Author Archives: FirstClose

FirstClose introduces Lender Portal to manage home equity borrower leads in one workspace

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for home equity and mortgage lenders nationwide, announced today the launch of Lender Portal, a new workspace that lets loan officers manage borrower leads in one place, from initial contact through submission.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose logo.

Available to lenders using FirstClose’s XpressEquity digital application and borrower portal, Lender Portal covers lead intake, eligibility evaluation and borrower engagement tracking. Loan officers can create leads directly in Lender Portal when taking applications by phone or in-branch. Applications that borrowers start on their own also flow directly into the same pipeline. If the borrower used an application link associated with a specific loan officer, Lender Portal automatically assigns the lead to that individual. Unassigned leads can be claimed by another loan officer or reassigned by a manager.

Lender Portal also verifies borrower eligibility before an application reaches underwriting by comparing a soft-pull credit score against the lender’s configured minimum and measuring the borrower’s home equity against the lender’s limits. From there, the portal presents applicants with eligible loan programs to select from. This early check is designed to reduce application fallout, counteroffers and rework in underwriting.

Within the workspace, a loan officer can check a lead’s status and when the borrower last engaged to time follow-up calls or messages accordingly. Lender Portal also identifies stalled applications and can send automatic reminders to the borrower. Once the borrower re-engages, the loan officer can resume the application from the last completed milestone rather than starting over.

“Loan officers spend a lot of their day hunting for information instead of talking to borrowers, which is both inefficient and costly because that’s how applications stall and borrowers slip away,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “Lender Portal addresses that challenge head-on so that loan officers can spend more time assisting borrowers and moving applications forward rather than searching between systems.”

Lender Portal is part of FirstClose’s broader platform for mortgage and home equity lenders, which also includes XpressEquity. To learn more about Lender Portal, visit https://www.firstclose.com/lp-lender-portal/.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to home equity and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-introduces-lender-portal-to-manage-home-equity-borrower-leads-in-one-workspace/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P138265 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose CEO Tedd Smith named to 2026 National Mortgage Professional Legends of Lending

AUSTIN, Texas, June 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Tedd Smith, chief executive officer, has been named to the 2026 National Mortgage Professional Legends of Lending. The honor recognizes mortgage professionals who have made enduring contributions to the industry through innovation, leadership and long-term impact.

FirstClose CEO Tedd Smith
Image caption: FirstClose CEO Tedd Smith.

Smith is a co-founder of FirstClose and has led the company since its inception. Under his leadership, FirstClose has grown to serve more than 225 financial institutions and supports $129 billion in funded loans. The company’s platform enables lenders to close home equity and second mortgage loans in seven days or less through workflow automation and deep LOS integrations.

“This recognition reflects the work of an exceptional team and the lenders who have trusted us to reimagine what the closing process can look like,” Smith said. “We started FirstClose because we believed technology could fundamentally change the economics of home equity lending, and that belief drives every decision we make.”

Smith’s career in mortgage and housing finance spans more than 30 years. He previously co-founded Flood Zones, Inc., a nationwide automated flood zone certification firm acquired by TransUnion Corporation and now part of Cotality, and Home Equity Loan Corporation, which was sold in 1999.

This year’s Legends of Lending honorees are featured at nationalmortgageprofessional.com.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-ceo-tedd-smith-named-to-2026-national-mortgage-professional-legends-of-lending/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P136205 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose VP of marketing David Bolin named 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader

AUSTIN, Texas, June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that David Bolin, vice president of marketing, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader, recognizing his strategic vision, measurable business impact and ability to translate complex lending technology into compelling market narratives.

FirstClose VP of marketing David Bolin named 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader
Image caption: FirstClose VP of marketing David Bolin named 2026 HousingWire Marketing Leader.

Bolin was selected for his role in transforming FirstClose’s marketing function into a measurable growth engine, scaling the team from one to eight members and building the infrastructure needed to support demand generation, product marketing and brand at scale. Under his leadership, marketing now generates 65% of the company’s total pipeline, demonstrating a clear and sustained impact on company growth.

“Being recognized as a HousingWire Marketing Leader is a reflection of what our entire team has built together,” Bolin said. “Our focus has always been on translating the real value of FirstClose’s platform into stories and strategies that resonate with lenders. When marketing drives meaningful pipeline and helps grow the business, that’s when you know you’ve built something that works.”

Bolin joined FirstClose with 20 years of experience in fintech and mortgage technology, bringing a distinct ability to align brand, product positioning, public relations and communications under a single strategic vision. His tenure coincided with a period of heightened demand for home equity solutions, and he ensured the company was positioned to seize the opportunity, aligning marketing, product and sales to promote FirstClose’s advantages in speed, automation and borrower experience.

A key element of his leadership has been a focus on customer storytelling. Bolin led the development of a robust case study program that highlights measurable outcomes for lenders, including reductions in loan turnaround time of up to 65% and instances in which clients moved home equity from a secondary offering to their primary product. These narratives have helped differentiate FirstClose’s platform, which is used by more than 225 financial institutions and supports $129 billion in funded loans.

Bolin has also strengthened FirstClose’s positioning within the broader lending ecosystem, elevating messaging around strategic integrations and partnerships and reinforcing the company’s role in modern lending infrastructure.

“David has done an exceptional job building a marketing function that is deeply connected to our business strategy and the real-world challenges our customers face,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “This recognition is well deserved and reflects his ability to connect product innovation, market demand and customer success into a story that sets FirstClose apart.”

