DS News

2 In Our Sights is month's issue of DS News is very much a forward-looking one. We examine potential legislation on the books, we predict the future of mortgage tech, we consider the years-ahead impact of the Trump administration, and we look at what it takes to succeed in the industry not just today but for many years to come. In "Speeding Toward a Solution," writer Brian A. Lee addresses a long-bemoaned issue: the lengthy foreclosure process. Causing properties to lie abandoned and vacant for significant periods of time, too-long foreclosures can also be linked to increased crime rates, lower property values, and overall community blight. Many states are considering legislation that would fast-track the foreclosure process—but will it be enough? Next, Marie Look gives us a glimpse into the appraisal world in "Leading the Field." Look sits down with Keith Guenther, Founder and CEO of US Real Estate Services who is on the cusp of his company's 25th anniversary, to see what it takes to be the industry's foremost appraisal provider—and hold that title for more than two decades. In "Tip of the Iceberg," Menlo's Rick Roque looks at the world of mergers and acquisitions—and how the Trump administration may force even more mortgage industry players to join forces over the next four years. According to Roque, "more than 30 percent of independent mortgage banks will be acquired in the coming 16 months." We also talk tech in Gagan Sharma's "e Hope of High Tech"—particularly, how that tech can help mortgage servicers better use data to meet customer demands. Sharma examines new tools that will enable better analysis of customer call recordings, as well as how tech will help servicers make thousands of data points more actionable in the years to come. Finally, you'll find our Risk Management & Due Diligence Guide—a comprehensive list of the nation's best partners in today's highly scrutinized and ever-evolving compliance landscape. All in all, it's a thought-provoking issue that really makes you think: What will the mortgage industry of tomorrow look like? Only time will tell. Best, Rachel Williams Editor-in-chief FROM OUR DESK default servicing | in print and online VOL. 15 NO. 7 No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. ©2017 REO Publishing 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. strongly encourages the use of qualified attorneys or other qualified experts with regard to the subject matter covered. 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. PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ONLINE EDITOR DESIGN DSNEWS.COM VIDEO EDITOR ONLINE CONTRIBUTORS COPY EDITORS ADVERTISING Mark Hulme Rachel Williams Joey Pizzolato Jonathon Won Jordan Funderburk Brianna Gilpin Aly J. Yale Krista Franks Brock Haley Owens Suzanne Andresen: 207.443.3314 Robyn Clayton: 214.525.6716 Kevin McCrea: 214.525.6756 Jason Myers: 214.525.6760 Robert Rakowski: 214.525.6783 Follow DSNewsDaily on CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS American Mortgage Diversity Council Legal League 100, National Mortgage Servicing Association, Property Preservation Executive Forum FORCE DESIGN Mark Hulme Ed Delgado John Harrison Ernest Gillespie John Golden: 214.525.6700 Derek Templeton: 214.525.6757 Annie Collier: 214.525.6740 Sean Walker Jason Stone Jonathon Won

• Cover