Tag Archives: Mortgage

Service 1st’s Lisa Binkley named Women of Mortgage Tech Award winner by Mortgage Women Magazine

Recognition honors leadership in advancing verification technology, automation and data integrity in mortgage lending

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.

Image caption: Mortgage Women Magazine Women of Tech Award winner Lisa Binkley.

Binkley brings decades of experience in mortgage operations and technology to her role, with a career defined by developing and implementing solutions that transform how income, employment and tax data are validated across the mortgage lifecycle.

Under Binkley’s leadership, Service 1st and National Credit-reporting System, Inc. (NCS) have modernized verification workflows by combining automation with expert oversight, reducing processing times from approximately 30 minutes to as little as seven minutes while improving data accuracy and consistency.

Binkley’s approach emphasizes a “human in the loop” model, ensuring that automated systems are paired with expert review to maintain compliance, quality and trust. This balanced approach has helped lenders scale operations while navigating evolving regulatory and fraud prevention requirements.

Beyond her operational and technical contributions, Binkley is actively engaged in industry initiatives, including MISMO and MBA’s mPower, where she contributes to advancing standards, collaboration and leadership development across the mortgage ecosystem.

“This award reflects Lisa’s deep expertise and commitment to building technology that delivers both operational efficiency and consumer protection,” said Curtis Knuth, CEO of Service 1st. “Her leadership continues to shape how lenders approach verification, compliance and automation in an increasingly complex environment. This award is well deserved, indeed.”

For the full list of 2026 recipients, visit Mortgage Women Magazine’s website.

ABOUT SERVICE FIRST INFORMATION SOLUTIONS, LLC:

Service First Information Solutions, LLC (Service 1st) delivers integrated, technology-driven verification tools designed to help mortgage lenders streamline workflows, reduce friction in the loan process and support faster, more informed lending decisions. Service 1st is affiliated with National Credit-reporting System, Inc. (NCS), a long-standing provider of credit information and verification services. To learn more, visit https://www.srv1st.com or call 866-606-5952.

X: @S1NCSTRV #MortgageTechnology #LoanProcessing #VerificationSolutions @mortgagewomen

NEWS SOURCE: Service 1st Information Services

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Service 1st Information Services), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/service-1sts-lisa-binkley-named-women-of-mortgage-tech-award-winner-by-mortgage-women-magazine/

ACES Q4 and CY 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows critical defect rate falls to annual low

Income/Employment remained the largest single contributor to defects in 2025

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.

Image caption: ACES Quality Management® (ACES).

Key findings from the Q4 and CY 2025 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report include:

The overall Q4 2025 critical defect rate fell to 1.38%, a 22.91% decrease from 1.79% in Q3 2025, marking the first quarterly decline after three consecutive quarters of increases.
CY 2025’s average critical defect rate was 1.50%, essentially flat from CY 2024’s 1.52% (-1.32%).
Legal/Regulatory/Compliance returned to the top defect category in Q4 2025, rising 30% from 18.97% to 24.66%. This marks the second time it has led all categories since Q4 2024 and its third consecutive quarterly increase.
Income/Employment fell from the top spot for only the second time since Q4 2024, declining 21% to 21.52%.
For CY 2025, Borrower/Mortgage Eligibility climbed 291.58% year over year, and Credit rose 166.13%, reflecting a migration toward eligibility-driven defects as borrowers stretched to qualify in a constrained affordability environment.
Refinance review share nearly doubled year over year in CY 2025, rising from 11.14% to 21.04%, while refinance defect share more than doubled from 15.30% to 32.20%.
By loan product type, FHA defect share remained elevated relative to review share at 30.86% for CY 2025, and VA defect share rose for the second consecutive quarter in Q4, warranting continued segment-specific QC focus.

“Lenders ended 2025 on a strong note, with Q4 delivering a meaningful drop in the critical defect rate and the full-year average holding essentially flat versus 2024,” said Nick Volpe, executive vice president at ACES Quality Management. “But the year’s defining shift toward eligibility-driven defects as refinance activity returned indicates that disciplined documentation and consistent eligibility decisioning will define quality in 2026.”

Findings for the Q4 and CY 2025 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report are based on post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management and Control® benchmarking system and incorporate data from prior quarters, where applicable. All reviews and defect data evaluated for the report were based on loan audits selected by lenders for full file reviews. The Mortgage QC Industry Trends Reports are available for download, free of charge, at https://www.acesquality.com/resources/reports.

About ACES Quality Management

ACES Quality Management is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. The nation’s most prominent lenders, servicers and financial institutions rely on ACES Quality Management & Control® Software to improve audit throughput and quality while controlling costs, including:

Over 70% of the top 20 independent mortgage lenders;
7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
14 of the top 30 banks; and
7 of the top 15 credit unions in the United States.

ACES also supports multiple state housing authorities and mortgage insurers, a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) and dozens of third-party QC service providers that collectively serve hundreds of financial institutions.

Unlike other quality control platforms, ACES Flexible Audit Technology® enables independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions to easily manage and customize the system to their specific needs without relying on IT or outside resources. With ACES’ AI-powered capabilities, audit teams can translate complexity into clear insights and accelerate performance.

Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit www.acesquality.com or call 1-800-858-1598.

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NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/aces-q4-and-cy-2025-mortgage-qc-industry-trends-report-shows-critical-defect-rate-falls-to-annual-low/

Service 1st names Lucas Jones senior vice president of operations

Seasoned operations leader to drive efficiency, innovation and scalable growth across Service 1st

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.

Image caption: Service 1st Senior Vice President of Operations Lucas Jones.

Jones brings more than 20 years of experience in mortgage lending, financial services, fintech and proptech. He has a proven track record of building and scaling operational infrastructure, optimizing processes and aligning cross-functional teams to support high-growth environments.

Prior to joining NCS, he served as Head of Operations at RenoFi, where he managed end-to-end mortgage operations, scaled the team significantly and played a key role in product and process innovation. His background also includes leadership roles in banking and consulting, where he advised organizations on improving efficiency and reducing risk.

