DS News

4 72 78 82 This Month FROM OUR DESK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 DS JOURNAL Watt: Challenges Facing African American Homeownership; HUD Helps Fair Housing With Millions in Grant Money; Cash Concerns Continue to Stymie LGBTQ Community; Credit Unions Strapped by CFPB Rule; Brief Delves Into Why the Housing Market Needs Securitization; HUD-Targeted Bill Shielding Rural Areas Moves rough Committee; Slow, Steady Gains FIVE MINUTES WITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 EXPOSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 A GUIDING LIGHT, Q& A WITH FANNIE MAE'S JACOB WILLIAMSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 COVER STORY THE FIVE BEST PRACTICES FOR DIVERSITY SUCCESS Diversity is more than a buzzword. It's about defining an inclusive corporate culture. Learn how these five best practices can grow your business and build a stronger team. . . . . . . . . . 68 By Joey Pizzolato INDUSTRY INSIGHT LEADING THE CHARGE Stuart Ishimaru may be somewhat of a newcomer in the financial world, but his fight for diversity and inclusion started more than three decades ago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 By Aly J. Yale INDUSTRY INSIGHT A DECADE OF CHANGE e REO and foreclosure auction landscape looks way different than it did 10 years ago. How has that evolution impacted the buyers, sellers, and homeowners involved in the process? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 By Jason Allnut INDUSTRY INSIGHT ELEVATING BUSINESS With inventory down, how can REO brokers and agents not only survive but also thrive? Have the right mindset to stand out—these tips are the answers to your business questions. 82 By Al Freedman INDUSTRY INSIGHT ONE WAY OR THE OTHER Analyzing borrowers' asset data is key to fast-tracking servicers' decision to pursue either repayment or foreclosure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 By Brent Chandler Contributors JASON ALLNUTT is General Manager of Auction.com, the nation's leading online real estate transaction marketplace focused exclusively on the sale of bank-owned and foreclosure properties. Prior to joining Auction.com, Allnutt held executive roles in GMAC and Fannie Mae. He has been a veteran of the mortgage industry for 25-plus years. MOLLY BOESEL is a Principal Economist for CoreLogic in the Office of the Chief Economist and is responsible for analyzing and forecasting housing and mortgage market trends. BRENT CHANDLER is founder and CEO of Athens, Georgia-based FormFree. He can be reached at brent.chandler@formfree.com. AL FREEDMAN is CEO of First Freedom Preservation, offering a complete portfolio of REO services. From property preservation services to complete REO renovations and remodeling services, FFP enables its clients to sell their assets for the best return possible. FFP employs a staff of over 50, including an entire team of quality control inspectors with a fleet of vehicles. With a network of over 400 subcontractors and centrally located in Baltimore, Maryland, FFP services New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Freedman attributes the company's success to a philosophy of accessibility, respect, commitment, and partnership with its clients. JOEY PIZZOLATO is the Online Editor of DS News. He is a graduate of Spalding University, where he holds a holds an MFA in Writing as well as DePaul University, where he received a B.A. in English. His fiction and nonfiction have been published in a variety of print and online journals and magazines. To contact Pizzolato, email joseph.pizzolato@ dsnews.com. ALY J. YALE is a longtime writer and editor from Texas. Her resume boasts positions with e Dallas Morning News, NBC, PBS, and various other regional and national publications. She has also worked with both the Five Star Institute and REO Red Book, as well as various other mortgage industry clients on content strategy, blogging, marketing, and more. Join the Conversation Do you have a suggestion, story idea, or some feedback you'd like to share with DS News readers? Help shape our next issue by emailing Editor@DSNews.com. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 C o n t e n t s D S N E W S . C O M 68

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