Category Archives: Finance

DocMagic Launches AutoPrep Technology, Enabling Total eClose™ to Accept Documents from Any Provider for Paperless eClosings

TORRANCE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance and comprehensive eMortgage services, today announced the launch of AutoPrep, a new technology that enables the company's Total eClose™ platform to accept documents from any source - including non-e-enabled documents.

AutoPrep leverages sophisticated artificial intelligence, OCR and machine learning technologies to scan and parse documents, locate all signature and notary regions, then electronically tag them for eClosing, thus changing any document into a fully e-enabled document in seconds. As a result, lenders can use loan documents produced by virtually any document provider, from standard documents to partially e-enabled documents, with Total eClose and benefit from the technology's end-to-end, 100 percent paperless eClosing process.

AutoPrep can learn the nuances of specific documents and adjust accordingly going forward, identify whether signatures are improperly placed or missing, find e-tags placed by other providers, and even read documents that have been partially but not fully converted into e-enabled documents. In addition, because AutoPrep flags documents when it identifies situations that are outside the norm, closing personnel can be more productive by managing exceptions, rather than combing over every page of a document package.

"With AutoPrep, there isn't a single document that cannot be converted into a compliant e-enabled document and brought into Total eClose for electronic signature," said Dominic Iannitti, CEO of DocMagic. "While eClosings are more efficient, compliant, and enable the level of service consumers expect, they aren't as common as they should be. One reason is that some lenders are tied to systems that don't produce e-enabled documents. With AutoPrep, lenders can transition more quickly to an eClosing workflow bringing efficiency, consistency and significant improvement to the user experience."

AutoPrep is a feature of DocMagic's Total eClose platform, which was recognized as the mortgage industry's leading eClosing technology based on market share, overall satisfaction, and lender loyalty in STRATMOR Group's 2019 Mortgage Technology Insight Study. A comprehensive solution, it delivers a completely paperless workflow and seamlessly integrates every component of the closing process.

"DocMagic is known for its commitment to moving the mortgage industry forward with advancements like a 100 percent paperless end-to-end eClosing process," said Iannitti. "As the industry's eClosing leader, we are positioned to fill the gaps left by less advanced technologies. AutoPrep solves the longstanding and frustrating challenge that lenders face when they want to advance to eClosing, but are held back by their technology providers."

To learn more about AutoPrep, interested parties can sign up for a brief online demo of the new solution by emailing sales@docmagic.com.

About DocMagic:

DocMagic, Inc. is the leading provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, compliance, eSign and eDelivery solutions for the mortgage industry. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Torrance, Calif., DocMagic, Inc. develops software, mobile apps, processes and web-based systems for the production and delivery of compliant loan document packages. The company's compliance experts and in-house legal staff consistently monitor legal and regulatory changes at both the federal and state levels to ensure accuracy. For more information on DocMagic, visit https://www.docmagic.com/.

Social Media: @DocMagic #DocMagic #AutoPrep #TotaleClose #eClosingLeader

Media Contact:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0522s2p-docmagic-300dpi.jpg

DocMagic, Inc., the premier provider of fully-compliant loan document preparation, regulatory compliance and comprehensive eMortgage services, today announced the launch of AutoPrep, a new technology that enables the company's Total eClose™ platform to accept documents from any source - including non-e-enabled documents.

Related link: https://www.docmagic.com/

Alpine Bank Selects CompenSafe by LBA Ware for Efficient, Accurate and Scalable Compensation Plan Management

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced that full-service community bank Alpine Bank has implemented CompenSafe™ to automate incentive compensation for its mortgage loan originators and fulfillment staff.

Headquartered in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Alpine Bank's mortgage division serves the home purchase and refinance needs of borrowers throughout the state's Western Slope and Front Range regions. The bank offers monthly commission opportunities to its 16 mortgage loan originators and awards per-file bonuses to processing, closing and underwriting staff. Although the mortgage division is small, Alpine Bank has a variety of compensation plans that pay out differently depending on the originator's experience and how established they are in the market.

Managing, calculating and communicating incentive compensation back to employees used to be something Mortgage Division President Dave Roberts did manually, but since the beginning of the year, Alpine Bank has been using LBA Ware's CompenSafe to complete those processes more efficiently and with greater accuracy.

"Calculating commissions and bonuses using spreadsheets is time-consuming and, like all manual processes, subject to fat-finger mistakes," Roberts said. "CompenSafe eliminates the opportunity for error by capturing pipeline information directly from our loan origination system. Pay is calculated automatically and available for employee review at the same time each month, like clockwork, no matter what else is on my plate."

"CompenSafe helps lending operations of every size transform incentive compensation from a process that's a drag on resources to one that is pinpoint accurate and effortlessly scalable," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "It's a perfect match for a community bank like Alpine that remains rooted in values like service and transparency even as it continues to modernize and grow."

About Alpine Bank:

Employee-owned and locally operated, Alpine Bank is a full-service community bank that has been a part of Colorado since 1973. With 40 convenient locations from Durango to Denver, including Front Range branches in Denver and Boulder, Alpine Bank serves 140,000 customers with personal, business, wealth management, mortgage and electronic banking services. Alpine Bank's employees and managers, many of whom have been with the bank for 10 years or longer, share a commitment to remaining a true community bank offering localized and dedicated service. For more information, visit https://www.alpinebank.com/.

About LBA Ware™:

LBA Ware is a leading provider of cloud-based software for mortgage lenders. Since 2008, LBA Ware has been on a mission to help mortgage companies reach new heights with software that integrates data, incentivizes performance and inspires results. Today, lenders of all sizes, including some of the nation's top-producing mortgage companies, use LBA Ware's award-winning technology to enhance lender experiences and maximize the human potential within their organizations. A 2019 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company, LBA Ware is headquartered in Macon, Georgia. For more information, visit https://lbaware.com.

Twitter: @LBAWare @AlpineBankColo #CompenSafe

LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced that full-service community bank Alpine Bank has implemented CompenSafe™ to automate incentive compensation for its mortgage loan originators and fulfillment staff.

Related link: https://go.lbaware.com/

Valligent Technologies Wins HousingWire Tech100 Award for Second Consecutive Year

ROSEVILLE, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Valligent Technologies (Valligent), the leading residential valuation technology company, today announced that it has been awarded HousingWire's Tech100 award for the second consecutive year.

Now in its eighth year, the HousingWire Tech100 program recognizes the most innovative technology companies in the U.S. housing economy. For 2020, HousingWire recognized Valligent for the VRAR (Virtual Residential Appraisal Report), a 100 percent regulatory compliant full interior inspection appraisal that can be completed in as little as one hour, rather than the typical five to ten days.

The VRAR uses virtual property inspections conducted through a new mobile technology. The technology is so comprehensive that it enables an inspector to complete a comprehensive inspection without being on the property. Valligent has been using the virtual property inspections for the past year and has perfected the proprietary patent-pending technology during that time.

"Many are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic, and borrowers are very uneasy about having a stranger inside their homes," said Jeremy McCarty, CEO of Valligent Technologies. "On the other side of the equation, appraisers are becoming increasingly hesitant to inspect properties. A virtual property inspection eases fears and provides an enhanced borrower experience. Given the circumstances, that's as important, or more, as its speed and efficiency."

The appraisal inspection is the only aspect of the residential loan process that traditionally necessitates person-to-person contact, as the appraiser must enter the borrower's home to complete the property inspection.

With the VRAR, the homeowner simply schedules the inspection time and date through a web calendar and the inspection can take place in as little as one hour later. The VRAR is completed shortly thereafter by a Valligent certified appraiser.

The goal of the Tech100 program is to provide housing professionals with a definitive list of the most innovative and impactful companies that can be leveraged to identify partners and solutions to the problems that mortgage lenders and real estate professionals face every day.

About Valligent Technologies

Valligent Technologies is an award-winning, provider of alternative residential valuation solutions employing patent pending processes and technologies. Over the past year, the company's VRAR has gained significant attention among lenders, the GSEs and the media as the industry's first 100 percent regulatory compliant full interior inspection appraisal that can be completed in as little as one hour, rather than the typical five to ten days. Valligent, which counts among its customers hundreds of banks, credit unions, and financial institutions, was established in 2002 and is based in Roseville, California.

Learn more at: https://www.valligent.com/

Valligent Technologies (Valligent), the leading residential valuation technology company, today announced that it has been awarded HousingWire's Tech100 award for the second consecutive year.

Related link: https://www.valligent.com/

The MReport Recognizes Global DMS as Top 25 Fintech Innovator for its EVO™ Appraisal Management Software

LANSDALE, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Global DMS, a leading provider of cloud-based appraisal management software, announced that it has been selected by MReport for its inaugural "Top 25 Fintech Innovators" award, which recognizes fintech companies within the mortgage industry that are poised to shape the future of the industry in 2020 and beyond.

As part of its selection process, The MReport noted that it solicited submissions from mortgage companies that work in all sectors, from lenders and servicers to title companies and property preservation experts.

"Our industry is constantly evolving as disruptors and tech leaders challenge the status quo," said Ed Delgado, President and CEO of Five Star Global. "We are proud to showcase these fintech innovators who continue to drive progress across the mortgage market."

Global DMS® was recognized for its EVO-Res™ appraisal management software - the industry's most advanced valuation technology for residential lenders, AMCs, and appraisers. Unlike other platforms on the market, EVO-Res is changing the valuation landscape by shattering the constraints of yesteryear software designs, offering state-of-the-art technological advances that allow end-users to work the way they need to work.

EVO-Res was built with the end-user in mind, providing a userroll-based workflow that is 100% configurable. Clients can tailor the software to their needs with an out-of-the-box implementation and delivery time - no development intervention needed. In fact, EVO-Res is so highly configurable that new fields can be added on the fly and are instantly reportable.

In developing EVO-Res, Global DMS spent several years defining requirements, collaborating with clients, and analyzing best practices for every aspect of the appraisal process. The platform's numerous features and powerful workflow mean users no longer have to operate additional modules or other software in conjunction with their valuation management software - thus achieving a streamlined process that saves time and money.

"Global DMS is truly honored to be recognized as a Top 25 Fintech Innovator," said Vladimir Bien-Aime, President & CEO of Global DMS. "This will serve as a strong motivator as we continue our endeavor to remain a reliable asset to the mortgage lending industry."

For the complete list of The MReport's Top 25 Fintech Innovator award winners, please visit: https://themreport.com/daily-dose/03-02-2020/honoring-the-leaders-in-fintech

About Global DMS:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Pennsylvania, Global DMS is a leading provider of cloud-based commercial and residential real estate valuation solutions. The company's solution set is cost effectively delivered on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) transactional basis that ensures compliance adherence, reduces costs, increases efficiencies and expedites the entire real estate appraisal process.

