As U.S. market conditions continue to evolve, uncertainties surrounding the Trump administration are raising a lot of questions about the direction the market will move in the upcoming months and years. Industry experts suggest consumers and agents alike should be aware of what to anticipate and how to get ready. In the face of an uncertain and turbulent economic environment, the FORCE Rally provided attendees with pertinent and useful information, esteemed speakers, and unique insights to help take attendees’ companies and organizations to the next level.
The membership-only event for FORCE Members and invited Asset Managers was hosted by Gina Gallutia, Executive Director of Membership at the Five Star Institute, who kicked off the rally and provided a summary of the subjects that were discussed over the morning.
Nolan Turner, Managing Director at Carrington and one of the most renowned leaders in the field of data-driven insight, served as Keynote Speaker. His emphasis gave participants a comprehensive and worldwide view of the industry, enabling them to get past the news and comprehend the factors and statistics that are actually influencing delinquency, housing supply, and U.S. market dynamics. The session covered the real story behind statistics and plans for the future within the industry.
Déjà Vu in Default
A panel of industry and REO experts also examined whether the mortgage market is repeating trends and patterns or changing the past as indications of distress reappear. Experts in the field discussed important lessons learned, contrasted historical and contemporary REO shifts, and provided advice on how current market participants might manage risks more strategically benefitting those approaching the next stage of the mortgage cycle.
Panelists included:
- Keith Stone, Realtor | The Keith Stone Real Estate Group
- Rida Sharaf, Chief Strategy Officer | USRES / RES.NET
- Mary Best-Brill, VP SaaS Sales | Altisource
- Rande Johnsen, Director | Trustee Corps
“I believe, just like everything else in this industry, real estate is hyper local,” Stone said. “My market in Texas does not reflect the conditions in California, New York or somewhere in the Midwest. So as industry professionals, we owe it to ourself to not only be boots on the ground, but talk to other industry professionals, gain every certification and take every opportunity for education so that we can become experts in our individual markets. That’s how we best serve our clients.”
Essential Information for REO Agents and Brokers
Following the bountiful discussion surrounding default servicing and comparing current and past REO drifts, the second group of panel experts offered their personal insight and advice on what agents and brokers would benefit to know and educate themselves on.
Panelists suggested that being informed is not only wise but also necessary in a market where regulations are always changing. This specific panel explored the rapidly evolving government guidelines that are affecting the real estate industry and demonstrated how brokers and agents may adjust to prosper in their field. Attendees discovered how to handle complexity, grasp possibilities, and take the lead in the ever-changing real estate market of today, from changing compliance needs to new sale methods.
Speakers included:
- Eric Will, REO Senior Director | Freddie Mac
- Reneau Longoria, Managing Member | Doonan Graves & Longoria LLC
- Brandon Lawler, Director Real Estate Asset Manager | Fannie Mae
- Eric Delgado, Director | MCM Capital
Round Table Talks & Topics
To follow, more experts were asked questions from attendees and gave their opinions, counsel and reccomendations to help further educate inquiring minds across the room.
- Jim Hastings, President | Hastings Brokerage, Ltd.
- Jennifer Kuhn, Broker/Owner | JLK Sales Group brokered by eXp Realty
- Candie Sandlin, Chief Operations Officer | Community National Title
- Johnny Collins, Co-founder/President | Community National Title
When asked what advice industry expert Stone would give to agents entering the real estate and mortgage world, he said” Go where the experts are. And in that case, it’s this—the Five Star Conference. You need to be joining industry trade groups. You need to be talking to people who are well versed and experienced within the industry, and ask them for guidance. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Find someone that’s already rolling and hop on the ride.”
Gallutia made the closing remarks to conclude the forum which was followed by thanks and applause from the crowd for all who contributed.