At Service 1st, he will focus on evaluating and enhancing operational processes to ensure the organization is operating at peak efficiency while delivering a consistently high-quality customer experience. As part of his role, he will also lead resource optimization, process improvement and the integration of new technologies to support efficiency and innovation across Service 1st’s offerings.

“Our goal is to create a highly efficient, predictable operation that directly translates into a better experience for our customers,” said Jones. “How we operate internally is what our customers ultimately feel. By improving speed, transparency, and consistency, we can turn every client interaction into an opportunity to build long-term trust and advocacy.”

“Service 1st is entering an exciting phase of growth, and Lucas brings the operational leadership we need to scale effectively,” said Curtis Knuth, CEO of Service 1st. “His experience building high-performing teams and driving efficiency will help us expand our capabilities while continuing to deliver the reliable, high-quality service our clients expect.”

ABOUT SERVICE FIRST INFORMATION SOLUTIONS, LLC:

X: @S1NCSTRV #MortgageTechnology #LoanProcessing #VerificationSolutions

NEWS SOURCE: Service 1st Information Services

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/service-1st-names-lucas-jones-senior-vice-president-of-operations/

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.

Image caption: OptiExchange Partner Marketplace – Where Lenders Find Trusted Solutions.

OptiExchange enables seamless connectivity between systems and stakeholders helping lenders reduce operational friction, improve transparency, and scale more efficiently. The network includes partners across key categories such as loan origination systems, warehouse lenders, investors, core banking platforms, fraud solutions, FedWire, document custodians, and eVault services. Today, OptiFunder supports 150+ mortgage originators, 60+ integrations, and over 2,500 automated touchpoints.

“Lenders today need more than individual point solutions; they need a connected ecosystem,” said Brian Abbott, Chief Strategy Officer at OptiFunder. “OptiExchange brings together best-in-class partners in one integrated network, making it easier for lenders to access the tools and relationships they need to operate and grow.”

By joining OptiExchange, partners gain access to a growing network of lenders, making it easier to build new relationships. For warehouse banks specifically, OptiExchange strengthens client relationships by integrating funding workflows, and offers greater exposure to originators active within the network.

“OptiExchange reflects our commitment to building a more open and collaborative ecosystem,” added Abbott. “By bringing together leading solutions and simplifying connectivity, we’re helping our partners and lenders move faster, operate smarter, and deliver better outcomes.”

To learn more about becoming a partner in the OptiExchange, visit: https://www.optifunder.com/optiexchange

ABOUT OPTIFUNDER

OptiFunder is connecting the mortgage warehouse industry through its purpose-built warehouse management platforms: Genesis by OptiFunder for mortgage originators and Greyhound by OptiFunder for warehouse lenders. Together, these platforms digitize and connect the full lifecycle of a warehouse loan – from funding through sale to the capital markets – bringing all stakeholders into a single, transparent ecosystem. By integrating originators, LOS systems, warehouse lenders, investors, core banking platforms, fraud solutions, FedWire, document custodians, and eVault services through secure connections, OptiFunder eliminates manual processes, reduces risk, and creates a more efficient, consistent, and reliable warehouse lending experience for the entire industry.

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NEWS SOURCE: OptiFunder

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optifunder-launches-optiexchange-connecting-lenders-to-trusted-industry-solutions/

Friday Harbor becomes first mortgage technology provider to receive AI governance compliance attestation from Brody Gapp

Independent compliance review introduces new standard for evaluating AI in mortgage origination

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.

Image caption: Friday Harbor becomes first mortgage technology provider to receive AI governance compliance attestation from Brody Gapp.

The attestation follows a formal compliance review of Friday Harbor’s platform, which uses AI to analyze borrower documents, appraisal files and product guidelines to calculate qualifying income, identify potential issues and guide resolution paths before loans reach underwriting. Brody Gapp’s review included analysis of fair lending applicability, adverse action considerations, model governance, vendor risk management, data governance, internal controls and examination readiness.

As lenders rapidly adopt artificial intelligence across the origination process, many are still developing frameworks to evaluate how these tools fit within existing compliance, risk management and vendor oversight expectations. Brody Gapp’s attestation introduces a new approach for governing AI-driven mortgage technologies as these capabilities become increasingly embedded across mortgage platforms and workflows.

“AI is being deployed across the mortgage lifecycle faster than most institutions can evaluate it,” said James Brody, founder and managing partner of Brody Gapp LLP. “Our goal is to help lenders and technology providers establish stronger governance, documentation and compliance readiness as these tools become more widely adopted.”

For lenders, the attestation provides an additional layer of assurance when assessing AI vendors. For Friday Harbor, it reinforces the company’s position as an early leader in applying AI to improve loan quality and operational efficiency while supporting compliant lending practices. The attestation is expected to serve as a model for future AI governance reviews across the mortgage industry.

“Lenders don’t just need innovation. They need confidence that the technology they’re adopting will stand up to regulatory scrutiny,” said Theo Ellis, founder and CEO of Friday Harbor. “Being first to complete this process gives our customers a clear signal that Friday Harbor is built with that standard in mind.”

About Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps lenders identify and resolve potential issues earlier in the origination process. By analyzing borrower documents, appraisals and income calculations against investor guidelines and lender overlays, the platform helps teams deliver cleaner files, achieve fewer underwriting touches and improve individual productivity. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

About Brody Gapp LLP

Brody Gapp LLP is a national law firm serving mortgage banks, credit unions, servicers, brokers and financial services companies. The firm provides legal and compliance counsel across mortgage regulation, litigation, risk management, audit response, licensing and corporate governance. Founded by attorneys James Brody, Ron Gapp and Ashley Jumpp, Brody Gapp LLP combines deep industry experience with a practical, business-focused approach to helping clients navigate an evolving regulatory landscape. For more information, visit www.brodygapp.com.

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech #governance #compliance

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/friday-harbor-becomes-first-mortgage-technology-provider-to-receive-ai-governance-compliance-attestation-from-brody-gapp/

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.

Image caption: Click n’ Close expands Whole Loan Trading division with engagement of Christy Soukhamneut and Launch Point Advisory Group.