Global DMS solutions include its new EVO-Residential™ (EVO-Res) platform for residential lending, EVO-Commercial™ (EVO-C) platform for commercial lending, eTrac® Enterprise valuation management platform for residential lending, SnapVal™ appraisal pricing solution, eTrac WebForms, Global Kinex®, AVMs, the MISMO Appraisal Review System (MARS®), ATOM (Appraisal Tracking on Mobile. For more information, visit https://www.globaldms.com/ or call (877) 866-2747.

About Five Star Global

Based in Dallas, Five Star Global (FSG) is a national trade association supporting the U.S. residential mortgage and real estate market through membership groups, publishing, conferences, education services, and strategic events. FSG advocates on behalf of and for industry stakeholders on policy matters and interests established to protect, preserve, and promote homeownership. Learn more at http://thefivestar.com/.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0306s2p-global-dms-300dpi.jpg

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1028s2p-gdms-evo-300dpi.jpg

Global DMS, a leading provider of cloud-based appraisal management software, announced that it has been selected by MReport for its inaugural "Top 25 Fintech Innovators" award, which recognizes fintech companies within the mortgage industry that are poised to shape the future of the industry in 2020 and beyond.

Related link: https://www.globaldms.com/

Top of Mind takes home AVA Digital Awards platinum, gold for its dynamic creative content for mortgage lenders

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, took home four platinum and four gold awards in the 2020 AVA Digital Awards competition.

AVA Digital recognizes outstanding achievement by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. Work ranges from audio and video productions to websites and social media sites that present interactive components such as video, animation, blogs and podcasts. Now in its 26th year, the 2020 AVA Digital Awards fielded more than 2,500 entries from throughout the United States, Canada and 23 other countries.

"Top of Mind recognizes that while marketing automation tools can help lenders deliver with speed and efficiency, that's only half the battle. How you attract and speak to your audience is everything," said Top of Mind Chief Creative Officer Sherwood Lawrence. "We take great pride in continuously developing timely, creative content that captures the attention and wins the hearts of consumers at every stage in the homeownership journey."

Top of Mind was recognized for the following entries:

* Around the Neighborhood, a dynamic web animation educating borrowers on factors that could impact the value of a home, from recent nearby home sales to school zones to the typical commute. Produced in Adobe Animate, the video breaks new ground with the way it retrieves property data in real time to dynamically generate unique video content for each user.

* The Journey to Your New Home, an educational web animation that alleviates consumer trepidation around the homebuying process. It explains key documents required to secure a loan and teaches borrowers how to avoid common mistakes that can delay loan applications.

* Markets in a Minute, an interactive landing page that provides a snapshot view of the weekly market trends relevant to home purchase and refinance decisions.

* Tales of Great Interest, a humorous web animation that helps consumers contextualize interest rates and make better-informed decisions.

* The Trick or Treaters, an animated holiday eCard that uses humor and mystery to cut through the noise and keep lender outreach to prospects and customers fresh.

AVA Digital Awards is sponsored and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), an international organization consisting of several thousand production, marketing, communication, advertising, public relations and freelance professionals.

About Top of Mind Networks:

Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Top of Mind Networks ( https://www.topofmind.com ) has grown from a bootstrapped post-close, follow-up solution into the leading CRM/marketing automation firm in the mortgage industry. Their Surefire platform is widely regarded as the gold standard in enterprise CRM, automating best practice throughout a borrower's prospect-to-repeat-customer lifecycle.

Twitter: @mortgagecrm @AVA_Awards #creativematters #mortgagemarketing

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1230s2p-topofmind-logo-300dpi.jpg

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, took home four platinum and four gold awards in the 2020 AVA Digital Awards competition.

Related link: https://www.topofmind.com/

Top of Mind Joins Lenders One as a Preferred Provider

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, today announced it has joined Lenders One as a preferred provider. Top of Mind will offer Lenders One members access to marketing resources that help to strengthen consumer relationships and create customers for life.

Lenders One is a national mortgage cooperative serving more than 200 mortgage lenders, including banks, credit unions and independent mortgage banks. Lenders One provides its members with special access to a preferred provider network of premier mortgage technology and service vendors. Lenders One members may now enjoy special access to Top of Mind's expansive library of creative content and revenue-generating automated marketing campaigns through its flagship product, SurefireCRM.

"We are proud to announce that best-in-class CRM and marketing automation provider Top of Mind has become a preferred provider to the Lenders One mortgage cooperative," said Lenders One President Brian A. Simon. "The addition of Top of Mind to the Lenders One network further enhances member access to innovative technologies that help strengthen consumer relationships, increase borrower satisfaction and drive profitability."

"Both Top of Mind and Lenders One are committed to connecting lenders with resources that help them win new business, earn repeat business and deserve referral business," said Top of Mind CEO Bill Hayes. "Top of Mind looks forward to helping Lenders One members create meaningful customer connections with SurefireCRM's timely, creative and emotionally inspired content."

About Top of Mind Networks:

Founded in 2003, Atlanta-based Top of Mind Networks (https://www.topofmind.com) has grown from a bootstrapped post-close, follow-up solution into the leading CRM/marketing automation firm in the mortgage industry. Their Surefire platform is widely regarded as the gold standard in enterprise CRM, automating best practice throughout a borrower's prospect-to-repeat-customer lifecycle.

About Lenders One(r) Cooperative:

Lenders One (https://lendersone.com/) was established in 2000 as a national alliance of independent mortgage bankers, correspondent lenders and suppliers of mortgage products and services. Participants on the Lenders One platform originated approximately $280 billion of mortgages during 2018, collectively ranking as one of the largest retail mortgage entities in the U.S. Lenders One is managed by a subsidiary of Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/19-1230s2p-topofmind-logo-300dpi.jpg

@mortgagecrm @lendersone #WeAreL1 #CoopsAreCooler

Top of Mind Networks (Top of Mind), a leader in customer relationship management (CRM) and marketing automation software for the mortgage lending industry, today announced it has joined Lenders One as a preferred provider. Top of Mind will offer Lenders One members access to marketing resources that help to strengthen consumer relationships and create customers for life.

Related link: https://www.topofmind.com/

IDS Expands Help Center to Improve Mortgage Doc Prep Customer Service

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has opened a comprehensive, digital help center in its continuing efforts to enhance client support. The help center is part of Zendesk, a customer service platform IDS converted to in May 2019 to streamline the support process.

"Expanding our help center allows our team to communicate better and quicker internally and with our clients. It also provides our clients the opportunity to clearly see what is happening with their support requests, as well as easy access to all IDS resources," said IDS Vice President and General Manager Mark Mackey.

The help center allows customers to submit client support requests and see content and updates related to the submitted request. Additionally, clients can explore IDS content including FAQs, release notes, the state disclosure matrix and compliance updates. Internally, IDS Client Support representatives are able to tag old tickets by topic for easy sorting and reference, creating an ever-growing repository of common support questions to enable faster support resolution.

"Top-tier customer service has always been a pillar of strength for IDS, and as we continue to grow, our team decided that we needed to implement new tools to ensure that our growth never impacts response times on client requests and concerns," said IDS Operations Director David Clement. "Since switching our customer service portal to Zendesk, our clients have had access to a streamlined platform, and the new help center will only enhance and expand that experience."

About IDS, Inc.

IDS, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, was founded in 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a nationwide provider of mortgage documents and compliance. IDS services include eSignatures, closing documents, initial disclosures, document fulfillment and integration with leading loan origination systems and eClosing platforms. The IDS flagship doc prep solution, idsDoc, is recognized in the industry for its ability to be customized to meet specific lender needs, particularly in regards to major industry compliance changes.

Learn more: https://info.idsdoc.com/

Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has opened a comprehensive, digital help center in its continuing efforts to enhance client support. The help center is part of Zendesk, a customer service platform IDS converted to in May 2019 to streamline the support process.

Related link: https://info.idsdoc.com/

EPIC Adds Matthew Marmorek as National Practice Leader, Global (Non-U.S.) Employee Benefits

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Matthew Marmorek has joined the firm as National Practice Leader, Global (Non-U.S.) Employee Benefits.

Marmorek has worked in the international employee benefits industry for almost two decades. He specializes in developing innovative solutions to help multinational organizations meet their global employee benefit needs. He has extensive experience guiding clients through the implementation of financing vehicles such as multinational pooling, global underwriting, and captive arrangements, both on and off-shore including medical, non-medical and pension coverage.

Marmorek brings deep carrier relations and has worked with a network of international brokers to assist with ex-patriate, third country and local national population placements. His expertise will bring a new level of strength to the Employee Benefits team within EPIC.

At the start of his international benefits career, Marmorek grew and managed a large customer portfolio within the multinational benefits unit of a major U.S. based global insurer providing solutions in over 100 countries. Prior to joining EPIC, Marmorek was with Zurich Insurance Group. While there he assisted in the launch of their US based Expatriate Solutions Unit, oversaw new business development and acted as a liaison for key external partnerships. His experience provides him with a unique and specialized understanding of the global employee benefits landscape.

Marmorek earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a licensed life and health underwriter.

Said Craig Hasday, President, National Employee Benefits Practice, "Early in my career, I worked with Matt on a global pooling arrangement for one of my first global clients and was very impressed with his knowledge and professionalism. Our organization needs world-class talent to provide our clients and consultants with the most innovative and cost-effective solutions in this unique space. Matt brings to EPIC the necessary skills, knowledge and commitment and I am pleased to welcome him to EPIC."

Matthew Marmorek can be reached at:
matthew.marmorek[at]epicbrokers.com
646.515.7600(m)

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0317s2p-EPIC-Marmorek-300dpi.jpg

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Matthew Marmorek has joined the firm as National Practice Leader, Global (Non-U.S.) Employee Benefits.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

OpenClose Partners with Genworth Mortgage Insurance to Offer a Streamlined Mortgage Insurance Process from within its LenderAssist LOS

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose®, the industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it has partnered with Genworth Mortgage Insurance, an operating segment of Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW), establishing a direct integration to access mortgage insurance (MI) from the LenderAssist™ LOS platform.

The new integration works by leveraging OpenClose's RESTful API Suite, IntegrationAssist™, which makes interfacing with disparate systems easier to develop, quicker to implement and cost effective to maintain. Genworth is a full-service MI provider known for exceptional coverage, service and value. The Fortune 500 company has provided secure mortgage products for nearly 40 years. Its offerings are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"Providing real-time access to mortgage insurance pricing and certification workflow from within OpenClose helps our customers further automate their lending workflow and reduce costs. Our integration partnership with Genworth allows our mutual customers to immediately tap into their quality MI products," said Vince Furey, chief revenue officer (CRO) at OpenClose. "We are the industry leader in customer service and ease-of-use and this integration highlights that reality."

OpenClose customers can expect a seamless user experience within the LenderAssist™ LOS that optimizes the mortgage insurance pricing and certification process, eliminates data re-entry and returns MI commitment data and documents to the LenderAssist™ LOS.

"We're excited to partner with OpenClose, one of the leading LOS vendors in the industry," said Kevin McMahon, senior vice president of Customer Solutions at Genworth Mortgage Insurance. "Making it easier and more efficient to order MI from start to finish makes the overall lending process smoother for homebuyers."

