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21 December 2025 December 2025 » C O V E R S T O R Y reporting. Our dashboards link every expense, photo, and status update back to the investor guideline it supports. In a world of shrinking margins and height- ened scrutiny, that kind of clarity builds trust faster than any presentation could. Q: As we move into 2026, what do you see as the biggest opportunities for innovation in preservation operations, and how is AREMCO positioning itself to lead that next phase? KANE: The next wave is data-driven preservation, where predictive analytics guide work orders before deterioration happens. We're investing in automation that flags early-risk indicators from weath- er, occupancy, and asset data so field crews can act before loss occurs. We also see huge opportunities in unifying preserva- tion, rehab, and disposition workflows, so every decision ties to ROI. AREMCO's goal isn't just to execute faster; it's to make every action measurable, defensible, and profitable for our clients. That's the evolu- tion we're building toward. TONY MAHER EVP of Business Development, Cyprexx Services Q: How is Cyprexx leveraging technology such as AI to improve efficiency or compliance in field services today? MAHER: Cyprexx is using AI as an augmentation layer across field services—not to replace people, but to strengthen speed, accuracy, and compliance. Key applications include: • Automated inspection analysis that verifies whether photos support oc- cupancy determinations, checks for missing compliance indicators, and flags inconsistencies before reports reach clients. • Risk-scoring models that prioritize properties needing escalation or quality review—allowing operations teams to focus human expertise where it delivers the most value. • Data normalization and address correction systems that reduce manual rework and improve deliver- ability across FHA/HUD, VA, USDA, and GSE platforms. • Utility, HOA, and code-enforce- ment research automation that accelerates the information-gathering process required for compliance tasks. • Predictive QA using machine-learn- ing signals to spot patterns (e.g., repeat inspector errors, slow-moving orders, recurring condition excep- tions) earlier in the cycle. The goal is faster, more consistent compliance with federal guidelines while improving contractor and client experience. Q: How do you balance the human expertise required for nuanced field decisions with increasing automation? MAHER: Automation handles consis- tency; humans handle context. Cyprexx's approach is: • Use automation to pre-screen inspections, identify gaps, and struc- ture information. • Let field inspectors and quality reviewers apply judgment where conditions are nuanced—such as distinguishing seasonal inactivity from true vacancy, or interpret- ing borderline safety, debris, or code-compliance conditions. • Equip field staff with AI deci- sion-support tools (not deci- sion-making tools) so they can work faster without losing control of the outcome. • Maintain a strong training and feedback loop, feeding real-world edge cases back into both human training and automated checks. AI elevates human accuracy—it doesn't replace the need for experienced people who understand local markets, weather patterns, materials, and proper- ty behavior. Q: HUD's pricing structure continues to strain vendors. How is this affecting the health of the industry, and what should change? MAHER: HUD's pricing structure has not kept pace with: • Inflation • Material/labor cost increases • Fuel and transportation volatility • Lower density in property concen- trations causes further drive-time between assets, compounding fuel and transportation volatility • In addition, there is more competition for similar jobs with "windshield time, further compounding the pay shortages in outdated pricing • Regional variations in contractor pay • The rising cost of compliance and reporting requirements This stagnation has caused: • Contractor attrition, especially in trades like roofing, plumbing, board- ups, and debris removal. • Regional service gaps are making it difficult for servicers to maintain consistent coverage. • Quality pressure, as vendors struggle to recruit skilled labor at outdated price points. • Reduced capacity to handle season- al spikes, disasters, or bulk convey- ance events.