Click n’ Close has built a secondary market platform supported by direct relationships with Ginnie Mae and private investors, in-house servicing and a diversified product mix that includes FHA, VA, USDA, One-Time Close construction and Section 184 loans. The Whole Loan Trading expansion is designed to deepen those capabilities, broaden the company’s institutional and correspondent investor network and create more consistent execution options for its partners.

“Growing our Whole Loan Trading business is an important component to the future growth of Click n’ Close,” said Ian Kimball, president of Click n’ Close. “We have the loan programs, the investor relationships and the operational infrastructure to support meaningful volume. This engagement is about putting the right expertise in place to accelerate that growth and make Click n’ Close a go-to whole loan trading partner in the government market.”

Soukhamneut will work directly with Click n’ Close’s leadership team to drive the whole loan trading initiative, focusing on expanding correspondent relationships, identifying whole loan execution opportunities across CNC’s product mix and developing the infrastructure needed to scale volume. Launch Point Advisory Group will support the broader strategic effort by bringing additional resources and secondary-market expertise to the engagement.

“Click n’ Close has the right pieces in place to build a strong whole loan trading business,” Soukhamneut said. “The product breadth, investor access and operational foundation are there. The opportunity is in connecting those assets with the right buyers and creating a consistent, scalable execution process. That’s where I’m focused.”

Soukhamneut brings nearly three decades of mortgage banking experience. She has held senior leadership roles at Flagstar Bank, Texas Capital Bank, Certainty Home Loans and Bank of America and has provided advisory and board-level service to STRATMOR Group, Freddie Mac, Voxtur and TRAiNED. Most recently, she served as chief lending officer at University Federal Credit Union, overseeing the institution’s entire lending operation. Recognized as a thought leader in correspondent lending and secondary market strategy, Soukhamneut currently serves on the board of directors of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Texas and has previously served on Freddie Mac’s Board of Advisors.

Correspondent lenders and secondary market partners interested in whole loan trading opportunities with Click n’ Close are encouraged to connect with Christy Soukhamneut at Christy@clicknclose.com or their Click n’ Close Correspondent Account Executive at clicknclosecorrespondent.com/about.

About Click n’ Close, Inc.

Click n’ Close, Inc. is a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and originators through its wholesale, correspondent and retail channels. The company is an industry leader in proprietary down payment assistance (DPA) programs and a recognized leader in One-Time Close construction lending across conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and Section 184 programs. Through its 1st Tribal Lending division—the nation’s largest originator and servicer of Section 184 home loans for Native Americans—Click n’ Close extends its commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities nationwide.

In operation since 1959, Click n’ Close has remained at the forefront of mortgage innovation, pioneering the adoption of eClosings and eNotes. Backed by a strong financial foundation, Click n’ Close has the balance sheet and warehouse capacity to support and scale its specialized loan programs, providing consistent access to capital and reliable execution for its partners. By maintaining direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors and servicing its loan programs in-house, the company delivers dependable liquidity, loan salability and an enhanced borrower experience.

Learn more at clicknclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Click n' Close Inc.

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/click-n-close-expands-whole-loan-trading-division-with-engagement-of-christy-soukhamneut-and-launch-point-advisory-group/

NewFed Mortgage leverages Friday Harbor to boost fulfillment productivity by 35%

Independent mortgage bank uses AI pre-underwriting to scale production without adding fulfillment staff

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. Those productivity gains enabled the company to fund nearly $170 million more in loan volume in 2025 than in 2024 without expanding its fulfillment team.

Image caption: NewFed Mortgage leverages Friday Harbor to boost fulfillment productivity by 35%.

“Removing low-value, repetitive work is what allows people to focus on the decisions that actually matter,” said Rob Jewett, chief operating officer at NewFed Mortgage. “I have seen so much technology in this industry, and to me, this is the single best piece of tech I’ve ever worked with.”

Friday Harbor reviews loan files as they’re being built, catching missing documentation and income discrepancies before they become underwriting conditions. By applying investor requirements and lender-specific overlays during file assembly rather than at the underwriting desk, the platform helps teams correct issues when they’re still manageable instead of costly.

“When Rob and I first met, he was looking to grow NewFed’s capacity for a predicted increase in volume without over-hiring or draining his people,” said Friday Harbor Founder and CEO Theo Ellis. “Friday Harbor removes the burden of sit-and-stare tasks by flagging potential issues, so teams can focus on the work that actually requires judgment instead of just hunting for missing documents.”

The operational impact has extended across multiple areas of NewFed’s business. Application-to-funded cycle times compressed from 32 days to 26 days. Funded-to-purchase timelines dropped from 23 days to 18 days, moving capital off the balance sheet faster after closing. Friday Harbor has also proven valuable for training, helping new processors learn from actual loan files rather than relying solely on classroom scenarios.

NewFed uses Friday Harbor through its integration with the Encompass® loan origination system from ICE Mortgage Technology, allowing loan data, documents and conditions to remain synchronized throughout the origination process. As an early design partner, NewFed worked closely with Friday Harbor to help shape the platform around real-world fulfillment workflows, operational realities and production-scale lending environments. That collaboration helped Friday Harbor refine how the platform surfaces underwriting issues earlier, supports fulfillment staff productivity and fits into existing lender operations without disrupting established processes.

To learn more about how NewFed and Friday Harbor are working together, download the case study: https://fridayharbor.ai/fh-newfed-case-study-2026-02-25.pdf

About Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor is an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time. The company combines deep fintech expertise with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to remove complexity, slash origination costs and deliver a better borrower experience. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/.

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech @newfedmtg

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/newfed-mortgage-leverages-friday-harbor-to-boost-fulfillment-productivity-by-35/

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.

Image caption: TMC – The Mortgage Collaborative.

“The largest institutions have dedicated AI teams and resources that most community lenders simply cannot match,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “The Mortgage AI Council exists to change that equation. We are not here to observe the AI conversation in this industry. We are here to lead it.”

