This article originally appeared in the August 2025 edition of MortgagePoint magazine, online now.
MortgagePoint’s Agent & Broker Excellence Awards honor licensed real estate professionals who consistently deliver exceptional service, build client trust, and uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. These individuals demonstrate a deep understanding of their markets, maintain strong client relationships, and act as steady leaders in a changing industry.
This award is part of MortgagePoint and the Five Star Institute’s broader commitment to recognizing excellence across all corners of real estate—not just in REO. As the market evolves, we’re highlighting agents and brokers who elevate the client experience and contribute to a resilient, service-focused housing industry. Here are this year’s recipients of the MortgagePoint Agent & Broker Excellence Awards.
Richard Bell
Broker, The REAL ESTATE Office
rjbell30@gmail.com • realestateofficetn.com
How can we help? With over 15 years of REO experience, Richard Bell can get properties sold. He has experience in all aspects of REO, from inspections before foreclosure, CFK, evictions, preservation, repairs, and on-time task completion.
Eddie Blanco
Broker, Stratwell Real Estate
eddie@stratwellrealestate.com • stratwell.co/reo
Eddie Blanco is the Broker/Owner of Stratwell, a Miami-based real estate brokerage specializing in REO disposition, institutional valuation, and asset strategy. With over 27 years of experience and more than 3,000 closed transactions, Eddie and his team have established themselves as trusted partners to mortgage servicers, asset managers, and institutional investors throughout South Florida. In 2024, Stratwell earned the No. 1 Small Team in Florida distinction in 2024 from Real Trends. The firm is known for precision execution, compliance-first processes, and speed-to-market on even the most complex assignments, from code enforcement cases and occupied properties to full renovation oversight. Eddie currently serves as the 2025 Chairman of the Miami Association of Realtors, where he champions professionalism, policy advocacy, and innovation. A frequent speaker at national forums including Five Star, IMN, NADP (REOMAC), and Florida Realtors, he brings institutional-grade insight into evolving market conditions, foreclosure trends, and post-settlement brokerage operations.
Paul Boudier
Founder & Team Leader, Knowledge Real Estate Group
paul@paulboudier.com • KnowledgeRE.com
Paul Boudier is Co-Founder of Keller Williams Roseville, one of the top-producing KW franchises in the world, with over 300 agents and an annual sales volume consistently over $1.5 billion. Paul is also the founder and team leader of the top-producing residential real estate sales team, Knowledge Real Estate Group, which specializes in traditional, REO, bankruptcy, and probate real estate sales throughout the greater Sacramento region. Paul holds the industry’s most respected designations, including Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), BK Certified, Probate Certified, and LHMS Luxury Certified. A leader in the real estate industry, Paul is an active HUD Broker, as well as a member of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California (PFAC) and Sacramento County Bar Association (SCBA). He also proudly serves on the Advisory and Education Committee for the National Association of Default Professionals (NADP) and on the board of directors for the Sacramento Valley Bankruptcy Forum (SVBF), Elite REO Network (ERN), and The Gathering Inn (TGI) nonprofit.
Julia Feng
Broker/Owner, Evernest Realty
julia.evernestrealty@gmail.com • evernestrealty.net
As a Woman and Minority Broker, Julia Feng is currently selling REO properties in the Greater Las Vegas Area, Southern California, and Phoenix and surrounding areas in Arizona. We have an excellent understanding of the REO process, including BPO, CFK, and extensive marketing strategies to accelerate the disposition of investor-held assets in any real estate market. Her BPO strategy uses the most accurate price points to achieve the lowest possible days on the market. Her team’s extensive experience representing both buyers and sellers allows them to accurately advise asset managers on their most valuable assets. She has a dedicated team with 3-4 full-time staff in each market, which enables asset managers to contact them 24/7. Guaranteed service speaks for itself: 48-hour turnaround for BPO; two-hour occupancy checks available; 98%+ CFK success rate; 96%+ sale to listing price ratio; same-day re-key service; same-day, high-quality, timestamped digital photos; ready to list and ready to close inspection; last-minute repair and rehab.