The HousingWire Marketing Leaders award recognizes marketing executives across the mortgage and real estate finance industries who have demonstrated excellence in strategy, campaign execution, brand building and measurable business impact. More information about the award and this year’s honorees is available at housingwire.com.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-vp-of-marketing-david-bolin-named-2026-housingwire-marketing-leader/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P135871 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose’s Andria Lightfoot named 2026 Women of Tech Award Winner by Mortgage Women Magazine

AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Andria Lightfoot, vice president of client success, has been named a 2026 Mortgage Women Magazine (MWM) Women of Tech Award winner, recognizing her leadership, innovation and impact advancing mortgage technology and supporting women in the industry.

Andria Lightfoot of FirstClose
Image caption: Andria Lightfoot, vice president of client success.

Lightfoot was selected for her more than 20 years of experience driving digital transformation across mortgage operations and fintech, as well as her commitment to mentoring and elevating Women of Technology.

“I’ve always been drawn to technology because of its ability to make people’s lives better,” Lightfoot said. “Throughout my career, my focus has been on using technology to solve real problems, improve efficiency and create better experiences for the people doing the work. This recognition reflects not just my journey, but the progress we’re making as an industry to create more opportunities for Women of Tech.”

Lightfoot began her career in mortgage operations while in graduate school, working as both a loan officer assistant and a processor, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing frontline teams. That early experience, combined with her programming background, led her to champion automation and digital workflows to improve efficiency and outcomes.

She has since held key leadership roles across the industry, including serving as the first female chief operating officer of a 40-year-old mortgage company and as the first chief customer officer at a fintech startup. In those roles, she led initiatives that improved loan turn times, expanded enterprise adoption of digital mortgage solutions and increased accessibility for underserved borrowers.

At FirstClose, Lightfoot leads implementation and customer success strategy, helping home equity lenders accelerate time-to-value through improved project management, faster delivery timelines and innovative HELOC solutions. She is also known for mentoring emerging leaders and advocating for greater representation of women in mortgage technology.

The Mortgage Women Magazine Women of Tech Award recognizes standout professionals who are advancing the mortgage industry through innovation, measurable impact and leadership, while helping expand opportunities for Women of Technology. Read more about Lightfoot’s journey and impact in her Women of Tech winner profile.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstcloses-andria-lightfoot-named-2026-women-of-tech-award-winner-by-mortgage-women-magazine/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P135614 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose introduces SmartDocs disclosure automation through its point-of-sale platform

AUSTIN, Texas, May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced SmartDocs, a new disclosure intelligence capability available through its XpressEquity point-of-sale platform. SmartDocs functions as the intelligence layer that determines when disclosure obligations begin and initiates the appropriate workflow based on lender-configured rules, helping standardize timing and delivery across programs and jurisdictions.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions.

“Initial disclosures are some of the most critical and operationally complex steps in the home equity process,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “SmartDocs enables lenders to deliver disclosures faster, reduce operational burden and help mitigate compliance risk, while giving borrowers a smoother experience from application to decision.”

MeridianLink Consumer is among the first loan origination systems integrated with SmartDocs. Through the integration, lenders using MeridianLink Consumer and MeridianLink Document Mapping can automate the generation and delivery of initial disclosures and adverse action notices based on lender-defined rules tied to application status, product type and property location.

In addition to automating disclosure delivery, the feature automatically provides applicants with a HUD-approved list of housing counselors relevant to the property’s ZIP code, helping lenders meet regulatory requirements without requiring loan officers or processors to generate or manage counselor lists manually. By reducing manual monitoring and standardizing disclosure triggers earlier in the lifecycle, SmartDocs is designed to help lenders create a more consistent experience across teams while keeping borrower communications moving on schedule.

“Making MeridianLink one of the first systems supported was a natural step, because it allows lenders to carry consistent disclosure logic from application intake into early borrower communications,” Smith added. “The goal is fewer manual checks, fewer delays and a more predictable process for both staff and borrowers.”

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

Logo link for media: https://www.firstclose.com/wp-content/uploads/FirstClose-Logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-introduces-smartdocs-disclosure-automation-through-its-point-of-sale-platform/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P135293 NOREL-3B

 

Kitsap Credit Union selects FirstClose’s home equity lending platform

AUSTIN, Texas, April 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Kitsap Credit Union has selected FirstClose to support its home equity lending operations with a bundled, end-to-end digital tool.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose.

With the implementation of FirstClose’s bundled home equity platform, Kitsap Credit Union is continuing its focus on making banking easier, faster, and more reliable for its members. The platform will enable the credit union to streamline and manage critical valuation, verification and settlement-related services through a single workflow. By reducing manual touchpoints and consolidating third-party services, the platform is designed to help accelerate turn times, improve consistency and deliver a more efficient and seamless experience for both staff and members.

Kitsap Credit Union, a $2.5 billion-asset institution headquartered in Bremerton, Washington, will leverage a bundled suite of services that includes flood certification, automated valuation models, desktop and hybrid appraisal products, property condition reports and integrated title services. The platform provides greater visibility across the lending process while supporting faster application-to-order timelines.

“Kitsap Credit Union’s decision reflects a growing need among credit unions to move faster without compromising service,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose. “Our platform brings multiple services together into a single, orchestrated workflow, helping lenders reduce complexity and deliver a more consistent, member-friendly home equity experience.”

The agreement supports Kitsap Credit Union’s operational goals around efficiency, scalability, and member experience, while providing a technology foundation that adapts as lending volumes and market conditions evolve. FirstClose’s home equity tools are part of the company’s broader platform designed to help lenders reduce costs, improve operational consistency and shorten closing timelines.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

About Kitsap Credit Union

Kitsap Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative with 14 branches and over 325 employees serving communities across Washington state. As a not-for-profit organization, we put people over profit, focusing on our members’ financial well-being and the prosperity of the communities where we live and work. We offer a full range of modern banking services, but our foundation is built on trust-based relationships and personalized service.