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose® is a leading enterprise-class, multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist™, is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up. The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence. For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ or call (561) 655-6418.

About Genworth Mortgage Insurance:

Genworth Mortgage Insurance, an operating segment of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE: GNW), is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and operates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Genworth Mortgage Insurance works with lenders and other partners to help people responsibly achieve and maintain the dream of homeownership by ensuring the broad availability of affordable low down payment mortgage loans. Genworth has been providing mortgage insurance products and services in the U.S. since 1981. Visit the company's website at new.mortgageinsurance.genworth.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For OpenClose:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

For Genworth Mortgage Insurance:
Brittany Harris-Flowers
Genworth Mortgage Insurance
919-846-4417
brittany.harris-flowers@genworth.com

OpenClose Social Media: @OpenClose_LOS #OpenClose #LoanOriginationSoftware

Genworth Social Media: @GenworthMI #GenworthMI #MortgageInsurance

OpenClose®, the industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced it has partnered with Genworth Mortgage Insurance, an operating segment of Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW), establishing a direct integration to access mortgage insurance (MI) from the LenderAssist™ LOS platform.

Related link: https://www.openclose.com/

EPIC Adds Nick Nelson as Senior Vice President, Property and Casualty

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Nick Nelson has joined the firm as Senior Vice President in their property and casualty practice based in Rancho Cordova, California office. Nelson will report to Kevin E. Harnetiaux, COO, Pacific North Region.

Nelson brings nearly 15 years of insurance and financial services experience to his role. He will be responsible for business development, program placement and delivery of complex solutions to EPIC clients including attorneys and golf and country clubs. He has a strong background in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, vendors, colleagues and managers throughout his career.

Prior to joining EPIC, Nelson has held the positions of Vice President, Property & Casualty and Vice President, Business Development officer with USI Insurance Services and Wells Fargo. Within both organizations he worked closely with senior leadership of his clients to deliver consulting and brokerage services for all commercial lines and workers' compensation coverages.

Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management from Flagler in St. Augustine, Florida. He graduated summa cum laude and was a two-time NAIA Academic All-American.

Said Kevin Harnetiaux, COO, Pacific North Region, "We are fortunate to have Nick join our growing team and look forward to the expertise and dedication he will bring to our clients."

Nick Nelson can be reached at:
nick.nelson@epicbrokers.com
916.990.3210(m)
916.576.1543(w)

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country.

For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0313s2p-nick-nelson-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Nick Nelson has joined EPIC as Senior Vice President in their property and casualty practice based in Rancho Cordova, California office

EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, a retail property, casualty insurance brokerage and employee benefits consultant, announced today that Nick Nelson has joined the firm as Senior Vice President in their property and casualty practice based in Rancho Cordova, California office. Nelson will report to Kevin E. Harnetiaux, COO, Pacific North Region.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Refinance Spike Drives Continued Decrease in Critical Defect Rate, According to Q3 2019 ARMCO Mortgage QC Trends Report

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise financial risk mitigation solutions, announced the release of the quarterly ARMCO Mortgage QC Trends Report. The latest report covers third quarter (Q3) 2019 and provides loan quality findings for mortgages reviewed by ACES Audit Technology™.

In Q3 2019, the overall critical defect rate reached 1.56%, representing a 9% decrease from the previous quarter and resulting in the lowest defect rate since Q4 2016. This also represents a 19% improvement from the most recent critical defect rate peak, which occurred in Q4 2018.

"The driving force behind Q3's strong critical defect rate is the increase in refinances, which accounted for 40% of the overall volume of loans reviewed this quarter. Given the current rate environment and overall mortgage market conditions, ARMCO's outlook for both the critical defect rate and the market as a whole remains incredibly strong," said ARMCO Executive Vice President, Nick Volpe.

The report's noteworthy findings include:
* The percentage of government loans reviewed in Q3 fell as the interest rate environment drove more conventional refinances, resulting in a 10% improvement on FHA loan defects compared to the previous quarter.
* Defect performance for purchase loans also improved, with defect categories related to core underwriting and qualification showing improvements over Q2 2019.
* Increase in Property/Appraisal defects driven by lasting effects of Hurricane Dorian, Hurricane Humberto and the multiple wildfires in Northern and Southern California.

"While refinance transactions generally result in fewer defects, volume spikes can often have the opposite impact on loan quality," said ARMCO President, Phil McCall. "Leveraging technology helps lenders better manage mortgage volume peaks and valleys while always keeping the focus on loan quality."

ARMCO's Mortgage QC Industry Trends Reports are based on nationwide post-closing quality control loan data from over 90,000 unique loans selected for random full-file reviews, as was captured by the company's ACES Analytics benchmarking software. Defects listed in the report are categorized using the Fannie Mae loan defect taxonomy. ARMCO Mortgage QC Industry Trends Reports are available for download, free of charge, at https://www.armco.us/learn/reports.

About ARMCO

Over half of the top 25 mortgage lenders and 33% of the top 150 lenders and servicers combined choose ARMCO. ARMCO's product line includes loan quality enterprise software, services, data and analytics. Its flagship product, ACES Audit Technology™, has set the bar for user definability in its category. It is used at virtually every point in the mortgage lifecycle, as well as for a wide range of risk-prone business operations outside traditional mortgage origination and servicing.

ARMCO's consultative approach to customer relationships leverages 25 years of mortgage risk intel, assuring that its clients are using the most effective risk mitigation strategies, and are using the fastest, most reliable, most efficient means for preventing risk-related loss. ARMCO distributes the ARMCO Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report, a free quarterly analysis of industry-wide mortgage loan quality. For more information, visit www.armco.us or call 1-800-858-1598.

ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise financial risk mitigation solutions, announced the release of the quarterly ARMCO Mortgage QC Trends Report. The latest report covers third quarter (Q3) 2019 and provides loan quality findings for mortgages reviewed by ACES Audit Technology™.

Related link: https://www.armco.us/

SimpleNexus Wins ‘Best Digital Mortgage Platform’ at 2020 FinTech Breakthrough Awards

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, has been named the winner of the "Best Digital Mortgage Platform" award by FinTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global fintech market.

SimpleNexus was honored for its "from anywhere" digital mortgage platform, which connects loan originators with their borrowers and real estate partners to reduce turn times on loan approvals and disclosures, increase loan application submissions and deliver more referral business.

FinTech Breakthrough is the premier awards program recognizing fintech innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the world in categories in the banking, personal finance, lending, payments, investments, regtech and insurtech industries. The 2020 FinTech Breakthrough program accepted more than 3,750 nominations from around the globe.

"SimpleNexus is delivering impressive numbers with its digital mortgage mobile apps used by more than 215 mortgage companies, 22,000 loan originators, 89,000 real estate agents and 1.3 million borrowers nationwide," said FinTech Breakthrough Managing Director James Johnson. "We have seen an exciting uptick in companies disrupting the home-buying process for the better, and SimpleNexus sets a high standard for digital mortgage platforms. We look forward to continued growth and development from SimpleNexus, and we are pleased to name them a 2020 FinTech Breakthrough Award winner."

"SimpleNexus started as a weekend project and has grown to become one of the country's fastest-growing private companies. We credit that success to the way we prioritize the success of our customers," said SimpleNexus CEO Matt Hansen. "Today, more U.S. borrowers and lenders use SimpleNexus than any other technology of its kind. We look forward to continuing this growth trajectory and helping streamline the end-to-end home-buying experience for all parties involved."

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

About FinTech Breakthrough

Part of Tech Breakthrough (https://techbreakthroughawards.com/), a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for technology innovation and leadership, the FinTech Breakthrough awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Financial Technologies and Services companies and products. The FinTech Breakthrough awards provide public recognition for the achievements of fintech companies and products in categories including payments, personal finance, wealth management, fraud protection, banking, lending, regtech, insurtech and more. For more information, visit https://fintechbreakthrough.com/.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus @FinTech_Awards #digitalmortgage #FintechBreakthrough

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, has been named the winner of the "Best Digital Mortgage Platform" award by FinTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global fintech market.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

OpenClose Recognized as a 2020 Top Mortgage Employer by National Mortgage Professional Magazine for the Fourth Year in a Row

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose®, an industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced that it has again been chosen as a 'Top Mortgage Employer' for the fourth year in a row by selected by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) magazine.

NMP arrived at the 2020 winners after polling readers regarding their employers, which was based on the following criteria: corporate culture, compensation, day-to-day management, internal communications, organizational agility, employee training, company resources, marketing, business strategy, ingenuity, innovation, technology usage, overall reputation, and industry participation.

The magazine states that based on the above criteria, it weighted the reasons that were the most important to readers, collected nominations and votes, and factored in industry reputation to create the annual list of Top Mortgage Employers.

OpenClose was identified as a mortgage software fintech provider that hires the best and brightest in the industry with a focus on talent that has deep experience working at both mortgage lenders and mortgage technology vendors. This unique combination helps them better understand and serve customer needs, says the company.

"We are pleased to again earn a spot as a 2020 Top Mortgage Employer by NMP," said JP Kelly, president of OpenClose. "Our employees have rich backgrounds working in the mortgage industry and tend to be out-of-the-box, solution-oriented thinkers who go above and beyond to help customers be as successful as possible by leveraging our software. We're lucky to have assembled such a stellar team of passionate, driven, dedicated employees."

NMP is a well-respected, long-time industry source for extensive news coverage spanning mortgages, origination, compliance, secondary marketing, servicing, settlement, technology, trending, and more.

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose® is a leading enterprise-class, multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist™, is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up.

The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence. For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ or call (561) 655-6418.

Media Contact:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

Social Media: @OpenClose_LOS #OpenClose #LoanOriginationSoftware #NationalMortgageProfessional

OpenClose®, an industry-leading multi-channel loan origination system (LOS) and digital mortgage fintech provider, announced that it has again been chosen as a 'Top Mortgage Employer' for the fourth year in a row by selected by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) magazine.

Related link: https://www.openclose.com/

After, Inc. just launched its latest whitepaper on Warranty Marketing and Predictive Analytics

NORWALK, Conn. /ScoopCloud/ -- After, Inc., the global leader in Warranty Services since 2005, just announced the launch of its latest whitepaper on Warranty Marketing. The whitepaper, entitled "Optimizing Warranty Marketing with Predictive Analytics" offers readers a playbook of the most effective predictive models and marketing strategies to employ in order to increase revenue and profits in their Warranty Marketing programs.

Over the past 15 years, After, Inc. has mastered the use of predictive analytics in its Warranty Marketing campaigns for top manufacturing brands, helping them achieve higher attachment rates, customer satisfaction, and loyalty.

In its latest whitepaper, After, Inc. shares:
* the three most effective predictive models for warranty marketing
* how these models can be used to maximize revenue and profits, and
* a case study of how After Inc. helped one of the largest appliance manufacturers in the world optimize its warranty marketing programs.

