Refinances surge nearly 70% as purchase activity falls 10% in August
PLANO, Texas, Sept. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its August 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found a sharp split between purchase and refinance trends as seasonal factors and falling rates reshaped origination activity. Total lock volume dipped about 2% month over month (MoM) as a roughly 10% drop in purchase locks outweighed the strongest month for rate-and-term refinances this year, which surged nearly 70%.
New fund taps into generational investment opportunity in California property
DANVILLE, Calif., Sept. 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A new mortgage income fund has been launched with a target of $50 million in capital commitments to address California's unique housing and lending gap. Central Mortgage Income Fund (Central) has been founded by Bay Area property veterans Dan and Ben Dianda to invest in short-term, real estate-backed loans across California.
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.
Friday Harbor announces integration with ICE Mortgage Technology’s Encompass
SEATTLE, Wash., Sept. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced its new integration with the Encompass® loan origination system (LOS) from ICE Mortgage Technology, part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a leading global provider of data, technology and market infrastructure. Built using ICE's latest Developer Connect API framework for mortgage technology, the integration enables seamless use of Friday Harbor within the Encompass environment.
Click n’ Close launches SmartBuy 5/1 ARM DPA product to help builders address affordability challenges
ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the launch of its SmartBuy 5/1 ARM Down Payment Assistance (DPA) product, designed specifically to help home builders address affordability concerns and support new home sales. The SmartBuy 5/1 ARM DPA builds on Click n' Close's established down payment assistance programs.
Down Payment Resource CEO Rob Chrane named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard
ATLANTA, Ga., Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that founder and CEO Rob Chrane has been named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard. The prestigious award recognizes C-level executives whose leadership reshapes the housing economy and drives meaningful progress in mortgage and real estate.
DocMagic CEO and Co-Founder Pat Theodora honored with 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DocMagic, Inc. today announced that CEO and Co-Founder Pat Theodora has been named a recipient of the 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award. This recognition honors C-level professionals and business leaders who are making a significant impact on the housing economy through bold vision, enduring leadership and forward-thinking innovation.
Informative Research Chief Experience Officer Matt Orlando Named 2025 HousingWire Vanguard
GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Chief Experience Officer Matt Orlando has been named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard. The award recognizes C-suite professionals and business leaders whose vision and leadership are driving the housing industry forward.
LenderLogix CEO Patrick O’Brien honored as 2025 HousingWire Vanguard
BUFFALO, N.Y., Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage point-of-sale and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks and brokers, today announced its founder and CEO Patrick O'Brien has been recognized as a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard. The award honors C-suite professionals and business leaders whose vision and leadership are driving the housing industry forward across lending, servicing, investments, and real estate.
Click n’ Close Chief Operating Officer Kara Lamphere named 2025 HousingWire Vanguard
ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced that its Chief Operations Officer, Kara Lamphere, has been named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard. The award recognizes C-suite professionals and business leaders whose vision and leadership are driving the housing industry forward across lending, servicing, investments and real estate.
Lutheran Home Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art DaVita Dialysis Den
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Lutheran Home, part of Lutheran Life Communities, has begun construction on a new state-of-the-art DaVita Dialysis Den on its Arlington Heights campus. The new six-chair facility, built in partnership with DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), will bring life-sustaining kidney care directly to Lutheran Home residents and, later, to the surrounding community.
The Mortgage Collaborative hosting Mortgage Tech Day at Fall conference in Boston
SAN DIEGO, Calif., Aug. 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's leading independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, announced today that its Mortgage Tech Day will take place September 14 at the historic Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston as part of its Fall conference, "CHEERS! Where Everyone Knows Your Name."
The Big Picture’s September webcast breaks down loan servicing, housing regulation, secondary markets and valuation tech with key industry players
CLEVELAND, Ohio, Aug. 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, announced its September guest lineup featuring four expert voices centered on best practices in loan administration, regulatory trends shaping the mortgage industry, the role of mortgage tech in secondary markets and innovation within the appraisal space.
NotaryCam helps major credit card issuers fight fraud and reduce time to resolution with RON-based identity verification
HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced the continued expansion of its fraud prevention use cases within the credit card industry.
ACES Q1 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report reveals early signs of loan quality risk amidst mounting market pressures
DENVER, Colo., Aug. 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced the release of its quarterly ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report covering the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. The latest report analyzes post-closing quality control data derived from ACES Quality Management & Control® software.
New admin portal in Cloudvirga’s Tropos borrower platform puts lenders in the driver’s seat
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudvirga, a Stewart-owned provider of digital point-of-sale platforms for lenders, today announced the general availability of an admin portal for its Tropos borrower platform, giving lenders greater control over how it works for their business and borrowers. With the new functionality, lenders can adjust organizational settings, manage their brand experience across the business structure, customize loan applications and adapt operational workflows-all without developer assistance.
NotaryCam Certified to Provide Remote Online Notarization Services in Vermont
HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and leading remote online notarization (RON) provider for real estate and legal transactions, its certification to perform RON services in the state of Vermont. This development follows Vermont's enactment of legislation supporting remote notarizations, allowing notaries with a Special Endorsement to perform digital notarizations in the state.
Informative Research named 2025 Lending Tech Titan by PROGRESS in Lending for innovation in mortgage credit and verification technology
GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRRE) -- Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, announced it has been named a 2025 Lending Tech Titan by PROGRESS in Lending, honoring the company's pioneering work in delivering automation, efficiency and cost savings to mortgage lenders across the U.S.
Optimal Blue to Host Its 2026 Summit February 23-25 in Scottsdale
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today announced it will host its 2026 Optimal Blue Summit from February 23-25 at the Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Building on the success of its inaugural event, the 2026 Summit will bring together the company's clients and integration partners, along with thought leaders and experts from across the mortgage industry, for three days of insights, connection and strategy.