Our mission is simple: to empower members and strengthen communities through trusted, personalized financial support. By powering life’s opportunities, we help our members move forward with confidence. Guided by trust, service, and community, we work together to build stronger financial futures because empowering our members means uplifting the entire community, today and for generations to come.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/kitsap-credit-union-selects-firstcloses-home-equity-lending-platform/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P134380 NOREL-3B

 

[RETRACTED] FirstClose Unveils XpressEquity with Enhanced Encompass Integration to Deliver an End-to-End Home Equity Platform Powered by Intelligent Automation

[RETRACTED] – The company issuing this announcement, FirstClose has retracted this news announcement issued March 12, 2026, and notes this content should not be used as provided.

******************************************************************

AUSTIN, Texas, March 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the rebrand of its point-of-sale (POS) experience as XpressEquity, along with a refreshed Encompass® by ICE Mortgage Technology® integration that delivers a streamlined, end-to-end digital workflow for home equity originations. Together, the platform is designed to help Encompass lenders close home equity loans in as little as 5–10 days.

###

******* RETRACTED *************

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-unveils-xpressequity-with-enhanced-encompass-integration-to-deliver-an-end-to-end-home-equity-platform-powered-by-intelligent-automation/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133836 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose co-founder Tim Smith named 2026 NMP Industry Titan

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that co-founder and Chief Growth Officer Tim Smith has been named a 2026 Industry Titan National Mortgage Professional (NMP). The Industry Titan Award recognizes mortgage professionals whose leadership, innovation and long-term contributions have shaped the industry.

FirstClose co-founder Tim Smith
Image caption: FirstClose co-founder Tim Smith.

Tim Smith was honored for his decades-long role in defining and modernizing home equity lending technology. Alongside his brother and fellow co-founder, Tedd Smith, he helped establish FirstClose as the first purpose-built point-of-sale and order management platform for home equity lending, integrating credit, valuation, flood, title, and closing services into a single automated workflow.

Over the years, Tim Smith’s leadership has enabled lenders to dramatically reduce home equity turnaround times, with some institutions cutting cycle times by more than half and funding loans in as few as four business days. His work has helped hundreds of banks and credit unions scale home equity programs while improving accuracy, compliance and borrower experience.

“Everything we’ve built came from listening to our clients. If we improve their process, the recognition will take care of itself,” Tim Smith said in NMP magazine’s Industry Titan feature.

Before co-founding FirstClose, Tim Smith also co-founded Flood Zones, Inc., which was later acquired by TransUnion following a strategic partnership. Many of today’s home equity technology solutions trace their roots to the innovations Tim Smith introduced early in the category’s development.

Under Tim Smith’s leadership, FirstClose continues to invest heavily in research and development, delivering automation and data intelligence tools that reduce manual processes, lower costs and help lenders deliver faster, more transparent access to credit.

Honorees are profiled in the February edition of NMP magazine, which can be viewed here.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-co-founder-tim-smith-named-2026-nmp-industry-titan/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133400 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose and TruStage form partnership to accelerate dynamic credit union lending documentation

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced a strategic partnership with TruStage to embed TruStage’s dynamic document engine within the FirstClose platform.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose and TruStage form partnership to accelerate dynamic credit union lending documentation.

“Partnering with TruStage supports our commitment to giving lenders a modern documentation experience that reduces friction for both teams and members,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “FirstClose manages the data, workflow and delivery, while TruStage brings deep expertise in applying lender-configured compliance rules to dynamically generate documents, which will add meaningful efficiencies across the lending process.”

Under the partnership, FirstClose provides the structured data captured during initial intake and eligibility and manages document logistics, including borrower delivery and e-sign workflows. TruStage’s dynamic document engine automatically selects the appropriate documents based on real-time analysis of each transaction and lender-defined rules and compliance requirements, generating a warranted list of required disclosures and other documents without requiring lenders to build and maintain custom document groups for each product. This helps support accuracy and consistency across home-equity and mortgage lending processes.

“This collaboration allows TruStage to extend our document capabilities into the FirstClose platform in a way that respects how lenders configure and manage compliance,” said Chris Appie, president of the Compliance Solutions business at TruStage. “By applying lender-defined rules and requirements to data provided by FirstClose, we help institutions maintain control while supporting a more efficient lending experience.”

The integration is expected to be delivered in 2026.

About TruStage

TruStage® is a financially strong insurance and financial services provider, built on the philosophy of people helping people, meeting the needs of middle-market consumers and the businesses that serve them since day one. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. With a culture rooted and focused on creating a more equitable society and financial system, we are deeply committed to giving back to our communities and improving the lives of those we serve today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.trustage.com.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-and-trustage-form-partnership-to-accelerate-dynamic-credit-union-lending-documentation/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P133299 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose Named a 2026 HousingWire TECH100 Winner

Company recognized for innovation in home equity and mortgage lending technology

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, has been named a 2026 HousingWire TECH100 winner. HousingWire selected FirstClose for its end-to-end lending platform that combines real-time property intelligence with automated workflows to help lenders accelerate decisioning, reduce operational friction and close loans faster. More than 225 financial institutions use the FirstClose platform to support home equity and mortgage lending nationwide.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose logo.

“We’re honored to be recognized by HousingWire as a 2026 TECH100 winner,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose. “This award underscores how critical speed and intelligence have become in today’s lending environment. By bringing real-time property data and streamlined workflows together, we help lenders simplify complex processes and better serve borrowers at a time when efficiency and trust matter more than ever.”

