ADVISORY COUNCIL

The REOX Advisory Council is made up of veteran REO professionals who are driven to spark successful advocacy, awareness, and meaningful connections for its members.

The opportunities, benefits, and expertise behind the REO Housing Exchange is inspired and shaped by the Advisory Council, whose decades of experience and respected voices act as strong proponents for the future of REO.

Advisory Council Election Results

Introducing Our Newest Council Members

This summer, members voted to elect five new additions to the REOX Housing Exchange Advisory Council.

We're proud to welcome the newly appointed chairs to their new roles as advocates and champions on behalf of all REOX members.

See Full Advisory Council

THE COUNCIL

Your REO Advocates | ​The REOX Advisory Council

Get to know the dedicated professional peers who are helping to drive to opportunities, benefits, and expertise behind the REO Housing Exchange. These industry veterans bring decades of experience to the REOX Advisory Council, collaborating with the REOX team to maximize your membership.

Steve Pagano

Council Chairman
Pagano Properties/First Hawaiian Realty
With 20+ years in banking and over a decade in REO, Steve Pagano delivers efficient asset disposition with clear communication and best practices. He specializes in default transactions, including valuation, preservation, cash-for-keys, and marketing. Experienced with REO, HUD, short sales, estates, and private equity, he also speaks to investment groups on real estate strategies.

Eddie Blanco

Technology & Innovation Advisor
Stratwell
Eddie Blanco, Florida Board-Certified broker and Broker/Owner of Stratwell, has 25+ years of experience in REO disposition, institutional asset management, and single-family rentals. He is recognized for delivering compliant, results-driven solutions and leads a high-performance team that uses technology, operational rigor, and market intelligence to maximize value and ensure seamless execution for institutional clients.

Tom Bohlmann

Pre-Foreclosure & Legal Affairs Advisor
Bohlmann & Bohlmann LLC
Tom Bohlmann has worked in reinvestments and REO since 1993, averaging 50–65 REOs annually. He has flipped over 500 homes in 30 years and manages a rental portfolio. Specializing in maximizing recoveries and minimizing community impact, Tom provides occupancy checks, possession assistance, inspection reports, BPO/CMA, and full REO services with efficiency and expertise.

Laura Dietz

Military Outreach & Support Advisor, Mentorship Program Advisor
Summit Realty
Laura Dietz is the Broker/Owner and Auctioneer of Summit Realty Group Inc., a women-owned firm with offices across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties. With over 27 years of expertise in REO, defaults, probate, trusts, bankruptcy, residential, commercial, equestrian, land, and auction sales, Laura and her team deliver trusted solutions for diverse real estate needs. Summit Realty is diversity-compliant, disaster-trained, and dedicated to putting clients first.

Ed Laine

Asset Manager/Hedge Fund/GSE (Client) Relations Advisor
eXp Realty
Ed Laine is one of the nation’s most experienced brokers, with $1 billion in sales and mortgage originations and more than 7,000 transactions since 1987. Ranked Washington’s #1 broker four of the past seven years by The Wall Street Journal, he specializes in REO sales, delivering results 15% faster and 4.5% higher than MLS averages.

Wendy Martin

Education & Curriculum Advisor
eXp Realty
Wendy brings 20+ years’ REO experience servicing Oregon and Washington states, proficient in all aspects of REO disposition and management. Certified; Accredited Short Sale Instructor, Foreclosure Specialist, Bankruptcy Specialist, Real Estate Pricing Specialist, Foreclosure Alternatives Consultant. She leads a certified team committed to customizing returns and making clients look like superstars.

Jeff Russell

Mentorship Development Advisor, Technology & Innovation Advisor
Russell Realty Group
Including rural areas in California, Jeff Russell brings 28 years of REO/short sale expertise, 2,000+ REO sales, and 10,000+ BPOs. With under 30 DOM, 93% Cash for Keys success, and rapid occupancy services, he ensures ROI. Certified and well-networked, he leads skilled teams, vendors, and investors, delivering precision asset management and market results.

Ray King

Alternate, Asset Manager/Hedge Fund/GSE (Client) Relations Advisor, Military Outreach & Support Advisor
Infinity Realty Group of Texas
Ray King is a seasoned REO professional with nearly a decade in BPOs and REO property management and 28 years in sales, marketing, and property management. A disabled veteran, he is dedicated to serving clients—especially fellow veterans—through clear communication, timely service, and deep market knowledge, guiding them confidently through every step of their real estate journey.

Maggie Koehnen

Alternate, Education & Curriculum Advisor
eXp Realty
Maggie Koehnen specializes in REO with fast, reliable service—delivering occupancy verifications within 24 hours and BPOs within 48. Known for precision in pricing and full process management, she partners with leading institutions, including American Destiny, XOME, and Huntington Bank. An active member of NAR, NABPOP, and REO networks, Maggie is dedicated to maximizing client returns.
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