The council will be co-led by Amy Azorandia, chief compliance officer at Click n’ Close, and Erin Dee, chief operating officer at InterLinc Mortgage, who developed the council’s charter and governance structure in partnership with TMC leadership. The council’s work will focus on consolidating fragmented AI governance frameworks into a standard that lenders can implement, facilitating peer knowledge exchange, vetting AI vendors based on member-identified needs, and monitoring regulatory developments in fair lending, model explainability, and data privacy.

“Lenders are being asked to evaluate and implement AI solutions faster than any governance guardrails can keep up with,” said Dee. “This council gives members a structured way to do that work together, so no one is starting from scratch or making the same expensive mistakes alone.”

Inaugural programming will include virtual webinars, member roundtables and dedicated sessions at TMC conferences. The council will also publish an annual state of mortgage AI report, benchmarking adoption and governance maturity across the lender community. Participation is open to all TMC members in good standing at no additional cost.

“Asif Alam, CEO of ActiveComply, saw this need before most of us did, and TMC is exactly the place to bring it to life,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “That is what this network was built for, and the Mortgage AI Council is proof of it.”

Members interested in joining may contact TMC leadership for enrollment information.

For more information, visit mortgagecollaborative.com or contact TMC at TheMortgageCollaborative@mtgcoop.com.

ABOUT THE MORTGAGE COLLABORATIVE

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is a membership-driven organization that empowers mortgage lenders across the United States through networking, education and advocacy. TMC fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation, ensuring its members succeed regardless of market conditions. For more information, visit mortgagecollaborative.com.

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NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-mortgage-collaborative-launches-mortgage-ai-council-to-advance-responsible-ai-adoption-for-community-and-mid-sized-lenders/

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.

Image caption: OptiFunder Connects LendingPad LOS to Genesis to Link Origination and Warehouse Funding.

With LendingPad now connected to Genesis, mortgage bankers can carry loans from origination into warehouse finance without leaving the LOS or duplicating data. The integration blends real‑time loan and funding information from LendingPad with Genesis’ warehouse intelligence spanning more than 60 warehouse lenders, allowing originators to plan funding strategy, manage line utilization, and automate post‑closing activity within a single, coordinated workflow. By removing manual handoffs and disconnected tools, lenders gain lower financing costs, improved funding precision, and greater efficiency across the entire warehouse process—supported by a single, dependable system of record.

“Warehouse funding has long been managed outside the LOS, creating unnecessary friction at a critical point in the lending lifecycle,” said Brian Abbott, Chief Operating Officer of OptiFunder. “Connecting LendingPad and Genesis brings origination and warehouse execution together. Originators gain clearer visibility and stronger control, LOS platforms expand into warehouse finance without added complexity, and warehouse lenders benefit from consistent, scalable connectivity across their customer base.”

The integration also strengthens the broader warehouse ecosystem. For LOS platforms like LendingPad, Genesis extends the origination workflow into warehouse finance without the burden of building and maintaining individual integrations for each warehouse lender. For warehouse lenders, Genesis delivers greater transparency, consistency, and operational efficiency through a single, bi‑directional connection that supports multiple originators.

Built on an API‑driven architecture, the integration improves reliability and security throughout the funding lifecycle. Direct system‑to‑system connectivity reduces reliance on spreadsheets, emails, and lender portals, lowering the risk of data errors and operational bottlenecks. Secure data exchange, role‑based permissions, and complete audit trails enhance oversight and compliance, while automated workflows ensure funding, collateral handling, reconciliation, and paydowns are executed accurately and consistently.

“From the beginning, LendingPad has been focused on helping mortgage professionals lend better, together,” said Wes Yuan, Chief Executive Officer of LendingPad. “Integrating with OptiFunder extends that philosophy into warehouse finance, giving our customers better visibility, fewer touchpoints, and more confidence as loans move from origination to funding and beyond.”

For more information about Genesis by OptiFunder, visit: https://www.optifunder.com/.

To learn more about LendingPad, visit: https://lendingpad.com/.

ABOUT OPTIFUNDER

Founded by mortgage lenders to modernize post‑closing and secondary market operations, OptiFunder is a mortgage technology company delivering transparent, efficient warehouse management solutions for mortgage originators and warehouse lenders. Its Genesis and Greyhound platforms connect funding, post‑closing, and loan repayment into a unified lifecycle that reduces friction, improves visibility, and supports scalable operations. OptiFunder has been recognized for innovation and growth, earning honors including Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, HousingWire’s Tech100 Mortgage award, and Progress in Lending’s Innovation Award.

ABOUT LENDINGPAD

LendingPad is a modern and innovative Loan Origination System (LOS) serving lenders, brokers, bankers, credit unions, and wholesalers with centralized and compliant automated technology tailored to the mortgage industry. Recognized for excellence with the HousingWire’s Tech100 award, LendingPad streamlines the entire mortgage lending process while reducing operational costs. The National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) platform endorses the platform. LendingPad is a proud member of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), ACUMA, and the MISMO organization.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0514-s2p-OptiFunder-LPG-300dpi.webp

Image caption: OptiFunder Connects LendingPad LOS to Genesis to Link Origination and Warehouse Funding

NEWS SOURCE: OptiFunder

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optifunder-connects-lendingpad-los-to-genesis-to-link-origination-and-warehouse-funding/

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.

Image caption: Vesta Partners with OptiFunder to bring loan origination and warehouse funding together.

That fragmentation ends with Genesis by OptiFunder, a Warehouse Management System for mortgage originators, embedded directly inside Vesta’s LOS. Mortgage bankers can now manage warehouse funding strategy, optimize line utilization, and automate post-closing workflows without switching systems or rekeying data. The integration combines real-time origination data with intelligent decisioning across OptiFunder’s network of 60+ warehouse lenders, cutting financing costs and improving funding accuracy across origination, reconciliation, and paydown — all from a single system of record.

“Warehouse management has traditionally operated outside the LOS, creating unnecessary friction and risk,” said Brian Abbott, Chief Operating Officer of OptiFunder. “By connecting the LOS and Genesis, we’re aligning origination and warehouse workflows into a single, intelligent process. Originators gain a seamless, end-to-end funding experience, Vesta extends its operational reach, and warehouse lenders benefit from standardized, system-driven connectivity that scales across multiple originators and environments.”