In 2025, FirstClose continued to advance its lending platform with expanded automation, real-time eligibility and decisioning capabilities, and a growing integration ecosystem supporting credit, valuation, title and pricing services. The company strengthened its pricing and workflow capabilities through a certified integration with Optimal Blue’s product and pricing engine, helping lenders shorten home equity and mortgage closing timelines and improve transparency for borrowers. FirstClose supports home equity and mortgage lending operations with a single, unified workflow that helps lenders move faster while maintaining consistency and control.

FirstClose customers have supported $129 billion in funded loans since 2015. Lenders using the platform’s digital prequalification tools report increased application volume, faster approvals and significant reductions in closing timelines, reflecting the platform’s impact on operational efficiency and borrower experience.

“Technology is no longer a nice-to-have, and it’s not defined by partnership announcements that fail to deliver meaningful progress,” said Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media. “Today, technology is the business strategy. The right tech stack now determines who can recruit top talent, gain market share, and expand margins. The 2026 Tech100 honorees bring both innovation and impact. They’re growing, their teams are winning, and they’re pulling ahead in the race for scale and consumer relevance.”

HousingWire’s TECH100 award seeks to highlight the most innovative technology companies across the housing sector. To view the complete list of winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/announcing-the-2026-tech100-mortgage-winners/

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data and research, respected business journalism and must-attend events for housing leaders to use to advance their understanding and business outcomes. Our vision is a world in which housing leaders have a complete view of the housing market, and a broad community of peers with whom they can connect. We are committed to delivering the data, analytics, media, and events that advance this vision.

Because housing is too important for narrow perspectives and missed connections. Informed housing leaders are better housing leaders. A connected housing industry is a better housing industry. And the full picture always reveals new opportunities.

Explore more at www.housingwire.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-named-a-2026-housingwire-tech100-winner/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P132773 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose Caps Transformational 2025 With Faster Closings, Platform Expansion and Strong Market Momentum

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced 2025 results showing faster closings and measurable efficiency gains as lenders used its technology to meet rising home equity demand in a high-interest-rate environment. The company reduced closing timelines, expanded key integrations and strengthened its operating foundation to support scalable growth in 2026.

FirstClose Caps Transformational 2025 With Faster Closings, Platform Expansion and Strong Market Momentum
Image caption: FirstClose Caps Transformational 2025.

By year’s end, lenders using FirstClose signed disclosures in as little as five hours, completed borrower tasks within two days and funded loans in as few as four days. The platform helped reduce closing timelines by up to 74%, with 38% of applications instantly approved via automated decisioning workflows.

“We were deliberate in 2025 about building a durable foundation rather than chasing short-term growth,” said Tedd Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of FirstClose. “That work is paying off in faster outcomes for lenders today and positions us well for the opportunities ahead.”

Those performance gains came as home equity lending continued to accelerate nationally. FirstClose has supported over 225 financial institutions and contributed to $129 billion in funded loans since 2015, while lenders using its digital prequalification tools have reported 30-40% increases in application volume.

A major milestone in 2025 was the launch of a certified integration with Optimal Blue, which connects FirstClose’s point-of-sale platform directly to Optimal Blue’s product, pricing, and eligibility engine. The integration brought lender-specific pricing into the borrower application flow, helping to compress home equity closing timelines from roughly 45 days to 10 days or fewer.

FirstClose also secured additional equity funding in October, led by existing investor Lateral Investment Management. The investment reinforced confidence in the company’s strategy and supported continued product development, integrations and operational initiatives across home equity and mortgage lending.

Internally, 2025 was a year of restructuring to prepare the organization for its next phase of growth. FirstClose strengthened leadership in sales, professional services, and client success to improve coordination among teams and reduce implementation times for lenders. The changes focused on operational durability rather than rapid expansion.

The year also coincided with FirstClose’s 25th anniversary, underscoring its long-standing role in modernizing mortgage and home equity lending. From its early days as a property data and settlement services provider to its current end-to-end lending platform, the company has continued to evolve alongside lender needs and market shifts.

With faster funding, deeper integrations and a strengthened operating model in place, FirstClose enters 2026 positioned to help lenders capture growing home equity demand while delivering a more transparent and efficient borrower experience.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-caps-transformational-2025-with-faster-closings-platform-expansion-and-strong-market-momentum/

Copr. © 2026 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P132356 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose Integrates Stewart Home Equity Solutions into OMS to Streamline Lender Workflows

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today a new partnership with Stewart Lender Services, a division of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), that enhances FirstClose’s Order Management System (OMS) with expanded home equity fulfillment capabilities.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose Integrates Stewart Home Equity Solutions into OMS to Streamline Lender Workflows.

Through this partnership, FirstClose OMS users will gain integrated access to Stewart’s comprehensive suite of home equity title, valuation and closing solutions. By streamlining ordering and fulfillment within a single workflow, lenders can reduce manual steps, accelerate decisioning and improve borrower experiences.

“Our home equity fulfillment solutions are designed to help lenders move with speed and confidence,” said Beth Fowler, President of Stewart Lender Services. “By integrating with FirstClose we’re equipping lenders with the tools needed to accelerate loan decisioning, improve operational efficiency, and provide borrowers with a modern, streamlined home equity experience.”

Stewart’s addition to FirstClose OMS provides lenders with data, property reports, title insurance, and an E&O Policy covering home equity loans, offering options and rapid response. Stewart also offers automated title decisioning tools and a streamlined curative process, which supports faster eligibility checks and quicker clear-to-close outcomes for many loan scenarios.

