Five Star Thursday Puts AI, Servicing Risks and Distressed Assets in Focus
Thursday’s agenda at the Five Star Conference at the Omni Hotel in Dallas included important networking and learning opportunities for real estate professionals.
FORCE Connect was an exclusive networking opportunity where FORCE members scheduled five-minute meetings with Asset Managers who were stationed at designated tables and accepted meeting requests from qualified agents and brokers that met their criteria.
Mortgage Servicing Forum
Top servicers and attorneys were on three powerhouse panels that explored the most pressing legal issues in servicing. With a rise in volume coupled with industry consolidation, attendees learned about servicing new products, FHA/VA program reforms, and bankruptcy compliance. This series delivered practical, real-time insight into AI, regulatory, operational, and litigation risks.
Changing Tides: Statutory and Case Law Changes
This interactive workshop brought together regional legal experts to discuss the latest statutory changes, case law developments, and emerging trends impacting the industry. Participants explored updates by region, including new requirements, operational impacts, and lessons learned from recent changes. Through discussion with attorneys who work in these markets every day, attendees gained practical insight into potential risks, effective strategies, and solutions for navigating an evolving regulatory environment.
Panelists included David Demers, Partner | Cooke Demers, LLC; Reneau Longoria, Managing Member and Owner | Doonan, Graves & Longoria LLC; Caren Castle, Senior Managing Attorney | The Mortgage Law Firm; Carl Emmons, Managing Attorney | Bell Carrington Price & Gregg LLC; Melisa Manganelli, partner | Law Offices of Manganelli, Leider & Savio, P.A.; Jennifer Isom, Attorney | IDEA Law Group LLC
AI That Delivers: Proven Use Cases in Mortgage Servicing Operations
AI is moving from a future concept to a tool that is helping mortgage servicing teams today. This session highlighted real-world examples of how AI is being used to improve operations, increase efficiency, and support better decision-making.
Panelists were Joshua Bishop, Chief Operating Officer, Servicing | Newrez; Eyal Leeder, Director of Applied Technology | Friedman Vartolo; Jacinta Lucey, VP Business Services | Aspen Grove; Michael Merrit, SVP, Head of Mortgage Default and Customer Care |Consumer Specialty Operations | Citizens Bank; Larry Tyler, SVP – Customer Care | Roundpoint Mortgage Servicing Corporation.
Demers delivered the closing remarks.
Investment & Lending Forum
The Investment & Lending Forum brought together senior executives, policymakers, investors, economists, and technology leaders to examine the forces reshaping housing finance and mortgage lending. Through a series of forward-looking discussions, attendees explored the economic trends influencing the market, strategies for expanding sustainable homeownership, the evolving economics of mortgage lending, capital markets and liquidity, enterprise risk management, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.
Leadership in a Transforming Mortgage Industry
The mortgage industry continues to navigate rapid technological change, evolving consumer expectations, regulatory uncertainty, and shifting market dynamics. In this executive leadership panel, C-suite leaders from across the housing finance ecosystem shared how they are guiding their organizations through periods of disruption while positioning for long-term growth. Panelists will discuss leadership strategies for building resilient teams, fostering innovation, managing organizational change, attracting and retaining talent, and preparing for the next generation of mortgage banking.
Michael Blair delivered the closing remarks.
Distressed Assets Forum
The next cycle is coming, but with new challenges and unique opportunities. Join expert real estate professionals for two days of bespoke content that will uncover what is coming, how to prepare, and where your next steps should be. Hear from keynote speakers, join table talks, and learn from panelists about the upcoming niches in the industry that you don’t want to overlook.
Partnering in Property Preservation
The property preservation niche currently resides between a rock and and hard place. This community is full of resources and supports to help those in property preservation overcome obstacles and creatively solve problems. Everyone–attorneys, agents, servicers, and pres vendors–has an important role in resolving this situation. Attendees learned what crucial part you should be playing in serving our industry and communities by preserving homes.
The panel included Clellan Kane, SVP, Asset Solutions | AREMCO; Lisa Solis, Director, Investor Compliance | Safeguard Properties; Luke Tomaszewski, CEO/Founder | ProxyPics; Jason Chapman, Director – Real Estate | Fannie Mae; Raquel Pasala, VP, National Sales Executive | ServiceLink
AI in Action
AI and automation are changing how distressed assets are managed. This session explored how technology can help teams work faster, reduce manual tasks, and handle growing workloads. Attendees learned how AI is being used in REO, foreclosure, and property preservation, including workflow automation, document review, inspections, data analysis, and communication. Attendees heard real examples of what is working and how you can apply these tools in your business.
The panel included Joe Peterson, Founder and CEO | iList Tech; Joe Iafigliola, CFO | Safeguard Properties; Chad Sellers, Founder | Realty Force; Bruce Douglas, Principal | Douglas Consulting Services
Paul Viguerie Vice President, Head of Commercial and Retail Brokerage at Altisource delivered the closing remarks.rce