Caroline Gim
Broker, Expert Real Estate & Investment
cgim@expertrexpertrei.com • expertrexpertrei.com
Caroline Gim is a second-generation real estate broker who “grew up” in the business since age five. Caroline has extensive experience and training in real estate sales, marketing, escrow, loan origination, property valuations, and property management. As a teenager, she held part-time jobs as a loan processor and transaction coordinator. Caroline majored in Film at the University of Southern California and minored in Business and Spanish. She then worked in the entertainment industry before joining the family business in 2003. Caroline specializes in property management and real estate sales for institutions and corporate clients. This includes banks, GSEs, asset management companies, loan servicers, bankruptcy trustees, receivers, attorneys, and professional fiduciaries.
Alexis Guilliani
Broker, Jersey Associates Realty LLC, dba CENTURY 21 AG Realty Group
aguilliani.realtor@gmail.com • agrealtynj.com
Alexis Guilliani has 19 years of real estate experience working with residential and commercial properties, including 13 years as an REO listing broker. During his time as an REO broker, Alexis has worked with and served numerous asset management companies, including HUD and Fannie Mae. He worked with the city of Passaic’s NSP program as Property Coordinator and Listing Broker for all NSP properties. He has extensive experience working with cities and municipalities to resolve issues that may prevent the marketing and disposition of REO assets. Alexis’ entire team is committed to delivering an extraordinary client experience and satisfaction. Veteran and minority-owned business operating in Northern New Jersey. Active member of the North Central Jersey Association of Realtors (NCJAR) and four different MLSs. Served in the USAF from 2003–2009, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and becoming a USAF war veteran. Alexis’ experience in the real estate industry and the military drives him to aim for excellence in all he does, including working with his most valuable assets: his clients.
Jim Hastings
Broker; FORCE Chairman, Hastings Brokerage
jim@huckle.com • huckle.com
Jim Hastings is the current Chairman of the FORCE. He is the Broker of Hastings Brokerage, Ltd., a Las Vegas real estate firm that specializes in helping mortgage servicers and residential real estate portfolio managers with their complete REO process since 1984. Hastings holds a bachelor’s degree in real estate from Arizona State University and has closed over $1 billion in residential REO. He holds real estate broker licenses in Nevada, California, Arizona, and formerly in Ohio. He has had offices in each state and is only operating in Nevada right now. He is also co-founder of Broker Brain, a web-based REO/property management system used throughout the U.S. Hastings has written many articles for the FORCE newsletters and has spoken many times at the Five Star Conferences. His passion is to make sure that FORCE members get value out of their membership in a concrete way that will improve their lives.
Caslyn Huck
Broker, Never Settle Realty & Investment
caslynh@nvrsettle.com • nvrsettle.com
Caslyn Huck is the broker/owner of Never Settle Realty. Born in Belize, Caslyn came to the United States. as a young girl and was introduced to the real estate business by her father. Her passion is helping people achieve homeownership, and she actively participates in homebuyer seminars and is always expanding her knowledge in first-time homebuyer and down payment assistance programs. Caslyn has spent years building an experienced team of vendors to cover all needs with an emphasis on high-quality asset disposition. Follow-up, compliance, and communication are her most important traits, and she prides herself on a 97% list-to-sale-price average over her entire sales history. With over 17 years of experience in real estate and mortgage lending, she is extremely knowledgeable in default properties and residential transactions, as well as small commercial and multifamily properties.
Rochelle Jones
Broker, Aplomb Real Estate
rochelle@aplombrealestate.com • aplombrealestate.com
Rochelle Jones, Principal Owner of Aplomb Real Estate, has been a trusted leader in the Houston market since 1994. She provides top-tier service to buyers, sellers, and financial institutions, guiding clients through complex transactions with expertise. Passionate about homeownership, she educates communities through courses on foreclosure prevention, real estate investment, and financial literacy. Jones actively collaborates with local organizations to promote sustainable housing solutions and economic development. She also mentors new agents, fostering industry excellence. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Jones credits her success to her daughter, Logan Milan Jones, who continues to inspire her journey.