“Partnering with Stewart Lender Services enhances the power of our Order Management System by giving lenders direct access to a broader set of integrated home equity solutions,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose. “By unifying data, title, valuation and closing workflows in one place, lenders can shorten cycle times, manage risk and drive growth in the evolving home equity market while also delivering a more seamless experience for borrowers.”

Lenders using FirstClose OMS can also leverage Stewart Valuation Intelligence’s offerings, which include desktop and field appraisals, AVMs, hybrid inspections and analytics that support accurate property valuation and risk assessment. Stewart’s integrated signing and closing services offer multiple options, including mobile notary, remote online notarization (RON), and in-person electronic notarization (IPEN), which enhance convenience and operational efficiency.

About Stewart Lender Services

Stewart Lender Services, part of the Stewart family of companies (NYSE-STC), delivers an integrated suite of solutions that helps lenders accelerate decisions, reduce friction and create better customer experiences from application to close. Whether you’re a credit union, community bank or national lender, you can rely on Stewart as your single-source partner. With advanced technology, deep industry expertise and a customer-centric delivery model designed to adapt to your needs, we help you reduce cycle times, manage risk and stay Next-Move Ready for whatever the market brings next. Learn more here.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit www.firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-integrates-stewart-home-equity-solutions-into-oms-to-streamline-lender-workflows/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P131619 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose appoints Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 4, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the appointment of Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales. In this role, Sirpis will lead the company’s sales organization, refine the go-to-market strategy and drive revenue growth as FirstClose continues expanding its presence with mortgage and home equity lenders across the country.

FirstClose appoints Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales
Image caption: FirstClose appoints Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales.

Based in Alexandria, Va., Sirpis will oversee national sales initiatives, mentor and develop a growing team of sales professionals and work closely with the executive leadership team to deepen relationships with lenders and strategic partners. His focus will include aligning sales execution with FirstClose’s product roadmap and client success goals to further accelerate adoption of the company’s technology platform.

“Alex has spent more than 25 years leading sales organizations at some of the most recognizable brands in mortgage technology,” said Tedd Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of FirstClose. “He has repeatedly grown production in competitive markets, led dispersed sales teams through major technology rollouts and restructuring efforts and elevated performance across organizations. We’re excited to bring his experience in enterprise relationship management and sales execution to FirstClose as we continue to scale.”

Sirpis joins FirstClose with a long record of driving revenue growth and improving sales performance at companies undergoing rapid expansion. At nCino, he directed national relationship-management strategies for financial institutions and supported the company’s continued growth following its acquisition of SimpleNexus. During his tenure at SimpleNexus, he worked with enterprise lenders to expand adoption of digital mortgage and home equity technology, helping teams streamline workflows and increase user engagement.

Prior to that, Sirpis served as vice president of sales at LoanLogics and spent more than five years at Ellie Mae, where he managed enterprise accounts across the Northeast and helped drive retention and expansion among high-volume lenders. Earlier in his career, he led regional and national sales organizations at CARFAX, Prosperity Home Mortgage/Long & Foster Companies and Wachovia Bank, where he managed multi-state teams, opened new sales offices and consistently exceeded production goals. His leadership teams earned multiple President’s Club and Circle of Excellence honors during his tenure.

“I’ve spent my career helping lenders adopt technology that improves the borrower experience and strengthens operational performance,” Sirpis said. “FirstClose is solving real challenges in home equity and mortgage lending, and I’m excited to help scale a platform that gives lenders the speed and efficiency today’s market demands.”

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-appoints-alex-sirpis-as-vice-president-of-sales/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P131481 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose Appoints Adam Nicholson as Director of Professional Services

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the appointment of Adam Nicholson as director of professional services. Nicholson will lead the company’s implementation operations, including project delivery, process optimization and cross-functional coordination to enhance the customer experience.

FirstClose Appoints Adam Nicholson as Director of Professional Services
Image caption: FirstClose Appoints Adam Nicholson as Director of Professional Services.

In this new position, Nicholson will oversee implementation strategy, guide project scopes and timelines, establish policies and standard operating procedures, and collaborate with executive leadership to ensure delivery frameworks align with organizational objectives. He will also support the refinement of onboarding practices and client-driven product enhancements to strengthen adoption and long-term value for lenders.

“Adam brings a deep background in professional services leadership across mortgage and financial technology,” said Tedd Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of FirstClose. “His ability to build strong teams, streamline processes and deliver measurable results will help us further accelerate implementation efficiency and reinforce the value lenders experience when partnering with FirstClose.”

Nicholson has more than 12 years of experience directing implementation, customer success and professional services teams within the fintech sector. He most recently served as an enterprise client success manager at Blend. He previously held director-level roles at Polly and SimpleNexus, where he led implementation groups, established onboarding processes, reduced delivery timelines and collaborated with product and engineering teams to support customer-driven improvements. Earlier in his career, Nicholson spent six years in software implementation leadership roles at Accenture, developing deep expertise in mortgage technology, regulatory compliance and system integration.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce cost for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist the lender’s borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-appoints-adam-nicholson-as-director-of-professional-services/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P131308 NOREL-3B

 

Lake Michigan Credit Union selects FirstClose Equity Order Management for automated home equity settlement workflows

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) has implemented FirstClose’s Equity Order Management to automate settlement workflows for its home equity lending operations.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose, Inc.

With the implementation of FirstClose Equity Order Management, LMCU will be able to generate and track settlement orders directly within its loan origination system, apply business rules for vendor selection and ensure that completed reports and documents flow seamlessly back into the loan record. By reducing manual touchpoints and eliminating redundant data entry, the integration will deliver faster turnaround times, fewer handoffs, improved lien reporting accuracy and greater efficiency for staff and members alike.

