Down Payment Resource identifies 2,746 homeownership programs nationwide in Q2 2026
ATLANTA, Ga., July 22, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homeownership programs, today released its Q2 2026 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report, identifying 2,746 programs nationwide. The total represents an increase of 67 programs from Q1 2026, reflecting continued expansion of resources designed to improve affordability and access to homeownership, and is a new survey high.
Informative Research names Ajay Trilokeshwaran chief technology officer
GARDEN GROVE, Calif., July 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced the promotion of Ajay Trilokeshwaran to chief technology officer (CTO). In his new role, Trilokeshwaran will lead the company’s product and technology execution, overseeing platform development, application engineering, infrastructure and cloud strategy to support business growth.
Friday Harbor adds USDA loans to its AI pre-underwriting platform
SEATTLE, Wash., July 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced support for USDA loans. The new capability enables lenders to identify documentation gaps, eligibility issues and changes that require updated Guaranteed Underwriting System (GUS) findings before loan files reach underwriting, helping reduce rework and deliver a more predictable path to closing for both lending teams and borrowers.
Volume growth from existing staff ranks as lenders’ top priority for the second half of 2026, The Mortgage Collaborative’s survey finds
SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, today released results from its June 2026 Pulse of the Network survey. The biannual survey gathered input from mortgage lenders, including independent mortgage banks, credit unions and depository institutions, on strategic priorities heading into the second half of 2026.
Click n’ Close named one of USDA’s Top Wholesale Lenders for 2026
ADDISON, Texas, July 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, received a USDA 2026 Top Wholesale Lender award. The award was presented today at USDA Rural Development’s National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
LodeStar Integrates with Dark Matter Technologies’ Empower® LOS Platform
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., July 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LodeStar Software Solutions (LodeStar), the leading provider of mortgage closing cost and fee data, today announced that it is integrated with Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®). LodeStar’s Closing Cost Calculator is now available in Empower® loan origination system (Empower), developed in conjunction with the Dark Matter Developer Platform.
Vice Capital Markets names Terry Aikin, CMB as executive vice president, strategic growth
NOVI, Mich., July 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, today announced the appointment of Terry Aikin as executive vice president, strategic growth. Aikin will focus on expanding Vice Capital’s customer base, strengthening existing client relationships and identifying new market opportunities.
Class Valuation verified by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to support new Uniform Property Data Report specification
TROY, Mich., July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), has been verified by Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac (the government-sponsored enterprises, or GSEs) to support the Uniform Property Data Report (UPDR) specification under Uniform Property Dataset (UPD) Version 1.0. Use of the UPDR is mandatory for mortgages with applications received on or after June 30, 2026.
Optimal Blue report: Mortgage demand strengthens as purchase activity and pull-through rebound
PLANO, Texas, July 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its June 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity strengthened month over month (MoM), with purchase lock volume climbing to its highest level since early spring and pull-through rates rebounding across both purchase and refinance pipelines. Total rate-lock volume rose 10% MoM and 15% year over year (YoY).
The Mortgage Collaborative launches TMC Healthcare Cooperative to give lender members and preferred partners control over rising healthcare costs
SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, has launched the TMC Healthcare Cooperative, a self-funded medical program open to all TMC lender members and preferred partners. Developed in partnership with CCIG, a Colorado-based employee benefits firm, the program gives vendors, community banks, credit unions and independent mortgage bankers a way to fund their own health claims as a group.
LodeStar report shows nominal year-over-year decline in national average mortgage closing costs
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., June 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LodeStar Software Solutions (LodeStar), the leading provider of mortgage closing cost and fee data, today announced the release of its Year-Over-Year Mortgage Closing Cost Report covering 2024 versus 2025. The report analyzes distinct mortgage quotes across all 50 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.), drawn from the company’s closing cost calculator platform.
Dovenmuehle names Ann Morey its head of product
LAKE ZURICH, Ill., June 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Ann Morey has been named Head of Product. In this role, Morey will lead DMI’s product management function, which includes establishing strategic product vision, driving outcome-oriented roadmaps that address stakeholder expectations, increasing internal cross-functional alignment and building agile, high-performing teams.