To download a free copy of the whitepaper, click the link: http://afterinc.com/after-inc-whitepaper-how-to-optimize-warranty-marketing-with-predictive-analytics/

About After, Inc.

After, Inc. ( http://afterinc.com/ ) is a global leader in the Warranty Services industry, providing predictive analytics, data-driven marketing strategies, reporting and program administration to some of the world's top brands. After, Inc. helps manufacturers transform their warranty businesses, driving customer satisfaction post-purchase, higher product reliability, deeper brand equity and additional revenue / profit opportunities.

Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. and with offices in New York City, After, Inc. is part of EPIC Portfolio Group, a unique and innovative retail property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and consulting firm with over 2,600 employees across the United States.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-1030s2p-after-inc-300dpi.jpg

After, Inc., the global leader in Warranty Services since 2005, just announced the launch of its latest whitepaper on Warranty Marketing. The whitepaper, entitled "Optimizing Warranty Marketing with Predictive Analytics" offers readers a playbook of the most effective predictive models and marketing strategies to employ in order to increase revenue and profits in their Warranty Marketing programs.

Related link: http://afterinc.com/

ReverseVision Names Mortgage Technology Veteran Joe Langner President

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- ReverseVision, the leading provider of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology, today announced the appointment of Joe Langner as president. Langner will lead the company to achieve its strategic vision of establishing HECM and private reverse mortgages as lending portfolio staples alongside traditional and government loans.

Langner has nearly 30 years' executive experience driving growth at marquis mortgage technology and software companies. A former executive vice president and chief sales officer at Ellie Mae, Langner executed the firm's initial public offering in 2011 and considerably grew its market share during his tenure. Most recently, Langner served as chief executive officer at Blue Sage, a cloud-based, digital lending platform for retail, wholesale and correspondent lenders.

His other notable positions include president at PCLender, a digital mortgage technology provider and Fiserv affiliate; executive vice president and general manager at Sage, the global market leader in operations management technology for small and medium businesses; and senior vice president at Dun and Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics.

In October 2019, ReverseVision announced its transformation as an API-enabled, flexible reverse mortgage lending platform in conjunction with substantial product upgrades, including its transition to cloud computing architecture; the introduction of a loan import API enabling third party systems to prepopulate a reverse mortgage file within ReverseVision Exchange (RVX); and streamlined product selection menus.

"Joe's proven ability to satisfy industry and customer needs make him the right person to lead ReverseVision as it transforms reverse mortgage lending," said ReverseVision Chief Executive Officer John Button. "He is the best person in the industry to execute our strategic vision of bringing reverse mortgage lending into operational coexistence in the broader mortgage market using our cloud-based, API-enabled lending technology platform."

"Today, HECMs and private reverse mortgage programs are vastly underutilized despite market need because, until recently, there has not been an operationally pragmatic way for lenders to integrate reverse products alongside their forward offerings," said Langner. "I've joined ReverseVision because their innovative vision to integrate reverse products into the mortgage ecosystem is exactly what borrowers and lenders need."

About ReverseVision

ReverseVision, Inc. is the leading Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology platform, supporting more reverse mortgage transactions than all other systems combined. The company's comprehensive product suite flexes to lenders' unique business and operational models, connecting all lending participants across the entire reverse mortgage lifecycle to meet borrowers where they are in life. A six-time HousingWire TECH100™ company, ReverseVision continues to build on its technology's pioneering capabilities with frequent enhancements.

For more information, visit https://www.reversevision.com/.

Twitter: @reversevision #digitalmortgage #HECM

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0311-s2p-Joe-Langner-300dpi.jpg

ReverseVision, the leading provider of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology, today announced the appointment of Joe Langner as president. Langner will lead the company to achieve its strategic vision of establishing HECM and private reverse mortgages as lending portfolio staples alongside traditional and government loans.

Related link: https://www.reversevision.com/

HousingWire Names Global DMS a 2020 Tech100 Award Winner for EVO Appraisal Management Software

LANSDALE, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- Global DMS, a leading provider of cloud-based appraisal management software, announced that it has earned a spot on HousingWire's seventh annual Tech100 awards list, which recognizes the most innovative technology companies in the U.S. housing economy, spanning the real estate mortgage industries.

"This year's Tech100 winners blew past innovation, moving beyond innovation to transformation," HousingWire's Associate Magazine Editor Kelsey Ramírez said. "In both the real estate and mortgage sectors, fintech companies continue to create new ways to approach the housing process, improving efficiencies, cutting costs and creating a new experience for all parties involved."

Global DMS® was recognized for the successful development and roll-out of EVO-Res™ - the industry's next-generation valuation management technology for residential lenders, AMCs, and appraisers. EVO-Res offers state-of-the-art technological advances that allows users to work the way they need to work, which is very different than other platforms currently available in the market.

EVO-Res is user role-based, providing a customized experience for each user that includes separate dashboards and task lists to help drive optimal performance. The platform is also 100% configurable-allowing users to configure every field and/or add new fields on the fly-and provides custom order forms, review forms and detailed reporting, where users can build the forms and reports they need in minutes. Previously, these types of changes would require costly and time-consuming development intervention.

"We put a great deal of thought into the design and underlying functionality of EVO-Res, collaborating with clients and diligently operating in an R&D mode for years," said Vladimir Bien-Aime, President and CEO of Global DMS. "We're thrilled that our efforts landed us on HousingWire's 2020 Tech100 list and honored to receive this recognition."

"The winners of the 2020 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage and Real Estate awards are truly the most impactful and innovative companies in housing," said HousingWire CEO, Clayton Collins. "Not only do these companies empower their clients and users, they are supporting a more efficient, accessible and sustainable housing economy."

For the complete list of HousingWire's 2020 Tech100 winners, please visit: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/here-are-the-2020-housingwire-tech100-mortgage-winners/

About Global DMS:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Pennsylvania, Global DMS is a leading provider of cloud-based commercial and residential real estate valuation solutions. The company's solution set is cost effectively delivered on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) transactional basis that ensures compliance adherence, reduces costs, increases efficiencies and expedites the entire real estate appraisal process.

Global DMS solutions include its new EVO-Residential™ (EVO-Res) platform for residential lending, EVO-Commercial™ (EVO-C) platform for commercial lending, eTrac® Enterprise valuation management platform for residential lending, SnapVal™ appraisal pricing solution, eTrac WebForms, Global Kinex®, AVMs, the MISMO Appraisal Review System (MARS®), ATOM (Appraisal Tracking on Mobile.

For more information, visit https://www.globaldms.com/ or call (877) 866-2747.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward.

Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0306s2p-global-dms-300dpi.jpg

Global DMS, a leading provider of cloud-based appraisal management software, announced that it has earned a spot on HousingWire's seventh annual Tech100 awards list, which recognizes the most innovative technology companies in the U.S. housing economy, spanning the real estate mortgage industries.

Related link: https://www.globaldms.com/

LendUS delivers on promise of smart advice, an easy process and super speed with SimpleNexus digital mortgage platform

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, announced that 90% of loan officers at LendUS now use SimpleNexus to collaborate on loan applications with borrowers and referral partners. LendUS is one of the nation's top 25 lenders, producing north of $5B annually in loan volume.

According to LendUS EVP of Client Services Erin Hamilton, SimpleNexus' ability to bring all loan parties together in one app was a major factor in its successful rollout across nearly 800 employees at 91 branches.

"It's confusing for borrowers to have to juggle multiple logins and visit multiple websites to apply for a loan, upload documents and sign disclosures," Hamilton said. "SimpleNexus corrals the whole process in a single system, helping us deliver on our promise of providing customers with smart advice, an easy process and super speed."

SimpleNexus' disclosure toolset enables borrowers and loan officers to securely review and eSign documents inside the SimpleNexus app, with no additional login and without disruption to the lender's existing disclosure desk processes.

The LendUS team has also benefited from SimpleNexus' ability to create opportunities for loan officers to forge and maintain partner relationships.

"Our loan advisors appreciate the additional communication that SimpleNexus provides to their Realtor partners," explained Hamilton, adding that SimpleNexus' speedy, mobile-driven application process and real-time status updates have helped LendUS become the lender of choice for real estate agents that previously worked with competitors.

"Loan milestone updates keep referral partners in the loop throughout the entire loan process, enabling the referral partner and loan originator to guide the borrower as a team," said SimpleNexus CEO Matt Hansen. "At the same time, the app is so easy-to-use and self-contained that borrowers can feel confident uploading documents and even signing disclosures with little or no handholding."

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go. Learn more: https://simplenexus.com/

About LendUS:

Based in Alamo, California, LendUS®, LLC is one of the country's top family-owned and operated private mortgage lenders. LendUS® is the culmination of the uniting of American Eagle Mortgage and RPM Mortgage, two well-established companies with like-minded industry veterans. This unification allows LendUS® to combine the ultra-attentive service of a small firm with the competitive rates and broad product selection of a nationwide lender.

With a focus on providing customers with smart advice and an easy process with super speed, LendUS® currently serves 41 states with an eye on growth. For more information, please visit https://www.lend.us, call 925-295-9300, follow @LendUSLLC on Facebook or follow @lend.us on Instagram.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage @LendUSLLC

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, announced that 90% of loan officers at LendUS now use SimpleNexus to collaborate on loan applications with borrowers and referral partners. LendUS is one of the nation's top 25 lenders, producing north of $5B annually in loan volume.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

NotaryCam Named to 2020 HW Tech100 Mortgage List

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- NotaryCam®, the pioneering leader in online notarization and original provider of mortgage eClosing solutions, today announced that it has been included on the seventh annual HW Tech100 list published by housing and mortgage industry trade magazine HousingWire. This marks NotaryCam's second straight appearance on the HW Tech100 list, which recognizes highlights "tech innovation that captures the entire U.S. housing economy, spanning real estate to mortgage lending, servicing, and investments."

"NotaryCam is honored to once again be recognized by HousingWire for our efforts to push for innovation in the real estate industry," said NotaryCam Founder and CEO Rick Triola. "NotaryCam is proud to have not only introduced remote online notarization (RON) to the real estate and mortgage industries, but also to have pounded the pavement and played a prominent role in expanding RON adoption and legislation since 2012. To date, 22 states have passed RON legislation, proving that this is a growing sector. NotaryCam is proud to champion efforts nationwide to expand RON and bring convenience to the closing table."

HousingWire editors highlighted NotaryCam's ability to conduct remote closing ceremonies without restrictions on the type, number or location of participants allowed to join the closing room. NotaryCam has facilitated more than 200,000 RON transactions in all 50 states and 146 countries. Additionally noted was NotaryCam's growth in 2019. Following a nearly 140 percent 2018 increase in new users, NotaryCam surpassed 200,000 users in the first half of 2019 and averaged over 10,000 new users monthly.

"There will always be doubt and opposition surrounding emerging technologies, but NotaryCam has worked hard to neutralize fears surrounding RON," continued Triola. "RON is steadily becoming an accepted and lauded practice in our field and NotaryCam is proud to have led that charge."

