DS News

2 Turning the Page e end of the year is always a time of transition and reflection, and there's much to reflect upon this year. Having weathered the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 in 2020, this past year saw the industry slowing moving toward a greater sense of normalcy while also undeniably dealing with both the fallout of that historic health crisis and all the ways in which it has fundamentally shifted aspects of how we do business. As we prepare to greet a new year, our December cover story once again continues our annual tradition of honoring that sense of reflection. In this month's cover feature, reporter Phil Britt speaks with industry experts about the challenges 2021 presented and where mortgage servicing is headed in a post-pandemic environment. But we're just getting started; we're closing the year out with a bang, bringing you more original content than just about any other issue of the year. First up, we have an exclusive op-ed from industry veterans Brian D. Montgomery and Keith Becker—formerly the Deputy Secretary of HUD and Federal Housing Commissioner, and the former FHA Deputy Assistant Secretary and Chief Risk Officer, respectively. Montgomery and Becker make the case that FHA should resist the urge to reduce premiums while economic uncertainties and the fate of serious delinquencies remain. Next, we bring you "Empowering Call Centers in the Digital Age," by Steve Staid of Sourcepoint. He explains why delivering a great customer experience has become more challenging than ever. Step No. 1 is empowering call centers and associates with technology that ensures every borrower interaction is a positive one. In "A Ticking Timebomb," Natascha DeVries of ServiceLink Flood breaks down the state of flood insurance. With flood damage estimated to increase by 61% over the next 30 years, rates of flood insurance coverage lag behind—a mounting threat for property owners. Next up, Ben Madick of Matic Insurance Services provides a "Home Insurance Forecast." He examines why, as extreme weather becomes the norm, home insurance may become increasingly unaffordable—or simply unattainable for homeowners in some regions. Lastly, in "A Keen Eye," Ken Dicks of Reggora dives into why it's critical to correctly value distressed assets as they come out of foreclosure. You will find all of that—and so much more—inside this month's issue. ank you all for taking the journey with us through the challenging past two years, and we're excited to see what 2022 will hold. Welcome to the December 2021 edition of DS News. David Wharton Editor-in-Chief VOL. 19 NO. 12 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Wharton EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jonathon Won MANAGING DIGITAL EDITOR Eric Peck REPORTER Kyle G. Horst MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS Keith Becker Jason Bousliman Andrew J. Boylan Phil Britt Natascha DeVries Ken Dicks Jennifer Henry Ben Madick Brian D. Montgomery Steve Staid COPY EDITOR Brandy Scott ADVERTISING Sales: 214.525.6700 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Dawn Adams-Kernicky, SVP of Default, The Money Source Inc. Tendayi Kapfidze, Chief Economist, U.S. Bank Courtney Thompson, Founder, Consigliera Jacob Williamson, VP, Distressed Assets, Fannie Mae Kim Yowell, EVP of Servicing, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation PRESIDENT & CFO Jonathan Hughes DESIGN Jordan Funderburk Jason Stone Jonathon Won No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2021 Five Star Global, 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. DS News strongly encourages the use of qualified attorneys or other qualified experts with regard to the subject matter covered. DS News does not guarantee the accuracy of the information, and is not liable for any damages, losses, or other detriments that may result from the use of these materials. Follow DSNewsDaily on From Our Desk

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