THE DIRECTORY

Ela Mendez is a dedicated Realtor licensed in New Jersey and Florida, specializing in REO and distressed properties. Since beginning her real estate career in 2020, Ela has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and market expertise. In 2022, she joined Vylla as an REO Specialist, where she continues to deliver exceptional results for clients, investors, and asset managers. Ela’s strong negotiation skills and deep understanding of the foreclosure process allow her to streamline transactions and maximize value for every property she handles.

Licensed in CT and NY, I’m an REO Director/Owner with 19 years in real estate and 18 years dedicated solely to REO. I run an independent, performance‑driven operation specializing in fast, compliant, and efficient asset disposition for major institutions including HUD, Bank of America, Altisource, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Caliber. I’m fluent in Italian, German, Spanish, French, and Romanian, giving me a unique communication edge across diverse markets. My approach is simple: disciplined systems, proactive management, and a commitment to selling homes faster while protecting every asset with precision. I bring deep expertise in full‑cycle REO management — preservation, stabilization, valuations, pre‑foreclosure analysis, and loss mitigation — supported by mastery of all major REO platforms. My track record is built on exceeding timelines, meeting strict compliance standards, and delivering consistent results for high‑volume clients.

Katharine (Katie) Callahan is a Charlotte-based Realtor® originally from Ohio with 12 years of real estate experience. Known for her deep market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and client-first approach, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve both real estate and financial goals. Katie is an award-winning Top Producer and National Top Performer, recognized for delivering exceptional results and a seamless client experience.

Barry Tanner is a seasoned real estate professional with 22 years of REO experience and over 1,100 successful home sales. Known for his expertise, reliability, and results-driven approach, Barry has built a strong reputation for delivering efficient, high-quality service to clients and asset managers alike.

Cowtown Realty, LLC is a veteran- and woman-owned brokerage based in Fort Worth, serving the full Dallas–Fort Worth market with expertise in residential, corporate, and REO listings. Led by a Navy veteran and a Texas businesswoman, the firm provides one point of contact and audit-ready files for every assignment. Services include 24–48-hour BPOs, same-day occupancy checks, rekeys, trash-outs, preservation, repair bids, and weekly updates. With $500,000+ available for advances, 10 licensed agents, and dedicated contractor crews, Cowtown moves quickly and efficiently. Full MLS exposure, professional media, and data-driven pricing ensure reduced days on market and maximized results.

Sam Hantosh is a Michigan-based real-estate broker with nearly two decades of experience with a diversified specialty in resale, acquisitions, dispositions, and a reputation for high-service client focus.

With over 25 years in real estate and more than 20 years specializing in REO, Frances Castillo brings deep industry knowledge and a strong record of performance. She has managed full property rehabilitations for the Homes for Heroes program, coordinating complete renovations for bank-donated homes to support veterans. Frances consistently delivers faster sales, stronger returns, and reduced expenses by tailoring marketing strategies to each asset, regardless of condition or location. Her commitment to client goals, attention to detail, and streamlined processes ensure efficient movement of assets from initial assignment through closing, providing a smooth, results-driven experience every time.

Angela Powell is an REO marketing specialist with over 25 years of distressed property experience and 32 years in related real estate fields. Co-owning the business with her husband, a disabled veteran, she provides full REO services including short sales, investor outreach, notary services, and bilingual support in English and Spanish. Angela serves as President of the Georgia Realtors local board and maintains long-standing relationships with Pemco, HUD, USDA, Xome, VRM, LRES, ATeam, and Selena. Her certifications include CDPE, Five Star REO, RDCPro, A-REO, MRP, C2EX, AHWD, and Diversity & Inclusion. She serves the South Georgia region.

I’m a seasoned REO NYS Broker with over 25 year REO experience and a current NRBA member, NADP member, and USREO partner. I am highly experienced with asset managers & hedge funds, delivering quick, results-driven disposition of distressed and bank owned properties.

Helen Marks leads a full-time REO team serving Southwest Florida, bringing more than 20 years of real estate experience and specialized REO expertise since 2005. Licensed in 2000, she is proficient in BPOs, CMAs, task management, and all facets of distressed property handling. Her team is trained across major REO platforms, including Equator, RES.NET, Pyramid, Exceleras, Cascade, and Bid on Homes, and maintains a 10-year working relationship with Fannie Mae. They provide quick-turn BPOs, 24-hour occupancy checks, weekly inspections, and reliable vendor coordination. Given their coastal location, they also perform storm and hurricane damage checks and secure properties proactively.

Kevin Hill is a licensed real estate agent and property professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in REO and distressed assets across northern New Jersey. With a background in sales, valuation, investor transactions, and seven years as a licensed appraiser, he offers exceptional accuracy in pricing, compliance, and disposition. Kevin provides BPOs, property condition reports, occupancy checks, cash-for-keys, eviction coordination, and contractor oversight, ensuring assets remain secure and market-ready. He has completed hundreds of assignments for national clients and covers Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Sussex counties as a reliable, results-driven REO partner.

Robert Gonzalez has been in real estate for 34 years, with the last 17 years focused on REO properties. He leads a team with expertise in escrow and title, property development and management, and includes a licensed assistant.

Ian Clausen joined Clausen Properties, Inc. in 2004 after a successful 10-year sales career with Descartes Systems Group, The Aberdeen Group, and SemiXchange, Inc. His background includes international experience in Venezuela, England, and Spain, as well as U.S. experience in Boston, Orlando, Dallas, and Miami. Ian earned a bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and completed coursework at the Harvard Extension School. A MIAAOR Leadership graduate (2006) and GRI designee (2009), he has served as Professional Standards Co-Chair since 2007 and now serves as an ombudsman, mediator, and MIAAOR Board Director. His career sales exceed $200 million.

Jennifer Rivera is an experienced broker and owner serving Northern, Central, and the Northern Neck of Virginia. A proud U.S. Army veteran, she co-owns her brokerage with her husband, a retired and disabled Army officer. With over 15 years as a Top Producer, Jennifer specializes in asset management, disposition, REO, short sales, loan modifications, loss mitigation, BPO reports, and cash-for-keys. Her knowledgeable team has successfully negotiated and closed hundreds of transactions, combining professionalism, prompt communication, and attention to detail. Jennifer’s dedication to excellence and service—both to her clients and community—reflects the discipline and integrity gained through her military background.

REO Broker/Owner/Agent since 2003 Broker since 1987