What the M

Do you ever wonder who is behind the scenes collecting and processing all those monthly mortgage payments throughout the entire country? In the world of residential mortgages, the mortgage servicing industry is a critical but not always visible player in the lending and home ownership process. Unveiling how mortgage servicers manage the residential homeownership industry is the concept behind “What the M,” a new podcast that discusses the complex issues facing default services and the path forward for the mortgage industry and homeowners alike. The industry is comprised of more than 160 mortgage servicers representing more than 80% of the outstanding principal balances on mortgages in the U.S. Without the involvement of these vital mortgage servicers, obtaining and maintaining a home mortgage as we know it would not exist.“‘What the M’ features industry movers and shakers discussing the challenges faced by mortgage servicers, law firms and the American homeowner,” said Stephen Hladik, one of the co-hosts for the podcast and chair of the Advisory Council of the Legal League 100. “We will discuss trends in the economy, regulatory oversight, changes in the law, changes in technology and a myriad of other factors affecting the industry.”Hladik and co-host Kent McPhail are experienced attorneys with multistate practices in the default servicing industry. Both have decades of experience representing secured creditors; however, each host brings his own unique perspective to the podcast. McPhail hails from the Deep South (think boiled peanuts and shrimp & grits), while Hladik hails from the Northeast (think cheesesteaks and scrapple). “With this Yin and Yang, we hope to bring an entertaining and informative approach to the industry and those who make it hum,” McPhail said.Episodes of “What the M” begin airing mid-September and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

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What the M

Episode 23 - Daren Blomquist

November 10, 2023 • Kent D. McPhail and Stephen M. Hladik • Season 2 • Episode 23

It’s time again… for a new episode of What the M! This week, Kent and Steve interview Daren Blomquist, Vice President of Market Economics at Auction.com.

Daren began his career as a reporter for the Daily News Tribune, where he focused on county government and courts. He then moved on to Realty Trac, where he rose from Customer Service Representative to Director of Marketing Communications, focusing on mortgage trends nationwide. In 2012, he became Senior Vice President of Communications at ATTOM Data Solutions and reported on housing trends, cash and investor purchases, housing risks, default trends, and more.

Daren’s reports have been cited by thousands of media outlets nationwide, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA TODAY. Daren also served as Executive Editor of the Housing News Report, which was named best newsletter by the National Association of Real Estate Editors in 2015 and 2016. In 2019, Daren transitioned to Auction.com, where he focuses on analyzing and forecasting complex macro and micro-economic data trends within the real estate market and industry.

Daren is extremely active in the default servicing industry and routinely appears as a panelist at industry trade conventions. His expertise on today’s subject- foreclosure and economic trends and what we can expect in the year to come- is invaluable to our listeners. We are extremely fortunate to have him as a guest on the show.

Welcome to What the M, Daren!

What the M is hosted by Kent McPhail and Stephen Hladik. Production and editing by Sarah Noel Sheffield.

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A huge thank you to our Season 2 sponsor, Guardian Asset Management -

Guardian Asset Management is *the* one-stop shop for lenders, servicers, hedge funds, residential and commercial property investors, and government entities that need a full suite of property management solutions under one roof.

People on this episode

Kent D. McPhail

Co-host

Stephen M. Hladik

Co-host