First American Mortgage Solutions President Kevin Wall Named HousingWire Vanguard

Vanguard Award recognizes Wall’s industry influence and success in positioning First American as lenders’ trusted source for loan quality


December 1, 2016, Santa Ana, Calif.

First American Mortgage Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) and leading provider of lender and servicer solutions that cover the entire loan spectrum, today announced that Kevin Wall, president of the Mortgage Solutions group, was awarded HousingWire magazine’s Vanguard Award™. Wall was recognized for his leadership in the residential mortgage industry and overall contributions to the U.S. housing economy.

 “I am deeply honored by this recognition, which represents much more than just my efforts,” said Wall. “First American’s enduring influence on the housing market is a result of the dedication of our exceptional people, who share a commitment to serving our customers, lenders and investors with excellence.”

Selected by HousingWire’s editorial staff, this year’s 40 Vanguard Award winners were chosen for their demonstrated leadership and influence on the housing industry at large.

"The HousingWire Vanguards continued to impress going into its second year; the winners are second-to-none, and this list represents the finest cross-section of mortgage talent available," said Jacob Gaffney, HousingWire editor-in-chief.

Wall joined First American in 2013 to manage the consolidation of several previously separate organizations under the First American Mortgage Solutions banner. Establishing a shared strategic vision for the new group was among Wall’s first priorities. Under his direction, First American Mortgage Solutions codified its focus on a total quality manufacturing process and superior customer experience as the Pursuit of Certainty in Lending™.

During his tenure, Wall has overseen the acquisitions of Interthinx, Forsythe Appraisals and TD Service Financial Corporation and their integration into First American Mortgage Solutions. Together with First American’s broader capabilities, the group has made significant investments in data assets to build and maintain the nation’s largest property records database, recently achieving 100 percent U.S. coverage of property ownership data — an industry first.

About First American Mortgage Solutions

First American Mortgage Solutions, a part of the First American family of companies, provides comprehensive solutions for residential lenders and servicers covering the entire loan spectrum. First American Mortgage Solutions, together with First American’s broader capabilities, serves as a single source for title and settlement, data and analytics, fraud and verification, regulatory compliance, valuation and collateral risk, quality control, fulfillment services, and default services. More information about First American Mortgage Solutions can be found at https://www.firstam.com/mortgagesolutions.

About First American

First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a leading provider of title insurance, settlement services and risk solutions for real estate transactions that traces its heritage back to 1889. First American also provides title plant management services; title and other real property records and images; valuation products and services; home warranty products; property and casualty insurance; and banking, trust and investment advisory services. With revenues of $5.2 billion in 2015, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2016, First American was recognized by Fortune® magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. More information about the company can be found at https://www.firstam.com.            

About HousingWire

HousingWire is by far the nation's most influential source of news and information for U.S. mortgage markets, boasting a readership that spans lending, servicing, investments and real estate market participants as well as financial market professionals. Winner of numerous awards, including a 2012 Eddie Award for national editorial excellence in B-to-B Banking/Business/Finance, HousingWire has been recognized for excellence in journalism by the Society of Business Editors and Writers, the American Society of Business Press Editors, the National Association of Real Estate Editors and Trade Association Business Publications International.