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MortgagePoint » Your Trusted Source for Mortgage Banking and Servicing News 22 December 2025 C O V E R S T O R Y What needs to change: HUD should adopt a dynamic or indexed pricing model that adjusts for regional labor markets and inflation, similar to how other federal programs revise rates annually. Pricing should also acknowledge the increasing compliance burden—from photo standards to PPE requirements to reporting complexity. Q: How are companies like Cyprexx maintaining service quality despite outdated pricing models? MAHER: It requires operational disci- pline and innovation: • Process optimization: Reducing waste, automating routine tasks, and tightening inspection workflows. • Smarter routing and scheduling: Using data to minimize travel and reduce contractor downtime. • Contractor support: Offering clear- er scopes, faster payment cycles, and better communication to help retain top performers even in tough markets. • Quality-focused triage: Prioritizing QA resources on the highest-risk properties or the most complex pres- ervation scopes. • Technology-driven consistency: Automated checks reduce rework and catch issues early, preventing costly revisits. The reality is that the industry is absorbing pressure, and continued sta- bility will require pricing modernization from HUD and other agencies. Q: What are the biggest hurdles in recruiting and retaining qualified field contractors today? MAHER: The largest challenges include: • Pay compression: Skilled trades can earn significantly more in construc- tion or renovation markets. • Travel costs: Fuel volatility makes rural coverage difficult. • Scope variability: Preservations of- ten require wide skill sets—carpen- try, landscaping, plumbing basics— which not all contractors possess. • Documentation burden: High photo counts, app compliance, and real-time reporting create steep onboarding ramps. • Generational shifts: Younger work- ers seek predictable income, digital tools, and flexibility—conditions harder to provide in field services. To combat this, companies must streamline documentation tools, provide real-time communication pathways, and build contractor-friendly operational models. Q: How do generational shifts—especially younger workers' expectations—affect field operations and training? MAHER: Younger workers expect: • Mobile-first tools • Real-time communication channels (text, chat, app notifications) • Clear feedback loops • Work-life balance and flexibility Cyprexx is adapting by: • Simplifying onboarding and provid- ing clear and concise investor and client requirements. • Using AI to pre-validate photo sets, so new inspectors receive faster correction and coaching. • Structuring work assignments to provide clearer expectations and predictable workflows. • Building more responsive contractor support channels. Meeting generational expectations isn't optional—it's essential for rebuild- ing the field workforce. Q: How is recent consolidation across field services reshaping competition? MAHER: Consolidation is creating: • Fewer, larger national players that compete on scale, technology, and compliance infrastructure. This provides the well-established provid- ers with a clear advantage over new entrants. • Higher barriers to entry, as compli- ance demand increases and pricing stagnates. "HUD should adopt a dynamic or indexed pricing model that adjusts for regional labor markets and inflation, similar to how other federal programs revise rates annually. " —Tony Maher, EVP of Business Development, Cyprexx Services