"HousingWire's motto for 2020 is growth through focus. With that lens, the Tech100 program underwent mitosis and emerged as two highly focused awards - Tech100 Real Estate and Tech100 Mortgage. While collaboration between real estate and mortgage professionals has never been higher, the tools and solutions that empower these professionals to excel are often entirely different." said HousingWire CEO, Clayton Collins. "The winners of the 2020 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage and Real Estate awards are truly the most impactful and innovative companies in housing. Not only do these companies empower their clients and users, they are supporting a more efficient, accessible and sustainable housing economy."

The full list of this year's winners is available at https://www.housingwire.com/articles/here-are-the-2020-housingwire-tech100-mortgage-winners.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

About NotaryCam

After pioneering the world's first multi-party/multi-state remote online notarization (RON), career real estate executive Rick Triola founded NotaryCam and completed the first mortgage remote online closing (ROC) in 2014. Today, NotaryCam is the leader in online notarization and mortgage eClosing solutions, having notarized documents worldwide for hundreds of thousands of customers in all 50 states and more than 146 countries. The company's patented eClose360® platform delivers the "perfect" online mortgage closing in every jurisdiction and supports all eClosing scenarios - RON, IPEN or Hybrids - with a flexible workflow for document recording and unparalleled identity verification, security and customer convenience. NotaryCam also proudly maintains an industry-leading 99.8 percent customer satisfaction rating.

Visit https://www.notarycam.com for additional information or to get a document notarized today.

NotaryCam®, the pioneering leader in online notarization and original provider of mortgage eClosing solutions, today announced that it has been included on the seventh annual HW Tech100TM list published by housing and mortgage industry trade magazine HousingWire.

Related link: https://www.notarycam.com/

IDS Earns HW Tech100 Honor For Sixth Year

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has been named to the 2020 HW Tech100™ Mortgage list published by mortgage industry trade magazine HousingWire. 2020 marks IDS' sixth overall appearance on the list.

"At IDS, we strive to offer our clients reality-based solutions to the ever-changing demands of the mortgage industry," said IDS Vice President and General Manager Mark Mackey. "IDS is honored to consistently be recognized by HousingWire as a tech leader in the housing economy, and I would like to thank our team for making that possible."

The HW Tech100 program highlights tech innovation that captures the entire U.S. housing economy, spanning real estate to mortgage lending, servicing, and investments. HousingWire editors noted IDS' 2019 quarterly doc increase, including a 30% increase in the third quarter over the same period in 2018. Additionally, IDS expanded its services by integrating with Questsoft, allowing Questsoft customers to directly order 4506-T income verifications to be eSigned through idsDoc.

"This year's Tech100 winners blew past innovation, moving beyond innovation to transformation," HousingWire Associate Magazine Editor Kelsey Ramírez said. "In both the real estate and mortgage sectors, fintech companies continue to create new ways to approach the housing process, improving efficiencies, cutting costs and creating a new experience for all parties involved."

To view the full list of winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/here-are-the-2020-housingwire-tech100-mortgage-winners.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

About IDS, Inc.

IDS, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, was founded in 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a nationwide provider of mortgage documents and compliance. IDS services include eSignatures, closing documents, initial disclosures, document fulfillment and integration with leading loan origination systems and eClosing platforms. The IDS flagship doc prep solution, idsDoc, is recognized in the industry for its ability to be customized to meet specific lender needs, particularly in regards to major industry compliance changes. (https://info.idsdoc.com/)

Mortgage document preparation vendor International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), announced it has been named to the 2020 HW Tech100™ Mortgage list published by mortgage industry trade magazine HousingWire. 2020 marks IDS' sixth overall appearance on the list.

Related link: https://info.idsdoc.com/

ARMCO Makes HW Tech100 Mortgage List for Sixth Consecutive Year

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise financial risk mitigation solutions, announced today it has been named to the 2020 HW Tech100™ Mortgage list published by mortgage industry trade magazine HousingWire. This marks ARMCO's sixth consecutive appearance on the HW Tech100 list, which highlights tech innovation that captures the entire U.S. housing economy, spanning real estate to mortgage lending, servicing and investments.

"At ARMCO, our unrelenting focus is on helping lenders achieve greater loan quality and reducing risk to their organizations. As a result, we are constantly making adjustments and enhancements to our product offerings to ensure we are staying on top of regulatory demands and providing lenders with best-in-class quality control technology," ARMCO CEO Trevor Gauthier said. "We are incredibly grateful to the staff at HousingWire for recognizing ARMCO's commitment to excellence and including us on this year's Tech100 Mortgage list."

"HousingWire's motto for 2020 is growth through focus. With that lens, the Tech100 program underwent mitosis and emerged as two highly focused awards - Tech100 Real Estate and Tech100 Mortgage. While collaboration between real estate and mortgage professionals has never been higher, the tools and solutions that empower these professionals to excel are often entirely different," said HousingWire CEO, Clayton Collins. "The winners of the 2020 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage and Real Estate awards are truly the most impactful and innovative companies in housing. Not only do these companies empower their clients and users, they are supporting a more efficient, accessible and sustainable housing economy."

In ARMCO's profile, HousingWire's editors noted ARMCO consolidated QC for mortgage and consumer lending into one central unit and reduced monthly reports for lenders from eight manually compiled reports to one interactive report. ACES Audit Technology™ expedites turn times, increases reliability and imparts standardization, accountability and auditability in virtually any quality control process. In 2019, ACES Audit Technology allowed users to recapture roughly 16 skilled labor hours per month to QC the same volume of loans, reduce turn times for month-end reports from several days to roughly one hour and replace email and spreadsheets with a secure, real-time online platform that enables seamless real-time information sharing among multiple locations.

"This year's Tech100 winners blew past innovation, moving beyond innovation to transformation," HousingWire Associate Magazine Editor Kelsey Ramírez said. "In both the real estate and mortgage sectors, fintech companies continue to create new ways to approach the housing process, improving efficiencies, cutting costs and creating a new experience for all parties involved."

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

About ARMCO

Over half of the top 25 mortgage lenders and 33% of the top 150 lenders and servicers combined choose ARMCO. ARMCO's product line includes loan quality enterprise software, services, data and analytics. Its flagship product, ACES Audit Technology™, has set the bar for user definability in its category. It is used at virtually every point in the mortgage lifecycle, as well as for a wide range of risk-prone business operations outside traditional mortgage origination and servicing. ARMCO's consultative approach to customer relationships leverages 25 years of mortgage risk intel, assuring that its clients are using the most effective risk mitigation strategies, and are using the fastest, most reliable, most efficient means for preventing risk-related loss. ARMCO distributes the ARMCO Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report, a free quarterly analysis of industry-wide mortgage loan quality. For more information, visit www.armco.us or call 1-800-858-1598.

CES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise financial risk mitigation solutions, announced today it has been named to the 2020 HW Tech100™ Mortgage list published by mortgage industry trade magazine HousingWire.

Related link: https://www.armco.us/

FormFree Named to HousingWire’s Tech100 List of the Housing Economy’s Most Innovative Companies for a Sixth Time

ATHENS, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- FormFree® has been named a recipient of HousingWire's eighth annual HW Tech100 award. This is the sixth year FormFree has been recognized by HousingWire as a leading innovator in housing technology.

The Tech100 program celebrates the technology companies whose solutions have been most impactful in helping mortgage lenders and real estate professionals solve business challenges. The program becomes more competitive each year as the number of technology providers in the housing space continues to grow.

"The winners of the 2020 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage and Real Estate awards are truly the most impactful and innovative companies in housing," said HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. "Not only do these companies empower their clients and users, they are supporting a more efficient, accessible and sustainable housing economy."

"This year's Tech100 winners ... create new ways to approach the housing process, improving efficiencies, cutting costs and creating a new experience for all parties involved," added HousingWire Associate Magazine Editor Kelsey Ramírez.

"FormFree's ambition to transform the way lenders and borrowers come to understand one another knows no bounds," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "This spirit of innovation drives everything we do, and we are honored that HousingWire has continued to recognize us as one of the industry's leading innovators year after year."

For a complete list of winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/here-are-the-2020-housingwire-tech100-mortgage-winners/ .

About HousingWire

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

About FormFree

FormFree® is a market-leading fintech company whose revolutionary products AccountChek® and Passport(tm) are changing the credit decisioning landscape and encouraging lenders nationwide to incorporate a more holistic view of each borrower's financial DNA. To date, thousands of U.S. lenders and brokers have ordered millions of FormFree's patented verification reports representing over a trillion dollars in loan verifications. FormFree delights borrowers and lenders with a paperless experience, reduces origination timelines by up to 20 days and offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and investors using a secure ReIssueKey(tm). A HousingWire TECH100(tm) company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Athens, Georgia.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Twitter: @RealFormFree @HousingWire #Tech100

FormFree® has been named a recipient of HousingWire's eighth annual HW Tech100 award. This is the sixth year FormFree has been recognized by HousingWire as a leading innovator in housing technology.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

Matthew LeBlanc named Eastern Region Healthcare Practice Leader for Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC announced today that Matthew LeBlanc has been named Healthcare Practice Leader for the Eastern Region reporting to Susan Tewhill, National Healthcare Practice Leader for Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

LeBlanc has been in the healthcare liability market for over 15 years, most recently leading the Physician practice based in West Hartford, Connecticut. In his expanded role, LeBlanc will be responsible for overseeing Edgewood Healthcare Advisors Eastern Region as well as retention and growth of the practice. He will continue his leadership role with the Physician Practice as well.

LeBlanc has held positions as Partner/Broker at Healthcare Risk Specialists and Underwriter during his career. LeBlanc holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations from Quinnipiac University. He has also earned a Registered Professional Liability Underwriter designation.

Said Susan Tewhill, National Managing Principal, "We are thrilled to have Matt step into this added leadership role and know that he will help the practice grow and provide consulting services to our clients in the healthcare industry."

Matthew LeBlanc can be reached at:
matthew.leblanc@epicbrokers.com
860.521.8555 (Main)
978.808.9716 (Mobile)

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0305s2p-matt-leblanc-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Matthew LeBlanc has been named Healthcare Practice Leader for the Eastern Region at Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC announced today that Matthew LeBlanc has been named Healthcare Practice Leader for the Eastern Region reporting to Susan Tewhill, National Healthcare Practice Leader for Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

SimpleNexus Makes Third Consecutive Appearance on HousingWire Tech100 List of Most Innovative Companies in Mortgage Technology

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, has been named to HousingWire's HW Tech100 for the third year in a row. Now in its eighth year, the HW Tech100 recognizes the most innovative technology companies in the U.S. housing economy.

HousingWire's Tech100 program is designed to provide housing professionals a definitive list of the most innovative and impactful companies solving the problems mortgage lenders and real estate professionals face every day. Competition for the Tech100 program grows more competitive each year.

