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MNOTES Preparing for the Challenges Ahead F resh. Shiny. New. As we kick off 2019, the year ahead is all of these things. But it's also unpredictable. While there will be challenges coming that will take us off-guard, savvy professionals know that in times of change, falling back on time- tested standards ensures success. In this month's cover feature, "This Year I Will," some of the industry's top names shared their business resolutions with writer Radhika Ojha. Topping the list are commitments to enhance customer service, integrate their technology capabilities, and streamline compliance. "Today, one of the biggest challenges we want to help solve for is the consumer debt crisis. As we see consumer credit card debt and interest rates continuing to climb, we recognize that many Americans are facing significant financial pressures. At the same time, home equity is at an all-time high. But, many homeowners aren't aware of how to tap into that equity to optimize their personal balance sheets," shared Tony Ebers, COO of Mr. Cooper. Also making their 2019 predictions are Michael Dubeck of Planet Financial Group and Greg Holmes of Credit Plus. In his article, "New Year, a New Attitude," Dubeck draws on his background as a CEO of a mortgage-banking firm with six distinct business lines. Dubeck points to the economy slowing down, the market consolidating, and technology advancements as factors that will impact professionals this year. In "The Mortgage Playbook," Holmes also highlights the importance of tech this year, arguing that the companies who arm themselves with reliable credit data are the ones who will be able to react to any market fluctuations. Next, we bring you "When the Smoke Clears," by Kathryn A. Moorer, Esq. and T. Robert Finlay, Esq. of Wright, Finlay & Zak. Moorer and Finlay share their legal expertise in light of the wildfires that wreaked havoc in California last year and providing advice to lenders who are still untangling how the property damage will impact their portfolios. Before closing out this issue, don't miss the "Best in Property Valuations Guide," where we share the companies that are shaping the field by being high-tech and in tune with client demands. 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. 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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 Donna Joseph CONTRIBUTORS Michael Dubeck T. Robert Finlay, Esq. Greg Holmes Kathryn A. Moorer, Esq. 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) 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, 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. ©2019 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.