“Home equity is an important way we support our members’ financial needs, and implementing FirstClose Equity Order Management allows us to make that process faster, easier and more reliable,” said Eric Schlagheck, vice president of mortgage processing and home equity lending at Lake Michigan Credit Union. “By streamlining the behind-the-scenes work, we’re able to focus more on delivering the level of service our members expect and deserve.”

“LMCU’s implementation of FirstClose Equity Order Management shows how technology can enhance the member experience by making the home equity process faster and more consistent,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose. “We’re proud to support LMCU’s commitment to service by delivering automation and integrated workflows that remove friction for both staff and members.”

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., LMCU is the largest credit union in the state and one of the largest in the nation, serving more than 600,000 members. The credit union continues to invest in technology that simplifies lending processes and improves member experiences across its financial services portfolio.

FirstClose Equity Order Management is part of the company’s broader platform designed to help lenders reduce costs, improve consistency and accelerate home equity closings.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/lake-michigan-credit-union-selects-firstclose-equity-order-management-for-automated-home-equity-settlement-workflows/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P131238 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose celebrates 25 years of mortgage and home equity innovation

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. This marks a quarter-century of innovation in modernizing lending processes for residential mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose.

The anniversary comes as homeowners increasingly turn to equity amid limited refinancing opportunities in a high-rate environment. Total homeowner equity in the U.S., including homes owned outright, is estimated at $35 trillion. American homeowners with a mortgage hold about $17.6 trillion in home equity, of which approximately $11.5 trillion is considered tappable while maintaining at least 20% ownership. In addition, HELOCs and home equity loan originations increased by more than 23% year over year from 2023 to 2024, underscoring the growing importance of this lending segment.

With 225 financial institutions leveraging its platform, FirstClose has assisted lenders in meeting this demand through instant decisioning, automated workflows and vendor integrations that ensure transparency and efficiency, resulting in $129 billion in funded loans since 2015. Institutions using FirstClose’s digital prequalification tools have also experienced a 30 to 40% increase in application volume, showcasing the company’s influence on lender growth.

“Reaching 25 years reflects the trust of our clients and the dedication of our team,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “With demand for home equity products at an all-time high, our mission has never been more relevant: to simplify lending and empower lenders to grow. We are eager to continue shaping the future of mortgage and home equity lending.”

Looking ahead, FirstClose plans to expand its investments in this market. As the leader in home equity workflow management, including its award-winning point-of-sale (POS) platform and order management system (OMS), the company is introducing new integrations with top providers and developing innovative borrower and loan officer engagement tools, reinforcing its role as a long-term partner to lenders navigating evolving borrower needs.

Since its founding in 2000, FirstClose has evolved from a one-stop aggregator of property data and settlement services into a full end-to-end technology platform solution that enables lenders to capture the growing demand of home owners, reduce costs and deliver faster, borrower-friendly closings. Its platform integrates automated workflows, extensive vendor networks, and deep loan origination system integrations to provide a full-service, end-to-end solution that lenders and borrowers can rely upon to access funds within 7 days, compared to an industry average of 42 days. FirstClose leadership is excited to celebrate 25 years of innovation while looking to the future by impacting the entire industry with similar time and cost savings nationwide.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to home equity and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist the lender’s borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://www.firstclose.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-celebrates-25-years-of-mortgage-and-home-equity-innovation/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P130746 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose and Lateral Investment Management announce additional equity funding to support continued growth

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the completion of an additional round of equity funding, which was led by existing investor Lateral Investment Management, based in San Mateo, California.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose.

The latest round builds on Lateral’s initial 2022 investment and underscores continued investor confidence in FirstClose’s strategy, technology and leadership team. The funds will support ongoing product development and strategic initiatives as the company strengthens its position within the home equity and mortgage lending markets.

“Lateral has been a great partner and a critical factor in our company’s growth and success to date,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “This new round of funding reinforces our partnership and allows us to stay focused on delivering the technology lenders need to meet rising demand for home equity lending.”

Since Lateral’s initial investment in 2022, FirstClose has expanded its capabilities and market footprint. The company introduced a real-time debt consolidation feature to its FirstClose Equity platform, which early trials showed boosted conversion rates by more than 10%. It also deepened system integrations with leading platforms, such as Encompass® by ICE Mortgage Technology™, MeridianLink and Optimal Blue, and added new executives in key leadership roles, including chief revenue officer, vice president of marketing and vice president of client success.

“When we first invested in FirstClose, we saw the potential for the company to become the technology leader in home equity lending,” said Stuart Barden, Managing Director at Lateral Investment Management. “Since then, the team has consistently delivered, expanding its client base, deepening integrations and introducing innovations that streamline the lending process. We’re proud to continue supporting FirstClose as it builds on that foundation.”

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce cost for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://www.firstclose.com/.

About Lateral Investment Management, LLC

Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Lateral is a growth-oriented private equity firm that invests in bootstrapped, founder-led technology and technology-enabled services businesses. The firm focuses on profitable, U.S. middle market companies with no prior institutional financing and makes $15 million to $75 million investments to accelerate their growth. By pursuing sub-sector focused proprietary deal origination, founder-aligned partnerships, and a systematic and proactive approach to value creation, Lateral helps to transform its portfolio companies into category leaders. For more information, visit: https://lateralim.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-and-lateral-investment-management-announce-additional-equity-funding-to-support-continued-growth/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P130274 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose integrates with Optimal Blue to accelerate home equity closings

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced a certified integration with Optimal Blue that connects FirstClose’s point-of-sale (POS) platform to Optimal Blue’s product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine. The integration builds on FirstClose’s ability to reduce home equity closing times from 45 days to 10 or fewer, while also giving lenders access to Optimal Blue’s trusted pricing and eligibility data. Together, these capabilities position lenders to better serve growing demand for home equity lines and second mortgages in today’s purchase-slow market.

