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 Current Council

Meet your Industry Advisors & Ambassadors

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.

These member-appointed chairs serve 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.

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

Technology & Innovation 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.

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.

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.

Richard Wilson

Alternate
Vylla Home Inc.
With more than 15 years of REO experience, Richard Wilson serves clients across Northern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Since 2010, he has managed every stage of the REO process—from initial occupancy checks to closing—with precision and care. As part of Vylla Home, the in-house brokerage for Mr. Cooper, Carrington, and Rocket Mortgage, Wilson provides comprehensive asset management and disposition services. He leverages advanced platforms and keen expertise to drive efficient, data-informed results.