REO Insider, a new and independent source of information for brokers and agents conducting business in the REO market, debuts in print on August 18. An online counterpart at www.theREOInsider.com goes live today, offering commentary and an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the REO industry. As the first publication of its kind, this twice-monthly “mini-mag” focuses solely on the world of bank-owned real estate, or REO. The number of nationwide bank-owned properties increased over 65,000 in May to a total of 770,999 properties, according to RealtyTrac’s most recent data. At a time when bank-owned properties dominate much of the real estate market, REO Insider fills an information void long-felt by Realtors and brokers in the niche-based REO industry. This publication will deliver time-sensitive REO news focused on information agents and brokers need to know, while also supplying a comprehensive platform for dialogue amongst industry players. Agents will read about everything from the latest technology trends, to expansion opportunities, new legislation and building better BPOs — even industry horror stories. The goal of the publication is simple: Offer agents front-line real estate information vital to generating optimal business in the current marketplace. Long-time REO expert John Czerw is leading the publication as Associate Publisher. Czerw spent 20 years marketing single-family homes and served as Vice President of Freddie Mac’s innovative HomeSteps venture. At HomeSteps, Czerw tackled the flood of REO properties in California’s real estate market during the late 1990s, helping to drive a real estate recovery. “I’m excited to lead the REO Insider team,” Czerw says. “The team we have assembled is second to none. It includes Jacob Gaffney, a former Deputy Editor at Thomson Reuters in London, who will head up the editorial staff of REO Insider as Managing Editor. Our real estate knowledge and media expertise afford us the capabilities to deliver the industry’s top-notch magazine.” “I hold John in the highest regard,” says Coldwell Banker’s Stephanie Vitacco, top sales agent in Southern California’s West Valley. “I can’t wait to read the product his team produces.”