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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.

Ardley Launches OneLink Technology, Enabling Real-Time, Customized Mortgage Offers for Any Qualified Borrower

RESTON, Va., Sept. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Ardley, the leading provider of borrower-level mortgage intelligence, today announced the launch of Ardley OneLink, a first-of-its-kind universal entry point to the Ardley Intelligence Platform. OneLink enables lenders and servicers to instantly deliver Ardley-enabled custom loan offers to any qualified potential borrower.

NotaryCam partners with Dovenmuehle and RUTH RUHL, P.C. to streamline loan modifications with remote online notarization

HOUSTON, Texas, Sept. 16, 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 it has partnered with mortgage subservicing leader Dovenmuehle Mortgage Inc. and Texas-based law firm RUTH RUHL, P.C. to offer remote online notarization (RON) services for loan modification agreements.

The Mortgage Collaborative partners with FICO to deliver exclusive credit intelligence to lenders

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, has added FICO, global analytics software leader, as an educational partner. This partnership gives members additional insights into credit data, market trends and risk modeling. Unlike TMC's traditional partners, FICO will not sell products or services, focusing instead on empowering TMC's lender network with actionable intelligence on credit behavior and market dynamics.

Friday Harbor joins Community Home Lenders of America as affiliate member

SEATTLE, Wash., Sept. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, has joined the Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) as an affiliate member. Friday Harbor will serve as an expert adviser to CHLA's lender members on the use of artificial intelligence in housing finance.

DocMagic One launches to unify mortgage production under a single, AI-powered platform

TORRANCE, Calif., Sep. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DocMagic, Inc. today announced the launch of DocMagic® One, a new platform for lenders that eliminates the inefficiencies of juggling multiple systems by bringing every critical loan manufacturing step into a single, intuitive platform. Document preparation, compliance checks, collaboration between borrowers, title agents and settlement agents, and closing coordination all happen in one place. Role-based permissions and organizational hierarchies keep tasks moving without bottlenecks.

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

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

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

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.