"The winners of the 2020 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage and Real Estate awards are truly the most impactful and innovative companies in housing," said HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. "Not only do these companies empower their clients and users, they are supporting a more efficient, accessible and sustainable housing economy."

"We are incredibly proud that lenders and their referral partners continue to look to SimpleNexus as a leader in mortgage technology," said SimpleNexus Founder and CEO Matt Hansen. "We are earnest in our belief that innovation begins with listening to your customers, and we never tire of helping lenders find new ways to forge and enrich their connections with borrowers and Realtors."

For a complete list of winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/here-are-the-2020-housingwire-tech100-mortgage-winners/.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus @HousingWire #Tech100

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, has been named to HousingWire's HW Tech100 for the third year in a row. Now in its eighth year, the HW Tech100 recognizes the most innovative technology companies in the U.S. housing economy.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

ReverseVision Named 2020 HW Tech100 Mortgage Company for Sixth Year

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- ReverseVision, the leading provider of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology, today announced it has been named a HousingWire (HW) Tech100 Mortgage company for a sixth year. ReverseVision was previously named a HW Tech100 honoree in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

ReverseVision was recognized for helping lenders connect seniors with financial solutions with its best-in-class technology. ReverseVision is the mortgage industry's reverse platform of choice, having originated more HECMs and private reverse mortgage loans than all other technologies combined.

"ReverseVision is committed to evolving platform functionality and equipping every lender - forward and reverse - with tools to easily integrate HECM and private reverse mortgages into the loan evaluation, sales and origination process for every applicable senior borrower," said ReverseVision Vice President of Sales and Marketing Wendy Peel. "It is an honor to be recognized by HousingWire."

"This year's Tech100 winners blew past innovation, moving beyond innovation to transformation," HousingWire Associate Magazine Editor Kelsey Ramírez said. "In both the real estate and mortgage sectors, fintech companies continue to create new ways to approach the housing process, improving efficiencies, cutting costs and creating a new experience for all parties involved."

"HousingWire's motto for 2020 is growth through focus," said HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. "The winners of the 2020 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage and Real Estate awards are truly the most impactful and innovative companies in housing. Not only do these companies empower their clients and users, they are supporting a more efficient, accessible and sustainable housing economy."

Now in its eight year, the HW Tech100 Mortgage program showcases the housing industry's most innovative and impactful digital mortgage technology providers. To view the complete list of 2020 HW Tech 100 honorees, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/here-are-the-2020-housingwire-tech100-mortgage-winners/.

About ReverseVision

ReverseVision, Inc. is the leading Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology platform, supporting more reverse mortgage transactions than all other systems combined. The company's comprehensive product suite flexes to lenders' unique business and operational models, connecting all lending participants across the entire reverse mortgage lifecycle to meet borrowers where they are in life. A six-time HousingWire TECH100(tm) company, ReverseVision continues to build on its technology's pioneering capabilities with frequent enhancements.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

For more information, visit https://www.reversevision.com/.

Twitter: @ReverseVision @HousingWire #HWTech100 #digitalmortgage #HECM

ReverseVision, the leading provider of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) and private reverse mortgage sales and origination technology, today announced it has been named a HousingWire (HW) Tech100 Mortgage company for a sixth year.

Related link: https://www.reversevision.com/

LBA Ware Recognized as 2020 HW Tech100 Company for Helping Mortgage Lenders Drive Profitability with Performance Management Software

MACON, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced it has been named a winner of HousingWire's annual HW Tech100 award, which recognizes the most innovative and impactful technology companies in the U.S. housing economy. This is LBA Ware's sixth consecutive year to be included in the list.

LBA Ware was recognized for its suite of software solutions designed exclusively for mortgage lenders, including CompenSafe™, the only incentive compensation management platform of its kind, and the introduction of LimeGear, a turnkey business intelligence platform. To date, LBA Ware has processed over $4.6 billion in lifetime incentive compensation while helping lenders optimize performance.

"We are honored to be recognized by HousingWire for a sixth consecutive year," said LBA Ware Founder and CEO Lori Brewer. "Because every lender approaches incentive compensation differently, CompenSafe's mission to simplify compensation plan management is a labor of constant innovation. That same innovative spirit fuels our LimeGear business intelligence solution, which shows mortgage lenders what's happening in their businesses (and why) and indicates next steps for continued success."

"Fintech companies continue to create new ways to approach the housing process, improving efficiencies, cutting costs and creating a new experience for all parties involved," said HousingWire Associate Magazine Editor Kelsey Ramírez.

"The winners of the 2020 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage and Real Estate awards are truly the most impactful and innovative companies in housing," added HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins. "Not only do these companies empower their clients and users, they are supporting a more efficient, accessible and sustainable housing economy."

To view the complete list of 2020 HW Tech100 winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/here-are-the-2020-housingwire-tech100-mortgage-winners/.

About LBA Ware™:

LBA Ware is a leading provider of cloud-based software for mortgage lenders. Since 2008, LBA Ware has been on a mission to help mortgage companies reach new heights with software that integrates data, incentivizes performance and inspires results. Today, lenders of all sizes, including some of the nation's top-producing mortgage companies, use LBA Ware's award-winning technology to enhance lender experiences and maximize the human potential within their organizations. A 2019 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private company, LBA Ware is headquartered in Macon, Georgia. For more information, visit https://www.lbaware.com.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 7.5 million unique visitors each year. Our audience of mortgage, real estate, financial services and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit https://www.housingwire.com/ or https://www.solutions.housingwire.com/ to learn more.

Twitter: @LBAWare @HousingWire #Tech100

LBA Ware™, a leading provider of incentive compensation management (ICM) and business intelligence software solutions for the mortgage industry, announced it has been named a winner of HousingWire's annual HW Tech100 award, which recognizes the most innovative and impactful technology companies in the U.S. housing economy.

Related link: https://go.lbaware.com/

EPIC Announces Tim Brenneman as President and National Private Client Practice Leader

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- EPIC announced today that Tim Brenneman has been named President and National Private Client Practice Leader for its newly reorganized National Private Client Practice team reporting to Executive Chairman and Co-Founder John Hahn. "Tim is a well-known and respected leader in this space having built a formidable Private Client business for Cook Maran and Prime Risk. We are very excited about our strategy to change the game from a legacy transactional play to one of high touch concierge consultative services as well as creative risk management solutions for High Net Worth clients."

The national practice reinforces EPIC's commitment to personal and private client business and will support the company's aggressive growth plans in this space. EPIC's regional offices today provide insurance consultation and protection to more than 45,000 individuals nationwide. In addition to the core protections of auto, home, and liability, a unique offering designed to protect emerging risks including cyber, D&O, reputational risk, and investor fraud will allow clients to customize protection around their individual risk profile.

Brenneman recently joined EPIC after Prime Risk Partners was acquired by the firm in November 2019. He spent the past 30 years as the personal and private client business leader for Cook Maran & Associates, a regional brokerage based out of East Hampton, NY and with offices throughout New York and New Jersey.

Said Tim Brenneman: "We already have regional teams with tremendous capabilities and this will be an opportunity to build a best practices organization around a national sales, service, and support structure. We have great potential and I couldn't be more excited to get started."

About EPIC Holdings

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0303s2p-Tim-Brenneman-300dpi.jpg

EPIC announced today that Tim Brenneman has been named President and National Private Client Practice Leader for its newly reorganized National Private Client Practice team reporting to Executive Chairman and Co-Founder John Hahn.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute Now A Tier 1 In-Network Provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

FREEHOLD, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) announced today that it is now a TIER 1 in-network provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ). AOSMI is participating in all Horizon BCBSNJ medical plans including OMNIA℠ Health plans. Horizon BCBSNJ members with OMNIA℠ Health plans have lower co-pays and lower deductibles when they choose an OMNIA℠ TIER 1 provider for their health care services.

"We are excited to offer Horizon plan participants access to our wide range of orthopedic care services," says Michael M. Greller, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAOS, managing partner of AOSMI. "We look forward to working with Horizon to provide our patients and communities with greater access to high-quality orthopedic care."

Established in 2007, Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is the result of a merger between two of the Freehold area's longest-tenured medical groups - Western Monmouth Orthopedic Associates and New Jersey Orthopedic Associates. Over the last 25 years, each has earned a stellar reputation throughout the community as a true leader in the practice of orthopedics, sports medicine, interventional pain management, podiatry and physical therapy services. Through the consolidation of the practices, AOSMI has achieved great synergies, and by drawing on the complementary strengths of each, it is able to deliver a truly exceptional patient experience.

Senior physicians at AOSMI with longstanding relationships with patients and a history of positive outcomes are board-certified orthopedic surgeons Michael Greller, MD, Alan Nasar, MD, Gregg Berkowitz, MD, James Cozzarelli, MD and Grigory Goldberg, MD. Together with other physicians on staff, they treat all orthopedic problems of the hips, knees, ankles, feet, shoulders, elbows, hands, spine and neck. Some treatments they provide are arthroscopic surgery; shoulder, hip and knee surgery; cartilage and ligament repair; total joint replacement; orthotics and foot care; minimally invasive spine surgery; nerve pain blocks; injections and regenerative medicine.

"As an OMNIA TIER 1 network provider of Horizon, we are committed to providing our patients with the best patient experience and outcomes," Dr. Greller says. "Our mission is to help all our patients live their lives as actively and pain free as possible. We look forward to growing the state-of-the-art services we can provide in the communities we serve."

AOSMI has offices in Freehold and Monroe and is accepting new patients at each location. It also offers same day appointments for urgent care.

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is an orthopedic, sports medicine, interventional pain management, podiatry and physical therapy center that helps patients throughout New Jersey return to their normal activities as soon as possible. AOSMI utilizes the latest advanced therapies to provide patients the highest level of care. The physicians are Michael Greller, MD, MBA, Alan Nasar, MD, Gregg Berkowitz, MD, James Cozzarelli, MD, Grigory Goldberg, MD, Gerardo Goldberger, DO, Alison DeWaters, DPM, Stacey Gallacher, MD, Eric Buxbaum, DO, Ali Valimahomed, MD and John Georgy, MD, MBA.

More information about AOSMI can be found at https://advancedorthosports.com/.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0302s2p-advanced-ortho-300dpi.jpg

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (AOSMI) announced today that it is now a TIER 1 in-network provider with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ). AOSMI is participating in all Horizon BCBSNJ medical plans including OMNIA℠ Health plans.

Related link: https://advancedorthosports.com/

EPIC Adds Dan Joyal as a Vice President with Edgewood Healthcare Advisors

BOSTON, Mass. /ScoopCloud/ -- Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, announced that Dan Joyal has joined the Boston healthcare team as a Vice President.

Joyal has a decade of insurance industry experience with both retail and wholesale brokerages. Prior to joining EPIC, Joyal was with HUB International where he consulted and placed all lines of coverage in their healthcare vertical. His clients included physician groups, allied healthcare facilities and life sciences organizations. Prior to Hub, Joyal spent five years with CRC Swett & Crawford focused on professional liability; executive liability; and cyber/privacy liability.