Click n’ Close names Merv Govender chief information officer
ADDISON, Texas, June 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the appointment of Merv Govender as chief information officer (CIO). Govender brings more than 27 years of technology leadership across the banking, gaming and healthcare industries. As CIO, he will lead Click n’ Close’s technology development and deployment strategy.
iEmergent supports launch of CONVERGENCE Knowledge Hub with Market Profile Dashboard
DES MOINES, Iowa, June 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, today announced its support of the newly launched CONVERGENCE® Knowledge Hub, a centralized resource designed to help lenders, nonprofit organizations, housing counselors, real estate professionals and community leaders expand access to sustainable homeownership.
Dovenmuehle launches Diagnostic Process to streamline mortgage subservicing onboarding
LAKE ZURICH, Ill., June 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that it is improving onboarding with its new Diagnostic Process. This approach helps DMI subservicing clients identify and evaluate organizational complexity, resource constraints and team readiness earlier in servicing transfer workflows. Early preparation using the Diagnostic Process improves servicing transfer outcomes and increases onboarding efficiency.
Friday Harbor expands AI pre-underwriting to condo and manufactured home loans
SEATTLE, Wash., June 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced new capabilities for condominium and manufactured home loans that enable lenders to evaluate property-specific eligibility requirements before files reach underwriting.
Friday Harbor announces integration with MeridianLink Mortgage
SEATTLE, Wash., June 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced its integration with MeridianLink®. The integration equips origination teams using MeridianLink® Mortgage to build clean, complete and compliant loan files up front that move through underwriting with fewer touches.
Optimal Blue report: Purchase market remains resilient as pull-through rates weaken
PLANO, Texas, June 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its May 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage activity continued to cool as higher rates weighed on both purchase and refinance demand. Total rate-lock volume declined 9% month over month (MoM) but remained 7% higher year over year (YoY). Purchase activity continued to dominate production, accounting for just over 81% of total lock volume, while refinance share fell to 19%, its lowest level since June 2025.
Melinda Harris of Down Payment Resource named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader
ATLANTA, Ga., June 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR),the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homeownership programs, today announced that Melinda Harris, vice president of marketing and communications, has been named a 2026 HW Marketing Leader by HousingWire. Each year, HousingWire’s HW Marketing Leaders program recognizes the executives shaping how housing finance companies communicate, compete and grow. Harris is among 70 honorees selected.
Service 1st names Joy Ziminskas national sales director for the southeast region
HAMMONTON, N.J., May 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Service First Information Solutions, LLC (Service 1st), a leading provider of credit reporting and verification solutions for the mortgage industry, announced today the addition of Joy Ziminskas as national sales director for the Southeast region to lead revenue growth and expand relationships with lenders, banks and financial institutions across Texas, Florida and surrounding markets.
The Mortgage Collaborative partners with TheZebra.com to deliver a seamless home insurance shopping experience for borrowers
SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, announced a strategic partnership with TheZebra.com, the easiest way to compare and buy insurance, that will give TMC’s lender members a direct way to connect borrowers with home insurance options at the point of mortgage origination.
Down Payment Resource’s Kathy Gault named Women of Tech Award winner by Mortgage Women Magazine
ATLANTA, Ga., May 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homeownership programs, today announced that Kathy Gault, DPA Program Specialist, has been named a 2026 Women of Tech award winner by Mortgage Women Magazine, recognizing her impact on advancing mortgage technology and expanding access to affordable housing.
Service 1st’s Lisa Binkley named Women of Mortgage Tech Award winner by Mortgage Women Magazine
HAMMONTON, N.J., May 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Service First Information Solutions, LLC (Service 1st), a leading provider of credit reporting and verification solutions for the mortgage industry, announced today that Lisa Binkley, Chief Operations Officer, has been named a Women of Mortgage Tech award winner by Mortgage Women Magazine for 2026. The award recognizes individuals shaping the future of mortgage technology through innovation, leadership and meaningful industry impact.
ACES Q4 and CY 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows critical defect rate falls to annual low
DENVER, Colo., May 20, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), a leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, announced the release of its quarterly ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report covering Q4 2025 and the full calendar year (CY) 2025. The report analyzes post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management & Control® software.
Service 1st names Lucas Jones senior vice president of operations
HAMMONTON, N.J., May 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Service First Information Solutions, LLC (Service 1st), a leading provider of credit reporting and verification solutions for the mortgage industry, announced today the appointment of Lucas Jones as Senior Vice President of Operations. In this role, Jones will lead operational strategy and execution, with a focus on driving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and supporting the company’s next phase of growth.