Jennifer Kuhn
Broker, JLK Headquarters
jennifer@jlksalesgroup.com • jlkhq.com
Jennifer Kuhn has been involved with REOs for almost eight years and has been working with distressed properties since 2005. Her business consists mostly of representing institutional investors. Typically, her team manages over 100 assets on rotation. This includes all phases, from property preservation to hitting the market for sale. She has an extremely high success rate for negotiating cash-for-keys. Her team takes pride in marketing REOs with the same quality and marketability as they do organic listings. They are diligent in providing accurate BPOs and ARVs to clients, along with a recommended course of action for each asset to the asset manager. Jennifer has gained a trusted network of vendors for construction, repairs, etc. Her HUB office is conveniently located in Central New Jersey to cover the entire state with pleasure and confidence.
Eduardo Marines
Broker, Real Pro by The Water
eduardo@therealprogroup.com • eduardomarines.com
As the main contact for all REO properties, Eduardo Marines personally represents clients’ assets, ensuring direct and seamless communication. His extensive experience enables him to offer precise advice to asset managers, maximizing the value of their most important assets. Certified with both RES.NET and Equator, Marines brings over 25 years of real estate expertise and 17 years of specialization in the REO niche. His team is fully equipped to handle all critical business dealings. They have successfully represented numerous buyers in the purchase of REO properties and maintain a robust database of ready and willing buyers eager to invest in REO properties. Beyond professional services, Marines is dedicated to community development, teaching first-time homebuyers across Rhode Island as part of initiatives to revitalize distressed properties for low-to-moderate income families. This commitment ensures he can move properties efficiently and effectively. When it comes to marketing and selling assets, choosing Marines’ services means opting for exceptional expertise and unwavering dedication.
Tamika Marks
Managing Broker, Trademarks & Associates
marksrealtor@yahoo.com • trademarksandassociatesllc.info
As Managing Broker of Trademarks & Associates, LLC, and a Chicago native, Tamika Marks has achieved a proven track record in residential sales of both REO and non-REO assets over the past 19 years. In recent years, she has focused specifically on the disposition of reverse mortgage REO properties and has obtained a designation of Senior Real Estate Specialist. Offering personalized service to each one of her clients is her specialty, and providing excellent customer service to colleagues and service partners is the very foundation of her business. Her REO management services include occupancy checks, cash-for-keys, asset preservation, property condition reports with photos, BPOs, scheduling and coordinating of required repairs, working with municipal and government agencies to ensure compliance, and preparation of weekly/monthly reports as required by clients.
Kimberly L. McClinton
Owner/Managing Broker, Keyed Realty Collective LLC
kmcclintonrealtor@gmail.com • keyedrealty.com
Kimberly L. McClinton (Kim) is an aggressive knowledge broker who has led sellers’ and buyers’ transactions for the past five years as a Realtor and 17 years as a loan officer. Kim understands the importance of securing and ensuring all parties involved are handled with the utmost respect and courtesy, and that the asset/property is settled in the best hands. Kim has vast experience working with asset managers for BPOs, AVMs, and CMAs, fulfilling assignments promptly. Although currently only licensed in Illinois, she has completed Indiana’s licensing and is awaiting her license to serve both states.
Sarah Richards
Broker; Vice Chair of FORCE, Spring Mountain Realty
sarah@springmountainrealty.com • springmountainrealty.com
As an experienced REO broker and short sale specialist with 19 + years in the industry, Sarah Richards brings a well-maintained and diversified full-service real estate brokerage office. The office is complete with all current technologies and equipment, with sufficient capacity to perform all services required. Marketing efforts go out to reach those individuals who believe that homeownership is not attainable to them. It is Richards’ goal to create new homeowners wherever possible. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s in business administration. She also has several certifications in REOs and Short Sales, CDPE certification, HAFA certification, Equator Certification, and she is RES.NET certified. She is here for your assistance, from cash-for-keys to the closing. Anything and everything that she can do to help make the process faster and smoother will remain her primary goal.