Joyal earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont. He is a licensed Property & Casualty broker and is currently pursuing a Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU) designation.

Said Susan Tewhill, National Practice Leader, Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, "We are fortunate to have Dan join our growing national healthcare practice. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will benefit our clients and our organization."

"The Boston Healthcare team is excited to welcome Dan as a healthcare broker. His track record of excellent client service and healthcare knowledge will bring added value to our clients." said Julie Buckley, Managing Principal, Edgewood Healthcare Advisors.

Dan Joyal can be reached at:
dan.joyal@epicbrokers.com
508.212.4071(m)
617.531.6870(w)

About EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

EPIC Holdings, Inc. is the corporate parent overseeing investments across the entire EPIC platform. The firm's core retail insurance brokerage business, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, now has more than 2,600 team members operating from more than 80 offices across the U.S., providing Property and Casualty, Employee Benefits, Specialty Programs, and Private Client solutions to EPIC clients.

EPIC has created a values-based, client-focused culture that attracts and retains top talent, fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty and sustains a high level of customer service excellence. EPIC team members have consistently recognized their company as a "Best Place to Work" in multiple regions and as a "Best Place to Work in the Insurance Industry" nationally.

EPIC ranks among the top 15 retail insurance brokers in the U.S. Backed and sponsored by Oak Hill Capital Partners, the company continues to expand organically and through strategic acquisitions across the country. For additional information, please visit https://www.epicbrokers.com/.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0302s2p-dan-joyal-300dpi.jpg

Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants, announced that Dan Joyal has joined the Boston healthcare team as a Vice President.

Related link: https://www.epicbrokers.com/

ARMCO Enhances ACES IQ with Addition of HMDA Questionnaires

DENVER, Colo. /ScoopCloud/ -- ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise financial risk mitigation solutions, announced today it has added questionnaires related to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) to the ACES Intelligent Questionnaire (ACES IQ) functionality contained within the ACES Audit Technology™ system. With this set of HMDA-specific questions, ACES users can quickly and easily conduct quality control on their HMDA data before reporting this data to their assigned federal HMDA regulator.

"With the CFPB's 2019 HMDA rule changes now firmly in effect, lending institutions have a better idea of where their individual responsibilities reside in regards to HMDA reporting," ARMCO CEO Trevor Gauthier said. "Given this recent move from yearly to quarterly reporting, ARMCO felt the time was right to introduce HMDA-specific questionnaires to enable our customers to streamline and perfect their data integrity auditing for HMDA."

These additions are the latest in a series of expansions to the ACES IQ content library designed to enhance the compliance support ARMCO provides to its users. Using both managed and custom quality control audit questions, ACES IQ assists lenders in addressing regulations and guidelines set forth by state and federal regulators, private investors, the GSEs and agencies. The module leverages the loan-level data contained within ACES to quickly isolate desired question sets and answer-based logic to dynamically filter question sets down to the most relevant items, enabling ACES users to cut their review times by up to 50%.

Last year, the company added more than 4,000 questions to ACES IQ to ensure broad-based coverage of all lending compliance topics, including HMDA, and ease the burden for compliance teams in conducting loan-level reviews.

"Quality control and compliance go hand in hand - you cannot have one without the other," Gauthier said. "ARMCO has recognized this need from day one and invested considerable resources in proactively building out a compliance library backed by a highly experienced team of compliance experts to ensure the information ARMCO provides to its customers is always up-to-date and comprehensive."

About ARMCO
Over half of the top 25 mortgage lenders and 33% of the top 150 lenders and servicers combined choose ARMCO. ARMCO's product line includes loan quality enterprise software, services, data and analytics. Its flagship product, ACES Audit Technology™, has set the bar for user definability in its category. It is used at virtually every point in the mortgage lifecycle, as well as for a wide range of risk-prone business operations outside traditional mortgage origination and servicing.

ARMCO's consultative approach to customer relationships leverages 25 years of mortgage risk intel, assuring that its clients are using the most effective risk mitigation strategies, and are using the fastest, most reliable, most efficient means for preventing risk-related loss. ARMCO distributes the ARMCO Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report, a free quarterly analysis of industry-wide mortgage loan quality.

For more information, visit http://www.armco.us/ or call 1-800-858-1598.

ACES Risk Management (ARMCO), the leading provider of enterprise financial risk mitigation solutions, announced today it has added questionnaires related to the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) to the ACES Intelligent Questionnaire (ACES IQ) functionality contained within the ACES Audit Technology™ system.

Related link: https://www.armco.us/

Mid America Mortgage Named to ‘2020 Best Mortgage Companies To Work For’ List by National Mortgage News

ADDISON, Texas /ScoopCloud/ -- Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today that the company has been named one of the "2020 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For" by mortgage industry trade publication National Mortgage News. Mid America ranked 20th among 40 lenders recognized nationally.

This annual survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in the U.S. mortgage industry. National Mortgage News honored all the winners and revealed the final rankings in a special report published in January.

"Being recognized as a top workplace will always be a gratifying award, particularly an award like this that is based on our employees' perception of us and the workplace we've created," said Mid America Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bode. "We would not be the organization we are without our dedicated and highly talented employees, each and every one of whom contributes to our culture, and I am enormously proud to accept this honor on their behalf."

"The companies named to this year's rankings have shown real commitment to workplaces that support and motivate their teams," said Richard Melville, Group Editorial Director for Banking and Capital Markets. "In financial services - and the mortgage business in particular - employee engagement is a critical component of success. Each of this year's honorees can be proud of the cultures they have built and sustained."

Companies from across the United States entered a two-part survey process to determine this year's "Best Mortgage Companies to Work For." The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings.

The full list of "2020 Best Companies to Work For" can be viewed at https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/list/2020-best-mortgage-companies-to-work-for.

About Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

Mid America Mortgage, Inc., Addison, Texas, is a multi-state, full-service mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its retail, wholesale and correspondent channels. We offer a wide range of residential home loan programs to meet the needs of most home buyers and homeowners and are also the nation's leading provider of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans. Learn more at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/.

In operation since 1940, Mid America has thrived by retaining its entrepreneurial spirit and leading the market in innovation, including its adoption of eClosings and eNotes. Click n' Close is Mid America's ultra-secure, digital mortgage approval and closing process that gets home buyers from application to closing within two weeks. With just a few clicks at closing, Click n' Close puts keys in the home buyer's hand in 15 minutes or less. Apply online at https://www.midamericamortgage.com/click-n-close/.

Named a 2018 "Top Mortgage Workplaces" winner by Mortgage Professional America and a 2018 "Top Mortgage Employer" by National Mortgage Professional, Mid America is looking for tech-savvy, service-oriented mortgage professionals to join our growing team. We are dedicated to providing our employees with industry-leading tools and technology to deliver a great package of competitive pricing, programs and knowledgeable service. Want to join our team? Visit https://www.midamericamortgage.com/careers/.

Twitter: @midamericamtge

Mid America Mortgage, Inc. (Mid America) announced today that the company has been named one of the "2020 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For" by mortgage industry trade publication National Mortgage News. Mid America ranked 20th among 40 lenders recognized nationally.

Related link: https://www.midamericamortgage.com/

TCF Bank Renews Partnership with the Michigan Chronicle to Invest $100,000 in Detroit Students and Educators

DETROIT, Mich. /ScoopCloud/ -- TCF Bank announced today that it will renew its partnership with the Michigan Chronicle to provide scholarships to Detroit high school seniors through the Michigan Chronicle/TCF Bank S.W.A.G. (Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness) Scholarship Awards. For 2020, the bank will award scholarships between $5,000 and $20,000 per student to 15 awardees.

Launched in 2015, the S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards were created to ensure that more Detroit students who demonstrate leadership in areas other than academics have access to scholarships. The scholarship program is open to current high school seniors who live in Detroit and attend a Detroit Public School Community District high school, or a charter school located within the city.

Applying students must be planning to attend college or a trade school in the Fall of 2020, have a grade point average ranging from 2.25-3.2, and have demonstrated a commitment to community, service and integrity.

"The S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards are a continuing opportunity for our bank to further enhance our commitment to the future of the young men and women of Detroit," said Gary Torgow, Executive Chairman of TCF Financial Corporation. "Over the years of the S.W.A.G. scholarship program, the recipients have become connected to our TCF family through internship opportunities and our continued involvement in their education.

"It is no secret that the cost of higher education, be it a trade program, community college, or four-year institution, places the opportunity out of reach for many of our children, says Hiram Eric Jackson, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle. "That challenge is magnified exponentially for those students who despite demonstrating undeniable leadership skills, may not be the highest academic achievers. That's where The S.W.A.G. Awards come in," continues Jackson. "The S.W.A.G. Awards are about giving the average student who works hard, gives back, and shows leadership in other areas that extra push towards success."

Since the program inception, TCF, formerly Chemical Bank, has invested more than $400,000 in the S.W.A.G. program, alongside its other investments in the city including the Strategic Neighborhoods Fund, the renaming of the TCF Center, and most notably the development of an all-new headquarters site in downtown Detroit, highlighting the bank's commitment to reinvest in the communities it serves.

New for 2020, school professionals including teachers, coaches, counselors, and other education professionals, at qualifying schools can also secure a S.W.A.G. Awards school improvement grant through the program's new Influencer Award. Five $1,000 grants will be awarded. Candidates for the awards will be identified by principals, students, and parents who nominate the individuals that go above and beyond for their students.

Applications for the 2020 Michigan Chronicle/TCF Bank S.W.A.G. Scholarship Awards opened February 24, 2020. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Students, teachers, and parents interested in learning more should visit https://michiganchronicle.com/swagawards/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
TANISHA LEONARD
RTM360
tleonard[at]realtimesmedia.com
313-752-3548

TCF Bank announced today that it will renew its partnership with the Michigan Chronicle to provide scholarships to Detroit high school seniors through the Michigan Chronicle/TCF Bank S.W.A.G. (Students Wired for Achievement and Greatness) Scholarship Awards. For 2020, the bank will award scholarships between $5,000 and $20,000 per student to 15 awardees.

Related link: https://michiganchronicle.com/

SimpleNexus Unveils Sweeping Product Enhancements Aimed at Boosting Mortgage Lender Productivity

LEHI, Utah /ScoopCloud/ -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced the immediate availability of new capabilities designed to enhance mortgage originator productivity.

The product enhancements, unveiled earlier this month from the stage of SimpleNexus' annual user conference in Snowbird, Utah, include the following additions to SimpleNexus' mobile and web applications:

* On-the-Go Price Locking via Optimal Blue
Loan originators can now lock in an interest rate from Optimal Blue at any time, from any device. The ability to quickly lock in a loan interest rate is especially critical to helping loan originators reduce fallout for applicants with tight debt-to-income ratios.

* URLA Readiness
SimpleNexus has updated its tech stack to support lenders' use of the redesigned Form 1003, also known as the Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA). URLA support is in live production for users of select loan origination systems, and the SimpleNexus team is prepared to support additional LOSs as they adopt URLA.