FirstClose logo
Image caption: FirstClose logo.

Through the integration, lenders can provide borrowers with a seamless, branded application experience that combines FirstClose’s real-time property data and eligibility information with Optimal Blue’s accurate, lender-specific pricing. Together, these capabilities deliver a transparent process where consumers see precise loan options and rates while navigating their application.

“By integrating our point-of-sale experience with Optimal Blue’s pricing engine, lenders can now deliver borrowers a faster, simpler and more transparent path to access their home equity,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose.

“Americans are holding tremendous amounts of home equity, and this integration gives lenders a seamless path to present borrowers with real-time, accurate pricing information from Optimal Blue,” said Mike Vough, head of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “By creating more transparency of product and pricing for homeowners, lenders are better positioned to help borrowers take advantage of home equity opportunities.”

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce cost for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist the lender’s borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://www.firstclose.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-integrates-with-optimal-blue-to-accelerate-home-equity-closings/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P129643 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose Strengthens Sales Team with Industry Veterans to Support Growth in Home Equity Lending

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced the expansion of its sales organization with the addition of four accomplished industry sales professionals. These new team members bring deep industry experience and proven track records that will support the company’s continued growth in home equity lending:

  • Previously with Volly and ClosingCorp, Austin Wilcox brings a strong background in sales and client success to his new role as regional vice president.
  • Darcy Hall, who most recently worked for MMI, has joined as a business development manager focused on driving pipeline growth and lender outreach.
  • Jon Del Pozo, an accomplished sales leader with experience at ICE and Ellie Mae, rounds out the team as a regional vice president.
  • Tracy Farber joins FirstClose as vice president, sales solution engineer and brings more than 15 years of experience from Ellie Mae, SimpleNexus and nCino.

FirstClose Strengthens Sales Team with Industry Veterans to Support Growth in Home Equity Lending
Image caption: FirstClose Strengthens Sales Team with Industry Veterans to Support Growth in Home Equity Lending.

“This team expansion represents our continued investment in delivering superior solutions and service to the lending community,” said John Aslanian, chief revenue officer at FirstClose. “With experienced professionals joining our sales organization, we’re positioned to help more lenders capitalize on the growing demand for home equity products while improving their operational efficiency and borrower experience.”

These strategic hires join experienced sales leaders Rob Pommier, Paul Friedrichs and Ian Voigt as the company continues to scale its go-to-market efforts. With these additions, FirstClose is now fully staffed on the sales front, positioning the company to meet increasing demand for streamlined home equity lending. The expanded team enhances FirstClose’s ability to strengthen lender relationships, accelerate sales cycles and extend the reach of its end-to-end digital platform.

“As market dynamics shift and home equity continues to gain traction, having the right people in place is essential,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “By expanding our front-line sales organization, we’re better equipped to support lenders looking to modernize their home equity workflows. Our technology simplifies the process, shortens time to close, and helps unlock new revenue potential, delivering real impact where it matters most.”

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose is a fintech provider delivering digital solutions purpose-built for home equity and mortgage lending. Its platform combines property data intelligence, automated workflows and vendor integrations to streamline home equity originations by reducing costs, accelerating turn times and enhancing the borrower experience. Trusted by lenders nationwide, FirstClose empowers users with configurable technology for instant decisioning and end-to-end order management. Learn more at www.firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-strengthens-sales-team-with-industry-veterans-to-support-growth-in-home-equity-lending/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P129416 NOREL-3B

 

Home equity fintech FirstClose promotes Andria Lightfoot to vice president of client success

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today the promotion of Andria Lightfoot to vice president of client success.

In her new role, Lightfoot will join the sales and revenue organization and be responsible for implementation and customer success strategy. She will oversee account management and introduce project management practices to shorten delivery timelines and improve client value. She is building a dedicated team and creating a new relationship manager role focused on long-term partnerships to expand the company’s customer success resources. During the transition, she will continue to guide the support team to ensure continuity.

Andria Lightfoot of FirstClose
Image caption: Home equity fintech FirstClose promotes Andria Lightfoot.

“Andria has a proven track record of delivering results for lenders while leading with empathy and vision,” said Tedd Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of FirstClose. “Her expanded role ensures we continue to elevate the client experience while strengthening the connection between customer success and revenue growth in the home equity space.”

Lightfoot, a 2022 HousingWire Woman of Influence, is recognized across the mortgage industry for her leadership in technology adoption and customer success. She has built her career on helping lenders achieve measurable results by bridging complex mortgage technology with practical client outcomes that improve efficiency, compliance and borrower experience.

“To me, customer success at FirstClose isn’t just about support,” Lightfoot said. “It’s about standing beside our lenders, helping them get up to speed quickly and creating the kind of lasting relationships that make a difference.”

Lightfoot brings more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry and technology to the role. She previously served as chief customer officer at SimpleNexus, where she grew the company’s eClosing product from four to 54 active clients in eight months and helped launch Nexus Bilingual to better assist borrowers with limited English proficiency. Earlier, as chief operating officer at George Mason Mortgage, she received the Ellie Mae Hall of Fame Award for Digital Mortgage Excellence for leading a digital point-of-sale implementation that cut loan turn times and increased application pull-through. She has also guided nearly 100 lender implementations through her consulting work and modernized identity and access management systems for one of the nation’s largest school districts, serving more than 180,000 students and 40,000 employees.

