Stewart in the Studio

In this episode of Stewart in the Studio , Marvin Stone, Rich Kuegler and T.J. Harrington discuss how mortgage automation through Encompass Partner Connect (EPC) and Automated Service Ordering (ASO) is helping lenders reduce manual work, improve data integrity and move closer to a fully digital loan process.

A look at today’s servicing landscape, from shifting economic pressures and rising consumer debt to new technology and proactive strategies helping lenders manage risk and support borrowers.

Recorded live from MBA Annual 2025 in Las Vegas, this episode of Stewart in the Studio features Marvin Stone, TJ Harrington, and Rich Kuegler sharing insights from the industry’s largest event of the year. From AI governance to appraisal modernization and lender preparedness, the discussion captures the optimism and momentum building across the mortgage market.

Big changes are coming to the appraisal industry—and the clock is ticking. In this episode of Stewart In The Studio, Chief Appraiser Rick Garrie breaks down what UAD 3.6 really means, why it matters and what lenders, appraisers and AMCs should be doing now to get ready. 

Embracing hybrid appraisals is not just an upgrade—it’s a game-changing move that sets a new standard for efficiency and accuracy in property valuation. Lenders can partner with SVI to seamlessly integrate hybrid appraisals into their workflows, ensuring a competitive edge while delivering exceptional borrower experience.

The ICE Experience 2025 conference is set to take place in Las Vegas, where mortgage lenders will discuss strategies and technologies to enhance their use of the Encompass Loan Origination System (LOS) amid challenging market conditions. Lenders are focusing on improving consumer experiences through innovations like borrower portals and diverse closing options, including mobile notary and e-closin...

Our discussion highlights the impact of climate change on mortgage servicing, revealing how data and technology are reshaping risk management strategies. We emphasize the importance of proactive insurance solutions, transparency in risk assessment, and the integration of advanced analytics in navigating these challenges.  • Overview of the rising risks from natural disasters  • Importance of data...

Unlock the secrets of e-mortgage transformation and discover how to effectively embrace e-closings with insights from Brian, our expert guest who has extensive experience with major lending institutions. Learn how electronic closings can boost consumer satisfaction, speed up loan processing, and cut costs. Brian challenges the conventional wisdom of starting with a hybrid e-close, advocating inste...

In this episode of 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙄𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤, we take a forward look at reverse mortgages with Rob Awalt of ALLEGIANT REVERSE SERVICES a Stewart Company . Learn why lenders are looking at our changing demographics and what's needed to give these protected-class consumers a great closing experience.

Is it possible to slash mortgage origination costs by 40%? Today, we tackle that very question with insights from Freddie Mac's 2024 Cost to Originate Study. Join Marvin Stone, SVP of Strategic Initiatives at Stewart Lender Services, as he explores how some forward-thinking companies are already achieving loan origination costs at nearly half the industry average. Discover the transformative...

Uncover the hidden strategies to slash loan origination costs in today's volatile real estate market with TJ Harrington from Stewart. This isn't just about saving money—it's about transforming the industry. TJ dives into the critical innovations like title data, e-signatures, and e-closings that are already making a tangible impact. However, the path forward isn't without obsta...

What if you could revolutionize property appraisals with the power of technology? Join us on "Stuart in the Studio" as Matt from Stewart Valuation Intelligence (SVI) reveals how computer vision is transforming the property appraisal industry. Discover how SVI leverages cutting-edge computer vision algorithms to enhance accuracy and efficiency in property valuations. From operational inte...

Unlock the secrets to modernizing real estate appraisals and fostering diversity in our fascinating conversation with Terry and Rick from Stewart Valuation Intelligence. Discover how bifurcating the appraisal process allows appraisers to focus on what they do best—valuation analysis—leading to faster turn times and reduced risks in loan making. We also highlight Stewart's active role in the A...

Could computer vision be the game-changer in the appraisal industry? Find out how Stewart Valuation Intelligence (SVI) is pioneering this advanced technology to enhance property appraisals. Matt from SVI breaks down the transformative impact of computer vision on identifying property features, analyzing comparables, and ensuring rigorous quality control. We dive into the innovative Validity Pro ap...

Ever wondered how to transform mortgage servicing from a mundane task to a revolutionary experience? Tune in as we uncover the secrets with industry experts Rich Kugler, Shannon Santos, and Matt Jenkins from Stewart. They promise to change your perspective on mortgage servicing by revealing cutting-edge data analytics and valuation solutions that can dramatically improve efficiency, reduce costs,...

Discover how Stewart Title is transforming the mortgage industry with cutting-edge technology and innovative strategies! In this episode of "Stewart in the Studio," we promise you'll gain valuable insights into the future of mortgage servicing and default solutions. Our esteemed guests, TJ Harrington, Peggy Dalton, and Suzanne Singer, share the secrets behind Stewart's successf...

What if you could streamline your loan closing process and make better financial decisions in mere seconds? Imagine having instant access to all the critical data you need at your fingertips. That's precisely what we explore in this episode as we sit down with Brent from Stewart headquarters in Houston, Texas. Brent unveils the groundbreaking capabilities of Stewart’s sub-second snapshot data...

Ever wondered how the latest advancements in mortgage verification could transform the industry? In this episode, we promise to unveil the game-changing benefits of Fannie Mae's recent announcement that allows lenders to use asset data for verifying income and employment. We're joined by Craig Leibig, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product at Informative Research, who breaks down...

Unlock the secrets to reducing costs and speeding up the closing process for home equity loans in the April episode of Stuart in the Studio! This month, we're joined by industry veterans Rich Kugler and Rich Shackelford—also known as Kug's and Shack—who share their expert insights on navigating the current market landscape. With rising interest rates making traditional refinancing less a...

Ever wondered why title insurance is crucial yet so misunderstood in real estate transactions? Join us as we sit down with TJ Harrington from Stewart Lender Services to demystify this often-overlooked aspect of the industry. TJ walks us through his unique journey from working at a registry of deeds in his youth to becoming a key player at Stewart Lender Services. You’ll gain valuable insights into...

Unlock the secrets of modern credit reporting and mortgage lending in our latest episode featuring industry expert Sean Jobe! Discover the groundbreaking changes discussed at the recent MISMO Summit, including the modernization of credit scores and the integration of non-traditional data like utilities and rental information into credit reports. Sean takes us inside the lively discussions with nea...