* In-app review of DU findings
Loan originators who are licensed to use Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter® (DU®) can review their DU findings within the SimpleNexus app.

According to SimpleNexus VP of Product Shane Westra, these and other new features entered live production with SimpleNexus' February 10 product release. Westra also shared the company's plans to release half a dozen additional product enhancements in 2020.

"At SimpleNexus, product development begins with listening to the needs of our users," said SimpleNexus VP of Product Shane Westra. "The response to these new capabilities, designed to help lenders work with ease no matter where they are, has been tremendously positive. Our product roadmap for 2020 will continue to focus on solutions that drive profitability and deliver a consumer-grade experience to all users."

Just last month, SimpleNexus added a dynamic task list feature, which allows lenders to set rules for configuring the documents requested from borrowers ("needs list") on the fly based on borrower responses to loan application questions. For instance, if a borrower is self-employed, the task list will automatically adjust to collect the additional documentation required from self-employed borrowers.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is the digital mortgage platform that enables lenders to originate and process loans from anywhere. The company's best-in-class, easy-to-use app connects loan officers to their borrowers and real estate agents to easily communicate and exchange data in a single location throughout the entire loan life cycle. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals and sign disclosures - all on the go.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #digitalmortgage #SNUG2020 #domore @FannieMae

SimpleNexus, developer of the leading digital mortgage platform for loan officers, borrowers and real estate agents, today announced the immediate availability of new capabilities designed to enhance mortgage originator productivity.

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

Economic Growth and Public Policy Propel Homeownership Rates

WASHINGTON, D.C. /ScoopCloud/ -- In the first of a three-part series on the impact of economic growth and public policy on homeownership rates, housing policy consultant Allen Jones, Managing Director, Housing Finance Strategies, provides commentary on the drivers of recent increases.

"Today's economic climate combined with private sector recognition of the value of all hard-working Americans is lifting homeownership prospects across the board," says Jones.

The housing crisis of 2008 wreaked havoc on millions of individuals and families. The allure of building generational wealth proved illusory to many who saw the promise of homeownership slip away, taking with it down payments and credit ratings.

Some communities are still recovering, but recent data published by the Census Department may point to a glimmer of light to those hardest hit by the crisis, including African American homeowners. With statistics now supporting incremental improvement to African American homeownership rates from Q4 2016 to Q4 2019, rising from 41.7% to 44% in 2019, it is appropriate to examine the trend and consider the macro factors involved.

It has been said that a rising tide lifts all boats, and that may be true in this case. The US Department of Labor's G. Bryan Slater, Assistant Secretary for Administration, notes "Historically disadvantaged groups are benefiting the most from today's tight labor market. In 2019, the unemployment rates for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans all hit record lows. Those without a high school degree and people with disabilities also set record-low unemployment rates last year."

It is clear that the increasing labor participation rate is a boon to all, but add to it pointed economic incentives such as the federal government's Opportunity Zones and the private sector's Second Chance programs, a case can be made that homeownership rates in all socio-economic groups may be the beneficiary of economic success.

Yet, even as many housing experts acknowledge the positive direction of African American homeownership, they lament the burgeoning gap compared to white homeownership which is some 28 percentage points higher. Policy makers therefore must continue to sharpen the pencil to level the playing field - or widen it - so that homeownership opportunities can be aspirational for all.

The 2020 Presidential campaign is already producing an overdue discussion on criminal justice reform that follows bi-partisan legislation passed in December 2018 called The First Step Act. That bi-partisan legislation was designed to prepare inmates to successfully rejoin society and is supported by a broad coalition spanning the political spectrum, including business groups, faith-based organizations, law enforcement and State and local leaders.

In fact, ahead of the legislation, a big bank announced several major steps to encourage second-chance hiring for those with criminal records. The bank is officially "banning the box"-removing all questions about criminal records from its job applications. The bank also launched a new "policy center," and its first agenda item is reforming rules that effectively bar former felons from employment, in finance and elsewhere.

A further alignment of government and private sector efforts must continue to grow economic investment so that all workforce participation increases and the opportunities for homeownership broaden. Because what Jack Kemp said in 1989 rings just as true today: "Homeownership is essential, we think, to the American dream."

About Housing Finance Strategies:

Housing Finance Strategies provides currency to a broad constituency of mortgage influencers. These include mortgage company executives, fintech leaders, regulatory compliance senior management and public policy officials working in the Capitol and for Washington, D.C. based trade associations and academics.

Learn more about Housing Finance Strategies at: https://housingfinancestrategies.com/

Media may contact: Allen Jones, Managing Director, Housing Finance Strategies, at: (202) 441-1854.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0225s2p-allen-jones-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Allen Jones, Managing Director, Housing Finance Strategies.

In the first of a three-part series on the impact of economic growth and public policy on homeownership rates, housing policy consultant Allen Jones, Managing Director, Housing Finance Strategies, provides commentary on the drivers of recent increases.

Related link: https://housingfinancestrategies.com/

Mortgage Fintech Provider OpenClose Experiences Significant Growth and Continues Adding Award Winning Talent

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- OpenClose®, the leading mortgage fintech provider and multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), with nearly 20 years of successful implementations, announced that their newly tapped VP of Sales Engineering, Chris Olsen, was honored by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) magazine as one of the '40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40.' The publication cited Chris' efforts to drive technology adoption and innovation along with his consistent presences as a mortgage technology subject matter expert on panel sessions and roundtables as key reasons he was named to this prestigious, annual list.

Since joining OpenClose, Chris has been vital to introducing lenders to the OC Suite™ of innovative lending solutions including their ConsumerAssist™ Digital POS solution, which works seamlessly with its LenderAssist™ LOS and DecisionAssist™ product and pricing engine (PPE), IntegrationAssist™ RESTful API suite and OC Optics™, OpenClose's hugely popular business intelligence, analytics platform. With Chris' help, OpenClose's purely browser-based, end-to-end LOS with multi-channel automation capability has made additional strides in growing its customer footprint, automating lending processes and delivering significant ROI to OpenClose customers.

Chris brings to OpenClose a rich background in enterprise mortgage software from working at Ellie Mae as a Senior Technical Sales Engineer managing pre and post sales LOS engagements for core as well as add-on services. Chris also provides OpenClose with extensive team leadership skills which he honed as an AVP and lead Project Manager at JP Morgan Chase where he managed large projects and served as the primary vendor point of contact throughout new engagements. In addition, Chris has a unique understanding of the OpenClose fundamentals as he was also a Senior Software Developer and Partner at ClosersEdge, an independent software provider for the real estate title and settlement services industry.

"I am honored to be recognized by NMP magazine as one of the 40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40," said Olsen. "I've had the pleasure of working with numerous different types of sophisticated mortgage software solutions. It is clear that OpenClose has taken pole position in the LOS space and is well-positioned to continue growing at a healthy rate. I am excited to advance my career in mortgage technology with OpenClose and help lending entities bring newfound efficiencies to their businesses."

The annual list is comprised of mortgage professionals who are under the age of 40, as voted by their peers, who are accomplished individuals that carry the torch of professionalism, perseverance, leadership, excellence, and more - in their respective fields within the fast-moving mortgage industry. As with each year, NMP received many nominations, ultimately arriving at 40 official winners and identifying another 40 to watch that are mortgage professionals shaping the industry.

About OpenClose:

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, OpenClose® is a leading enterprise-class, multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), POS digital mortgage and fintech provider that cost effectively delivers its digital platform on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) basis. The company provides a variety of innovative, 100 percent web-based solutions for lenders, banks, credit unions, and conduit aggregators. OpenClose's core solution, LenderAssist™, is comprehensive loan origination software that is completely engineered by OpenClose using the same code base from the ground up. The company offers a RESTful API suite that standardizes system-to-system integrations, making them easier to develop, quicker to implement and more cost effective. OpenClose provides lending organizations with full control of their data and creates a truly seamless workflow for complete automation and compliance adherence.

For more information, visit https://www.openclose.com/ or call (561) 655-6418.

Media Contact:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

Social Media: @OpenClose_LOS #MortgageLoanSoftware #Mortgage #NMPTop40Under40

OpenClose®, the leading mortgage fintech provider and multi-channel loan origination system (LOS), with nearly 20 years of successful implementations, announced that their newly tapped VP of Sales Engineering, Chris Olsen, was honored by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) magazine as one of the '40 Most Influential Mortgage Professionals Under 40.'

Related link: https://www.openclose.com/

777 Partners Announces Acquisition of Uown Leasing

MIAMI, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- 777 Partners, a Miami based investment firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Uown Leasing ("Uown"), from Shepard Capital Partners. Uown, a lease-to-own company based in Tampa, was founded in 2008.

The company partners with retailers of durable consumer goods to offer a lease-to-own financing product as an alternative to traditional credit. Currently, Uown offers its product in over 450 locations across the United States, with a focus on retailers of furniture, bedding and appliances.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Uown Leasing will combine operations with Mollie Financial, 777 Partners' existing lease-to-own product, and operate solely under the Uown Leasing name going forward. Uown will utilize Mollie Financial's best-in-class technology, including its innovative merchant portal.

"We look forward to expanding Uown into a nationally recognized leader in the lease to own industry, and we think that 777 Partners and Mollie Financial are the ideal partners to fuel explosive growth," says Daniel Klein, the CEO of Uown.

"We are excited to add Uown to 777 Partners' portfolio of consumer finance companies. Daniel and team have a built a market leading platform and we look forward to contributing to the future growth of Uown," says Aaron Levy, Principal at 777 Partners.

About Uown Leasing

Uown Leasing operates lease purchase programs to select furniture and electronics retailers across the United States. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Uown Leasing currently supports dealers operating in over 46 states. For more information, visit https://uownleasing.com/.

About 777 Partners

777 Partners is a Miami-based investment firm focused on a broad spectrum of financial services businesses across insurance, lending, specialty finance, and financial technology. Operating in attractive markets and often times esoteric asset classes, 777 seeks to make control investments across the business life cycle in companies with scalable profiles and ambitious management teams. 777 Partners senior management team is composed of industry veterans with backgrounds in private equity, venture capital, investment banking, insurance, financial technology, actuarial science, asset management, structured-credit, ABS, risk, analytics, complex commercial litigation and computer science. For more information on 777 Partners, visit https://777part.com/.

About Shepard Capital Partners

Shepard Capital Partners is a Florida based private equity firm focused on investment opportunities in the Southeastern United States. The firm invests in cashflow positive businesses where the primary constraint to growth is access to capital, and commercial real estate transactions which meet defined return characteristics. For more information on Shepard Capital Partners, visit https://shepardcap.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Reed
Shepard Capital Partners, LLC
creed@shepardcap.com
Phone: 404-643-1766

777 Partners, a Miami based investment firm, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Uown Leasing ("Uown"), from Shepard Capital Partners. Uown, a lease-to-own company based in Tampa, was founded in 2008.

Related link: https://shepardcap.com/