Three ACES Quality Management subject matter experts selected to speak at leading mortgage, credit union industry conferences
DENVER, Colo., Aug. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced that three senior professionals from its team will participate in major industry conferences throughout September and October, showcasing ACES' leadership in regulatory compliance, risk management and loan quality.
Argyle honored with 2025 PropTech Breakthrough Award
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NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Argyle, the leading provider of direct-source income, employment and asset verifications, has been named Overall Real Estate Data Solution of the Year in the 2025 PropTech Breakthrough Awards. The honor recognizes Argyle's growing impact on the tenant screening industry, where the company is helping property managers and tenant screening platforms combat fraud, improve data quality and speed up leasing decisions.
Cloudvirga honored with 2025 PropTech Breakthrough Award
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudvirga, a Stewart-owned provider of digital point-of-sale platforms for lenders, announced that Tropos, its next-generation borrower portal, has been named Loan Application Solution of the Year in the 2025 PropTech Breakthrough Awards. Launched in May, Tropos empowers lenders to deliver personalized, intuitive digital experiences that drive conversion.
Floify named NMP Originator Choice winner for 2025
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BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced it has been named as an NMP Originator Choice Winner for 2025, achieving silver in its category. While Floify continually releases updates, the company's introduction of Dynamic Apps in 2025 is particularly notable.
Refinances tick up and non-QM hits record high as purchase activity falls nearly 5% in July
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its July 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found a 3% month-over-month (MoM) drop in overall rate lock volume, led by a nearly 5% drop in purchase activity as affordability remained strained. Mortgage rates rose MoM across all loan types.
Optimal Blue’s New Brand Reflects Its Modern Technology and Proven Expertise and Leadership
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today launched a new brand that emphasizes the company's market leadership in delivering modern innovation backed by decades of proven, trusted performance. "Optimal Blue is operating in an era defined by accuracy, scale, speed and artificial intelligence - and our new brand embodies that," said Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue.
Velocity Credit Union Breaks Ground on New Southwest Austin Branch
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Velocity Credit Union is proud to announce the official groundbreaking of its newest branch, located at the southeast corner of Davis Lane and Brodie Lane in Southwest Austin. This expansion reflects the credit union's continued commitment to serving its growing membership and delivering convenient, modern financial services to communities across Central Texas.
Secured Signing Expands Capabilities with In-Person Electronic Notarization Upgrade
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Secured Signing, a global leader in digital signature and online notarization technology, has announced a significant upgrade to its In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) solution. The revamped IPEN experience is now fully integrated into the same intuitive dashboard used for Remote Online Notarization (RON) and Digital Signatures-enabling notaries to manage in-person signings with greater speed, convenience, and consistency.
Informative Research Enhances Mortgage Prequalification Insight with The Work Number® Report Indicator from Equifax
GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Aug. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Informative Research, a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community, today announced the addition of The Work Number® Report Indicator from Equifax to its integrated suite of mortgage credit and verification tools. The Work Number Report Indicator empowers lenders by delivering a first-in-market solution: an Equifax credit report alongside an indicator of employment status earlier in the mortgage qualification process.
Argyle and LenderLogix partner to embed automated income, employment, and asset verification at the start of the loan process
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NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., Aug. 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Argyle, a service provider automating income, employment and asset verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced its integration with LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage point-of-sale (POS) and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks and brokers.
LenderLogix Q2 2025 Homebuyer Intelligence Report Shows Increased Loan Quantities as Borrower Activity Holds Steady
BUFFALO, N.Y., Aug. 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage point-of-sale and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and brokers, today announced the release of the Homebuyer Intelligence Report, a quarterly summary of insights into borrower behavior during the home-buying process based on data collected by the LenderLogix suite of tools. The latest report covers data collected during the pre-approval and borrower application process in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.
Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors
PLANO, Texas, July 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today announced a new capability in its industry-leading product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine that fully automates the process for a lock desk user to execute best efforts locks directly with participating investors via API. By eliminating the last remaining manual step in the locking life cycle, Optimal Blue is delivering innovations and enhancements that will help significantly increase a lender's efficiency and profitability.
45 new assistance programs launched during Q2 2025, bringing the total number of nationwide programs to a record-breaking 2,554
ATLANTA, Ga., July 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q2 2025 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The report finds 45 new programs launched in Q2, traditionally the busiest homebuying season, bringing the total number of available programs to 2,554 - a new record - and the number of program providers to 1,340.
Class Valuation’s Elite Appraiser Panel opens new business opportunities for the nation’s top appraisers
TROY, Mich., July 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that its Elite Appraiser Panel, a groundbreaking program, has doubled in size during the past 12 months and is setting new standards for professional excellence. Class Valuation's exclusive, invitation-only Elite Panel now comprises hundreds of high-performing appraisers nationwide.
TMC July 2025 Pulse of the Network survey finds mortgage lenders leaning into automation, leadership development, and product innovation to stay competitive
SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Amid one of the mortgage industry's most prolonged stretches of cost pressure and market uncertainty, the latest Pulse of the Network survey from The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) reports that lenders are responding with creativity and nimble thinking, anchored by a clear commitment to long-term resilience.
Friday Harbor adds Chris Simms, Gregory Buehler to leadership team to accelerate AI-powered mortgage origination
SEATTLE, Wash., July 24, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, announced two strategic hires today: Chris Simms has joined as head of strategic partnerships, and Gregory Buehler has joined as founding product manager. They bring over 35 years of combined experience in mortgage lending, product strategy and technology innovation.