OptiFunder Launches OptiExchange, Connecting Lenders to Trusted Industry Solutions
ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 18, 2026 (SENDPRESS NEWSWIRE) — OptiFunder today announced the launch of OptiExchange, a partner network designed to connect mortgage lenders with a curated ecosystem of technology providers, warehouse and capital partners, and service solutions across mortgage lending. By joining OptiExchange, partners gain access to a growing network of lenders, making it easier to build new relationships.
Friday Harbor becomes first mortgage technology provider to receive AI governance compliance attestation from Brody Gapp
SEATTLE, Wash., May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, is the first mortgage technology provider to receive an AI governance compliance attestation from mortgage banking and financial services law firm Brody Gapp LLP. The attestation follows a formal compliance review of Friday Harbor’s platform, which uses AI to analyze borrower documents.
Click n’ Close expands Whole Loan Trading division with engagement of Christy Soukhamneut and Launch Point Advisory Group
ADDISON, Texas, May 15, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, announced strategic engagement of Christy Soukhamneut and Launch Point Advisory Group to support the expansion of its Whole Loan Trading division. The move is part of a broader initiative to grow Click n’ Close’s secondary market presence and offer whole loan trading opportunities across its government and specialty loan programs.
NewFed Mortgage leverages Friday Harbor to boost fulfillment productivity by 35%
SEATTLE, Wash., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NewFed Mortgage Corp., a full-service residential mortgage lender operating across more than 20 states, today announced the companywide rollout of Friday Harbor’s AI pre-underwriting platform following a successful pilot program that demonstrated measurable gains in fulfillment productivity and underwriting throughput. Since implementing Friday Harbor, NewFed processors handle 36% more files per month while underwriters review 35% more loans.
The Mortgage Collaborative launches Mortgage AI Council to advance responsible AI adoption for community and mid-sized lenders
SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, announced the formation of the Mortgage AI Council, a standing committee under TMC’s lender member board of directors. The council will give community banks, credit unions and independent mortgage bankers the governance frameworks, peer intelligence and collective voice needed to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly as the technology reshapes how lenders originate loans, assess risk and serve borrowers.
OptiFunder Connects LendingPad LOS to Genesis to Link Origination and Warehouse Funding
ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — OptiFunder®, the mortgage industry leader in warehouse management automation, announced a new integration with LendingPad, the award-winning, cloud-native loan origination system. The integration brings LendingPad and Genesis by OptiFunder together, creating a direct connection between loan origination and warehouse funding operations. The platforms align the loan lifecycle from origination through funding, reconciliation, and execution in the capital markets.
Vesta Partners with OptiFunder to Bring Loan Origination and Warehouse Funding Together
ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — OptiFunder®, the mortgage industry pioneer in warehouse management automation, has partnered with Vesta, the AI-native loan origination system and agent platform, to connect loan origination and warehouse funding workflows. The integration links origination, funding, and sale to the capital markets, eliminating fragmented systems and manual handoffs that have historically slowed execution and increased risk.
Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand holds firm as April lock activity cools
PLANO, Texas, May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its April 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage lock activity pulled back after a strong first quarter. Total rate-lock volume declined 9% month over month (MoM) but remained 11% higher year over year (YoY). Purchase lock volume declined just under 2% from March but increased more than 9% from April 2025, continuing to lead production as refinance activity cooled.
FirstClose introduces SmartDocs disclosure automation through its point-of-sale platform
AUSTIN, Texas, May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced SmartDocs, a new disclosure intelligence capability available through its XpressEquity point-of-sale platform. SmartDocs functions as the intelligence layer that determines when disclosure obligations begin and initiates the appropriate workflow based on lender-configured rules, helping standardize timing and delivery across programs and jurisdictions.
MISMO awards eVault System Certification to DocMagic’s SmartSAFE eVaults
TORRANCE, Calif., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic, Inc. (DocMagic®) announced today that it has received two new certifications from MISMO®, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization. MISMO’s eVault System Certification covers SmartSAFE®, DocMagic’s core eVault for managing eNote workflows and MERS® eRegistry activity, and SmartSAFE XL™, an API-first eVault designed for enterprise environments that require flexible deployments and support for a broader range of digital assets.