Beyond originators, the integration delivers meaningful value across the broader warehouse ecosystem. Together, Vesta and OptiFunder extend the origination workflow into warehouse finance—one of the most capital-intensive and operationally complex stages of mortgage lending—without requiring custom, one-off integrations for each warehouse lender. For warehouse lenders, Genesis provides a single, bi-directional integration that supports dozens of originators, improving consistency, visibility, and operational efficiency.

The API-based integration also enhances reliability and security throughout the funding lifecycle. System-to-system connectivity reduces reliance on spreadsheets, emails, and manual portal activity, minimizing data errors and operational risk. Secure data transmission, role-based access controls, and complete audit trails improve transparency and support compliance requirements, while automated workflows ensure funding, collateral, reconciliation, and paydowns are executed consistently and predictably.

“We’re proud to partner with the OptiFunder team to bring Genesis closer to the loan origination workflow,” said Monica Raciti, Head of Operations and Partnerships at Vesta. “Warehouse finance is one of the most operationally complex parts of mortgage lending, and tighter integration between origination and funding makes life easier for the lenders we both serve.”

For more information about Genesis by OptiFunder, visit: https://www.optifunder.com/

To learn more about Vesta, visit: https://www.vesta.com/

About OptiFunder

Founded by mortgage lenders to modernize post-closing and secondary market operations, OptiFunder is a mortgage technology company delivering transparent, efficient warehouse management solutions for mortgage originators and warehouse lenders. Its Genesis and Greyhound platforms seamlessly connect funding, post-closing, and loan repayment, creating a unified lifecycle that reduces friction, improves visibility, and supports scalable operations. OptiFunder has been recognized for its innovation and growth, earning honors including Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, HousingWire’s Tech100 Mortgage award, and Progress in Lending’s Innovation Award.

About Vesta

Vesta is the AI-native loan origination system and agent platform for mortgage, powering banks, independent mortgage banks, and fintech lenders. Built on a modern, cloud-native system of record, Vesta gives lenders a single source of truth—every loan, borrower, property, and document is versioned, auditable, and accessible via API—so teams and agents operate from the same trusted context. Vesta blends deterministic rules and configurable workflows with autonomous agents that can interpret documents, call domain tools (e.g., income and asset calculators, conditions, disclosures, pricing and fee workflows), and orchestrate work across teams and third parties with traceable outcomes and human oversight. The result is faster cycle times, lower cost per loan, and a scalable “agent factory” operating model. Founded in 2020, Vesta is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital Ventures, Conversion Capital, Index Ventures, and Zigg Capital. Learn more at https://www.vesta.com/.

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Image caption: Vesta Partners with OptiFunder to bring loan origination and warehouse funding together.

NEWS SOURCE: OptiFunder

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/vesta-partners-with-optifunder-to-bring-loan-origination-and-warehouse-funding-together/

Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand holds firm as April lock activity cools

Conforming share drops below 50% for first time since at least January 2018

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. Rate-and-term refinance volume fell nearly 38% MoM but remained more than 22% higher YoY, while cash-out refinance volume declined 12% MoM but was up 11% YoY. Refinance share slipped to 23% of total volume, down from March but still above year-ago levels.

Image caption: Image caption: Optimal Blue’s April 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

Mortgage rates remained elevated throughout April but finished slightly lower by month-end. The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming fixed rate, the benchmark for CME Group’s Mortgage Rate futures, ended the month at 6.31%, down 4 basis points (bps) MoM. The 10-year Treasury yield finished April at 4.40%, up 10 bps MoM, while the spread between the 10-year Treasury and the 30-year mortgage rate narrowed to 191 bps as mortgages outperformed.

“April looks more like a cooling from a strong first quarter than a real weakening in borrower demand,” said Mike Vough, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “Purchase activity held up well despite rate pressure, while refinance volume reacted more quickly to recent rate moves. That split reinforces how rate-sensitive borrowers remain, even as the spring purchase market continues to show resilience.”

On the secondary side, April data pointed to renewed movement toward agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) execution. Agency MBS sales increased while bulk loan sales declined, and mortgage servicing rights (MSR) values rose as higher rates reduced expected refinance activity. Investor participation also increased after holding steady for three consecutive months.

“In a higher-rate environment, lenders are paying close attention to where execution value is showing up,” said Vough. “The move toward agency MBS execution, combined with higher MSR values and increased investor participation, continues to prove that lenders need to evaluate all potential execution options to maximize profitability.”

Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock and secondary market data, include:

Volume trends and market composition

Refi activity cools: Rate-and-term refinance volume fell nearly 38% MoM but remained more than 22% higher YoY, while cash-out refinance volume declined 12% MoM but rose 11% YoY. Refinance share slipped to 23% of total volume.
Purchase activity holds steady: Purchase lock volume declined just under 2% MoM but increased more than 9% YoY, continuing to lead overall production.
Conforming share drops below 50%: Conforming share fell just below 50% of total lock volume in April for the first time since Optimal Blue began tracking this metric. FHA share rose to 19%, VA increased to 13%, non-conforming declined to 17% and USDA held steady at 1%.
Non-QM share remains elevated: Non-qualified mortgages accounted for 9% of total lock volume in April, up 30 bps MoM and 233 bps YoY, with investor and bank-statement products leading expanded-guideline activity.
ARM levels remain elevated: Adjustable-rate mortgages accounted for 10% of total production, down 182 bps MoM but broadly in line with year-ago levels and well above pre-2022 norms.
Property mix shifts: Single-family homes represented 64% of production, while planned unit developments, a proxy for new construction activity, declined to 28%, down 42 bps MoM and 326 bps YoY. Condo share also declined to 6%.

Rates and pricing

Mortgage rates outperform Treasuries: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate finished at 6.31%, down 4 bps MoM. Jumbo rates ended at 6.43%, VA rates at 5.90% and FHA rates at 6.06%. The 10-year Treasury increased 10 bps to 4.40%, while the mortgage-to-Treasury spread narrowed to 191 bps.
MSR values climb: MSRs rose 5 bps to 1.29%, representing a 5.16 multiple, moving in line with higher rates and lower refinance expectations.
Conventional spreads widen: Best-efforts-to-mandatory spreads increased 4 bps for conventional 30- and 15-year products, while government 30-year spreads decreased 3 bps.
Lower-tier sales increase: Loans sold to the fourth or lower price tier increased 89 bps to 5%, while third-tier share increased 21 bps.

