure embarking on the next year thanks to the insights and knowledge shared by our contributing experts. 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 David Wharton COPY EDITOR Dru Murray CONTRIBUTORS Lionel Urban Stephen S. Wagner Joe Welu 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) 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.

• Cover