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29 December 2024 F E A T U R E S T O R Y December 2024 ยป Q: What are the keys to navigating local, state, and federal regulations impacting the property preservation industry? One of the keys to navigating local, state, and federal regulations in the property preservation industry is leveraging the expertise of local vendors. These suppliers have a deep understanding of what's normal and customary in their specific areas, which is invaluable for ensuring compliance. By building strong relationships with local vendors, Fannie Mae can rely on their knowledge to guide us through the regulatory landscape. Q: How is climate change im- pacting property preserva- tion, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters? At Fannie Mae, we recognize that climate impacts extend beyond immedi- ate preservation activities and affect the long-term sustainability and resilience of our assets. We have several test-and- learn strategies in place that aim to en- hance the sustainability and resilience of our properties, including providing Fannie Mae REO buyers with additional information and resources around flood risk, increasing REO property resiliency through roofing improvements in high- risk areas, and leveraging energy-effi- cient and water-saving products when repairing REO homes. Alan Jaffa CEO, Safeguard Properties Q: What are the biggest chal- lenges facing the property preservation space, and how is Safeguard Properties adapting to meet these challenges? Safeguard Properties faces several challenges, including labor shortages, evolving compliance requirements, rising costs for materials and services, and fluctuations in mortgage and foreclosure rates. To adapt, Safeguard has invested in automation and workflow technologies to enhance service efficiency and ensure quality control, even as demands on preservation shift. By streamlining field operations and actively collaborating with investors and insurers to refine completion timelines and inspection requirements, Safeguard continues to drive operational efficiency while aligning closely with stakeholder expectations. Q: How have market con- ditions, such as shifts in interest rates or the overall economy, impacted the property preservation landscape this year? What changes do you anticipate in 2025? This year, rising interest rates have moderated the housing market, reduc- ing foreclosure volume and impacting the demand for property preservation services. Safeguard Properties has responded by optimizing resources and adopting cost-saving technologies. In 2025, the company anticipates continued adjustments to meet evolving investor demands and further diversification of services to stabilize profitability in response to market uncertainty. Q: What primary new tech- nologies or innovations is Safeguard Properties adopting to improve efficiency and service quality? How is AI impacting the sector? Safeguard Properties is increasingly leveraging AI to streamline operations, improve data analysis, and optimize in- spections. AI-driven tools help prioritize work orders, process data more rapidly, and identify critical patterns in property status, ensuring that Safeguard can meet investor and insurer standards effi- ciently. Additionally, route optimization technology reduces travel demands and enhances overall productivity, allowing Safeguard to serve clients with height- ened consistency and quality. FEATURE STORY THE BEST SOLUTION IS NOT ALWAYS THE SHINY NEW TOY While it can be debated as to how much default and foreclosure activity lies ahead, default servicers must carefully examine their tech systems to keep ahead of the curve. FEATURE STORY DRIVING GROWTH: LEVERAGING HOME EQUITY TO EXPAND LOAN OFFICER OPPORTUNITIES In a tight market, LOs seeking to diversify their offerings are turning to home equity products to expand their role and become a financial guide for life. COUNSEL'S CORNER FACING THE FORECLOSURE AND BANKRUPTCY CHALLENGES OF TODAY Robert S. Kahane, a foreclosure and bankruptcy attorney with more than 30 years under his belt, discusses current compliance issues related to loan servicing process enhancements. EXPERT INSIGHTS TONY JULIANELLE, CEO OF REAL ATLAS ESTATE discusses current market trends and the forces that will shape the landscape in the industry. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Brought to you by & YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR MORTGAGE BANK ING AND SERVICING NEWS AUGUST 2024 Magazine The Burden of Proof MortgagePoint profiles Bron, Inc., a company that has carved out a unique niche with a focus on crucial but often-overlooked tasks such as managing registrations, utilities, and HOA verifications. Subscribe to MortgagePoint and MortgagePoint Digital now! Call 800.856.8060 to take advantage of our special offer! Experts you trust. People you know. News you want. MortgagePoint is putting essential mortgage market news at your fingertips with our new digital edition, now available online via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Enjoy the magazine at your desk, and tap into MortgagePoint Digital's easily accessible platform anywhere, anytime. Committed to giving originators, servicers, and all lending professionals access to smarter perspectives, MortgagePoint believes it's time to think differently about the mortgage industry. Because the American Dream is evolving . . . are you? Brought to you by & YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR MORTGAGE BANK ING AND SERVICING NEWS JULY 2024 Magazine White House Main Street America TO FROM THE As the November elections near, what ripple effects will the next Administration have on the housing industry? MortgagePoint gathered a panel of experts to dig deeper into the impact of the Presidential Elections and potential changes in the White House. TO YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR MORTGAGE BANK ING AND SERVICING NEWS OCTOBER 2024 Magazine The Industry Leaves Its Mark at Five Star Conference Exclusive coverage from this year's Five Star Conference, including profiles of the Lifetime Achievement honoree, the Women in Housing Leadership Award recipients, and more. THE 2024 FIVE STAR CONFERENCE & EXPO SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2024 DALLAS, TEXAS