Channel and execution

Agency MBS share increases: Hedged loan sales to agency MBS rose 354 bps to 44%, marking a shift toward securitization executions.
Bulk executions decline: Bulk loan sales decreased 257 bps to 25%.
Investor count rises: Investor participation increased to 15 in April after holding at 14 for the prior three months.

Product mix and borrower profiles

First-time buyers maintain purchase presence: First-time homebuyer share remained nearly flat in April but continued to represent a meaningful share of purchase activity, accounting for 47% of conforming purchase locks, 70% of FHA purchase locks and 45% of VA purchase locks.
DTI ratios remain stable: Purchase debt-to-income ratios improved YoY, with conforming at 36.2%, FHA at 43.5% and VA at 42.7%.
Credit quality holds firm: The average purchase credit score held at 735, unchanged from March. By product, conforming borrowers averaged 753, FHA borrowers averaged 676 and VA borrowers averaged 716.
Pull-through rates improve: Purchase pull-through rose to just over 82%, up 208 bps MoM but down 58 bps YoY. Refinance pull-through increased to just under 79%, up 356 bps MoM and 1,381 bps YoY.
Loan amounts decline: The average loan amount was $394,046, down from $401,100 in March and $404,586 in February. The average loan-to-value ratio (LTV) was 81.64%. Loan amounts ranged from $888,871 in greater San Francisco to $302,493 in Cincinnati, while regional LTVs ranged from 71.23% in the Bay Area to 89.05% in San Antonio.

To view the full April 2026 Market Advantage report, complete the free subscription form: https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage.

Subscribers receive a report PDF each month with the latest data. Members of the press are eligible for special, advance access each month and should contact Alexandra Kreuter to be added to the media list.

About the Market Advantage Report

Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage report each month to provide insight into U.S. mortgage trends and drivers of lending profitability. Data is sourced from the Optimal Blue PPE, which is used to price and lock more than one-third of all mortgages nationwide, and Optimal Blue’s hedging and loan trading system, which supports approximately 40% of loans hedged and sold into the secondary market. As the leader in mortgage capital markets technology, Optimal Blue has a direct view of both origination and secondary market activity and the interconnectedness of the two. Unlike self-reported survey data, Optimal Blue’s direct-source data accurately reflect the in-process loans in lenders’ pipelines and secondary market executions. Visit Optimal Blue’s website to subscribe to receive the free report each month.

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance – from pricing accuracy to margin protection and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit OptimalBlue.com.

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Image caption: Optimal Blue’s April 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-holds-firm-as-april-lock-activity-cools/

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.

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

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

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

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

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

About FirstClose

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

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NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

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

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

MISMO awards eVault System Certification to DocMagic’s SmartSAFE eVaults

DocMagic also earns a separate MISMO SMART Doc Validation Rules Certification

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. MISMO’s SMART Doc® Validation Rules Certification confirms that DocMagic’s technology can verify conformance to MISMO SMART Doc V1.02 standards prior to vaulting and across integrated workflows.

Image caption: DocMagic, Inc. logo.

MISMO’s technology certifications signify that providers meet rigorous criteria for data exchange, transaction reliability and interoperability across the mortgage ecosystem. DocMagic’s SmartSAFE and SmartSAFE XL eVaults underwent comprehensive testing, with 192 interdependent test cases and supporting compliance artifacts evaluated for each solution.

“With MISMO’s eVault certifications, DocMagic can help lenders accelerate integration timelines, reduce testing cycles and bring eNote capabilities to market with greater speed and certainty,” said MISMO Vice President of Programs and Operations Jonathan Kearns. “At MISMO, we recognize that trust in both the integration and ongoing use of an eVault is critical to advancing the digital mortgage ecosystem. Our eVault certification program is designed to remove uncertainty by validating that providers are implementing MISMO standards correctly, giving lenders confidence in how electronic notes are stored, managed and transferred.”

“We chose to put both our SmartSAFE eVaults through MISMO’s rigorous certification process because we know how important it is for eNote interoperability to extend across different architectures and operating models,” said DocMagic Chief eServices Executive Brian D. Pannell. A Certified MISMO Standards Professional (CMSP®), Pannell is a member of MISMO’s Residential Standards governance committee and vice chair of its Digital Interoperability community of practice. “Whether workflows are UI-guided or API-driven, consistent validation and management of digital assets enables lenders, investors and partners to transact with speed, efficiency and confidence.”

DocMagic previously received MISMO’s eClosing System Certification for its Total eClose™ solution and MISMO’s Remote Online Notarization (RON) Certification for its proprietary RON technology, both in 2022. Together with its newly earned eVault System and SMART Doc Validation Rules certifications, these achievements reflect DocMagic’s continued alignment with MISMO standards across the digital mortgage lifecycle.

For a list of DocMagic’s current MISMO certifications, visit https://www.mismo.org/detail-pages/vendor/docmagic. For more information about DocMagic’s SmartSAFE eVault technology and full suite of eClosing solutions, visit www.docmagic.com.

About DocMagic:

DocMagic® provides a complete digital mortgage platform for the mortgage industry, delivering proprietary document generation, automated compliance, eSignature, eClosing, eNotarization, eNote and eVault technology in one unified solution. Built on nearly 40 years of innovation, DocMagic helps lenders, settlement service providers and investors move loans from application through post-closing with greater speed, accuracy and confidence. AI deepens that foundation through the company’s Intelligent Agentic Network. For more information, visit www.docmagic.com.

About MISMO:

MISMO® is the standards development body for the mortgage industry. MISMO developed a common language for exchanging information for the mortgage finance industry. Today, MISMO standards are accepted and deployed by every type of entity involved in creating mortgages, and they are required by most regulators, housing agencies and the GSEs that participate in the industry. MISMO’s work to solve key industry challenges is made possible through the support of its members, champions, sponsors and lenders (via the Innovation Investment Fund). To learn more about MISMO and opportunities to participate, visit MISMO.org.