Lightfoot has been recognized as one of National Mortgage Professional’s 40 Under 40 and is an active speaker and contributor to industry events and publications, including Forbes. She has served on advisory boards for the Mortgage Bankers Association, ICE and Women of ALICE, a nonprofit that mentors women in banking. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human system development from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in information technology from Georgetown University, along with certifications in SAFe, PMP, Scrum Master and ITIL.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce cost for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist the lender’s borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/home-equity-fintech-firstclose-promotes-andria-lightfoot-to-vice-president-of-client-success/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P129144 NOREL-3B

 

Shaun Simms of FirstClose named 2025 HousingWire Insider

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Shaun Simms, Director of the Project Management Office (PMO), has been selected by HousingWire magazine for its annual Insiders awards program.

Shaun Simms of FirstClose
Image caption: Shaun Simms of FirstClose.

Since joining FirstClose, Simms has built the PMO from scratch, implementing structured, repeatable processes that promote clarity, consistency and strategic alignment. His efforts have sped up execution across key initiatives, including roadmap planning, go-to-market codification and governance reviews.

“Shaun is the driving force behind FirstClose’s transformation into a more agile, execution-focused organization,” said Corey Smith, COO of FirstClose. “He brings order to complexity and keeps us progressing confidently. His leadership style is quiet, precise, and grounded, which has become essential to how we operate.”

In the past year alone, Simms’ work has elevated FirstClose’s operational maturity, enhanced cross-functional collaboration and reinforced a culture of accountability. Colleagues credit him with keeping projects on track and creating the conditions for teams to thrive.

“The HousingWire Insiders are driving forces behind their organizations’ success,” said Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media. “… Reviewing this year’s nominees and winners, it’s clear that HousingWire Insiders deliver results while elevating their colleagues and teams.”

HousingWire’s Insider award celebrates industry professionals who are essential to their organizations’ success but may not always be in the spotlight. Honorees are selected based on their reputation for excellence, problem-solving abilities and ability to drive outcomes behind the scenes.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company’s mission is to increase profitability and reduce cost for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist the lender’s borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://www.firstclose.com/.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data and research, respected business journalism, and must-attend events for housing leaders to use to advance their understanding and business outcomes. Our vision is a world in which housing leaders have a complete view of the housing market and a broad community of peers with whom they can connect. We are committed to delivering the data, analytics, media, and events that advance this vision. Because housing is too important for narrow perspectives and missed connections. Informed housing leaders are better housing leaders. A connected housing industry is a better housing industry. And the full picture always reveals new opportunities.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/shaun-simms-of-firstclose-named-2025-housingwire-insider/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P128156 NOREL-3B

 

FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith named 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence

Smith's leadership has helped FirstClose drive innovation, retention and culture-building while scaling its home equity lending technology platform in a volatile market

AUSTIN, Texas, July 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced its Senior Vice President of Human Resources Katie Smith has been named a 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence. The national award recognizes her exceptional leadership, commitment to company culture and impact on the fintech and mortgage lending industry.

FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith
Image caption: FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith.

Smith has played a key role in guiding FirstClose through a volatile market cycle, emphasizing transparency, support and people-first strategies. Over the past year, she launched a companywide leadership and management training program with 100% participation. Her efforts resulted in a 35% increase in employee satisfaction and a 50% reduction in voluntary turnover. Smith also led efforts to expand FirstClose’s workforce by 20% in 2025 while strongly emphasizing onboarding and culture. She guides executive recruitment, leads companywide meetings and is often the first point of contact for employees seeking support or mentorship.

“Katie is not just our head of HR. She is the cultural cornerstone of FirstClose,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose. “Her leadership has carried this organization through challenging market cycles, not only stabilizing our workforce but transforming it. From championing leadership development to personally supporting teams through change, Katie brings a rare combination of strategic vision, empathy and consistency that has elevated every facet of how we work and grow.”

Outside of FirstClose, Smith contributes to HR leadership forums and mentors professionals entering the field. Her advocacy for strong people practices reflects her belief that culture is key to business success.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by HousingWire,” Smith said. “But this recognition is really a reflection of the incredible team I have the privilege to serve every day. At FirstClose, we’ve worked hard to build a culture where people feel supported, empowered and connected to something bigger than themselves. What drives me is helping people thrive and making sure our values are reflected in everything we do.”

Now in its 16th year, the Women of Influence award honors leaders across mortgage, real estate and fintech who are making a measurable impact on their organizations and the broader housing economy. Winners were selected by HousingWire’s editorial team and a panel of industry professionals, based on their professional accomplishments, industry contributions, community involvement, and overall influence. The 2025 list reflects the depth and diversity of talent leading housing into the future.

“This year’s honorees reflect the depth of talent and leadership shaping today’s housing economy,” said Sarah Wheeler, Editor-in-Chief at HousingWire. “With a strategic vision and a deep commitment to their teams and communities, these women are not only driving progress but also paving the way for the next generation of leaders.”

About FirstClose:

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. is a fintech provider delivering digital solutions purpose-built for home equity and mortgage lending. Its platform combines property data intelligence, automated workflows and vendor integrations to streamline home equity originations by reducing costs, accelerating turn times and enhancing the borrower experience. Trusted by lenders nationwide, FirstClose empowers users with configurable technology for instant decisioning and end-to-end order management. Learn more at https://www.firstclose.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose


This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (FirstClose), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstcloses-svp-of-hr-katie-smith-named-2025-housingwire-woman-of-influence/

Copr. © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, Calif., USA. -- REF: S2P STORY ID: S2P127439 NOREL-3B