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NEWS SOURCE: DocMagic, Inc.

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mismo-awards-evault-system-certification-to-docmagics-smartsafe-evaults/

MISMO awards eVault System Certification to DocMagic’s SmartSAFE eVaults

DocMagic also earns a separate MISMO SMART Doc Validation Rules Certification

Image caption: DocMagic, Inc. logo.

About DocMagic:

About MISMO:

Logo link for media:
https://www.docmagic.com/sites/default/files/img/logo/docmagic-logo-reg.png

NEWS SOURCE: DocMagic, Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mismo-awards-evault-system-certification-to-docmagics-smartsafe-evaults/

Vice Capital Markets introduces agency market-based interest rate benchmark designed to expand insight into mortgage pricing

NOVI, Mich., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, today announced the public release of the Vice Capital Par Note Rate, a proprietary daily mortgage rate benchmark designed to provide a distinct, market-based view of mortgage pricing. Available via an online tracker, the benchmark provides lenders, analysts and other market participants with daily data, long-term trend analysis and custom charting dating back to 2008.

Image caption: Vice Capital Markets.

Calculated daily using Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed security prices across the coupon stack, plus standard base guaranty fees and servicing, the Vice Capital Par Note Rate reflects the note rate at which a 30-year, fixed-rate loan could be sold at par into the agency market while retaining servicing. The benchmark is intended to complement other widely referenced mortgage rate measures by offering an additional perspective grounded in secondary market pricing rather than borrower-specific transaction characteristics, such as discount points, lender credits and loan-level pricing adjustments.

“Mortgage rate metrics can serve different purposes depending on what users are trying to measure,” said Chris Bennett, chairman at Vice Capital Markets. “Many widely followed figures provide valuable insight into borrower activity and market sentiment. The Vice Capital Par Note Rate is designed to complement those views by offering a consistent, market-based benchmark for analyzing mortgage rate movement over time.”

While Vice Capital Markets has used the par note rate internally in its modeling for decades, the company is now making the data publicly available to support more informed market analysis across the mortgage industry. Through the tracker, users can review daily weighted averages, analyze long-term trends and create custom charts across historical time periods.

“By making this data publicly available, we’re giving the industry another lens through which to evaluate mortgage rate movement,” said Troy Baars, president at Vice Capital Markets. “We believe the Vice Capital Par Note Rate will serve as a valuable benchmark for lenders, analysts and other market participants seeking deeper insight into market trends over time.”

To access the online tracker, visit https://vicecapitalmarkets.com/par-note-rate-historical-tracker/. Sign up to receive weekly updates on the Vice Capital Par Note Rate at https://vicecapitalmarkets.com/subscribe-vcm-par-note-rate-updates/.

About Vice Capital Markets

Since 2001, Vice Capital Markets has expertly navigated interest rate risk and driven profitability on over $1 trillion in MBS trades and mortgage-related transactions for a diverse range of financial institutions. Utilizing proprietary risk-management models and an advanced investor and agency platform, Vice Capital has enabled clients to enhance their secondary market strategies and achieve optimal sales gains.

The company’s Vice Execution Portal™ (ViceEx) is an all-inclusive, whole-loan trading platform that enables lenders and secondary market managers to seamlessly send and receive aggregator bulk bids, compare agency executions with customizable retained or co-issue servicing values while guaranteeing the best execution that might otherwise be missed in a manual process.

With traders averaging over a decade of experience, Vice Capital brings the expertise necessary to tackle market challenges and consistently deliver secure and effective profit growth for its clients. For further information, visit www.vicecapitalmarkets.com or call (248) 869-8100.

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NEWS SOURCE: Vice Capital Markets

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/vice-capital-markets-introduces-agency-market-based-interest-rate-benchmark-designed-to-expand-insight-into-mortgage-pricing/

Vice Capital Markets introduces agency market-based interest rate benchmark designed to expand insight into mortgage pricing

Image caption: Vice Capital Markets.

About Vice Capital Markets

LOGO link for media: https://vicecapitalmarkets.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VCMlogo.png

NEWS SOURCE: Vice Capital Markets

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/vice-capital-markets-introduces-agency-market-based-interest-rate-benchmark-designed-to-expand-insight-into-mortgage-pricing/

iEmergent releases 2025 HMDA insights: volume rebounds, but the mortgage market grows more concentrated

Data insights now available in Mortgage MarketSmart show refinance-driven growth amid rising loan sizes

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, has released its analysis of 2025 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data in Mortgage MarketSmart. Presented by iEmergent CEO Laird Nossuli, the findings point to a market that is regaining momentum after a prolonged downturn, with total volume increasing in 2025. That recovery, however, is uneven. Growth is being driven by refinancing activity and larger loan balances, while competitive gains remain concentrated among a relatively small group of lenders.

Image caption: iEmergent releases 2025 HMDA insights: volume rebounds, but the mortgage market grows more concentrated.

Top takeaways from 2025 HMDA data:

Refinance activity drove a disproportionate share of volume growth.
S. lenders originated approximately 6.75 million loans totaling $2.12 trillion in 2025, up from $1.82 trillion in 2024. Refinances accounted for a disproportionate share of that growth, rising to $610.4 billion and representing 29% of total lending volume, compared to 22% the prior year. This shift indicates that recent volume gains are being fueled more by rate-driven activity than by underlying purchase demand.
IMBs extended their lead in both share and growth capture.
Independent mortgage banks (IMBs) increased their share of originations to 57.8% in 2025, up from 55.8% in 2024, and accounted for 61.9% of total lending volume. Notably, they captured $193 billion of the market’s $303 billion year-over-year growth, far outpacing depository institutions. IMBs also dominated lender rankings, representing 18 of the top 25 institutions by both loan count and dollar volume.
Rising loan sizes continue to pressure affordability.
Average loan sizes increased across both purchase and refinance segments, with purchase loans rising to $379,600 (from $368,100) and refinance loans to $311,200 (from $272,900). These increases align with persistent inventory constraints and elevated home prices, which are pushing borrowers toward higher balances and further limiting access for more price-sensitive buyers.
Denial rates edged down, but elevated fallout points to ongoing borrower friction.
While denial rates declined modestly, overall application fallout remained high. Approximately 40% of applications from non-Hispanic White borrowers did not result in funded loans, while fallout exceeded 50% for Black, Native American/Alaskan and Pacific Islander applicants. Increased withdrawals and incomplete applications suggest that affordability constraints and valuation challenges are continuing to disrupt borrower progression through the origination process.
Market concentration remains high, with production concentrated among a small group of lenders.
The top five lenders accounted for just over 20% of both loan count and total volume in 2025. More broadly, only 47 lenders—roughly 1% of all institutions—originated half of total mortgage volume. This concentration underscores a competitive environment in which scale and operational efficiency are increasingly determining market share outcomes.
Loan purpose mix varies significantly by geography, reinforcing the need for localized strategy.
Purchase-driven markets in the Sun Belt, such as Houston (71% purchase) and Austin (68% purchase), stand in contrast to coastal markets like Los Angeles (40% refinance) and San Diego (38% refinance). These differences highlight the importance of market-specific strategy, as performance in purchase-heavy regions depends more on execution and affordability positioning than on cyclical refinance opportunities

“2025 HMDA data shows a market that is improving, but not uniformly,” said Nossuli. “Growth is being driven by specific products, borrower segments and geographies, while competitive gains are concentrated among lenders with the scale and strategy to capture them. Understanding where those opportunities exist is critical for lenders planning their next phase of growth.”

Lenders can now benchmark performance and identify growth opportunities
The integration of 2025 HMDA data into Mortgage MarketSmart allows lenders to benchmark their performance against peers across categories such as:

Purchase and refi loan volume (units and dollars)
Borrower race and ethnicity
Loan type and size
Borrower income levels
Denial reasons by demographic group

With side-by-side comparisons of HMDA data, historical trends and forward-looking forecasts, Mortgage MarketSmart empowers lenders to identify gaps, meet Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) obligations and reach underserved markets.

To explore 2025 HMDA insights in Mortgage MarketSmart, request a demo at https://www.iemergent.com.

About iEmergent

Founded in 2000, iEmergent provides mortgage lending forecasts and analytics to the lending, housing and real estate industries. The company offers an extensive variety of forecast and market intelligence products, including Mortgage MarketSmart, a visualization tool that helps lenders quantify how mortgage markets will change. For more information, visit https://www.iemergent.com.

Tags: @iEmergent

Media Kit:
https://www.iemergent.com/docs/default-source/default-document-library/presskit_digitallinked.pdf

NEWS SOURCE: iEmergent

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/iemergent-releases-2025-hmda-insights-volume-rebounds-but-the-mortgage-market-grows-more-concentrated/

U.S. homebuyer assistance programs increase in Q1 2026 as identified by housing industry authority Down Payment Resource

Program count continues to grow, giving housing industry professionals more ways to support homebuyers

2,679 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs identified in Q1 2026 by housing industry authority Down Payment Resource
Down Payment Resource identifies 2,679 homebuyer assistance programs nationwide in Q1 2026

ATLANTA, Ga., April 29, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homeownership program data and solutions, today released its Q1 2026 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report, identifying 2,679 programs nationwide. This represents a 2% increase from the previous quarter (2,619 programs), reflecting continued expansion of resources designed to improve affordability and access to homeownership.

Image caption: U.S. homebuyer assistance programs increase in Q1 2026 as identified by housing industry authority Down Payment Resource.

DPA programs provide meaningful financial support that strengthens borrower profiles. By reducing loan-to-value ratios and covering upfront costs such as down payments, closing costs and rate buydowns, these programs help convert qualified demand into successful homeownership outcomes.

The majority of programs in DPR’s database remain active and available to buyers, with 2,073 programs (77%) currently funded and accessible. As affordability challenges persist, these programs continue to play a critical role in helping lenders qualify borrowers, reduce upfront costs and expand homeownership opportunities.

“Recent data shows buyers are spending more than $31,000 beyond the down payment, often far more than they’d expected,” said Rob Chrane, founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource. “With 62% of programs serving incomes above $100K, DPA is a powerful tool to help qualified buyers move forward without draining their savings, while giving lenders more flexibility to expand access to homeownership.”

KEY Q1 2026 HPI REPORT FINDINGS:

An examination of the 2,679 homeownership programs on April 1, 2026, resulted in the following key findings:

Program count continues to climb: The total number of programs increased to 2,679, up from 2,619 in Q4 2025 and 2,509 year over year (YoY), reflecting steady growth in available assistance options. 2,073 programs (77%) are currently active and funded, providing immediate opportunities for homebuyers across the country. By state, California has the highest number of programs (424) and providers (263), followed by Florida (271/174) and Texas (196/103).
More programs with no income limits: 284 programs (11%) do not have income restrictions, a 5% increase from the prior quarter, giving lenders greater flexibility to qualify a broader range of borrowers.
Second mortgages remain dominant: Second-mortgage programs make up 56% of all program types, offering flexible structures such as deferred or forgivable loans that reduce upfront costs for buyers. Combined assistance programs account for 10% of programs, while first-mortgage programs represent 9%. 220 programs (8%) are grants, which offer significant value because they do not require repayment, an increase of 6% from the prior quarter.
Local providers lead program availability: Municipalities account for the largest share of programs at 39% (1,056), up 3% from the prior quarter, followed by nonprofits at 22% (578), also up 3% and state housing finance agencies (HFAs) at 18% (469), up 1%. Local HFAs represent an additional 8% (208 programs), reflecting continued growth in community-based program delivery.
Support for first-time and first-generation buyers expands: 1,666 programs (62%) are available to first-time homebuyers, up from 1,639 in the prior quarter, while 33 programs support first-generation buyers, holding steady from last quarter. These programs continue to expand access to homeownership for those entering the market for the first time or without family homeownership history respectively.
Incentive programs broaden access: 206 programs offer special incentives based on occupation or borrower characteristics, up from 201 in the prior quarter. There are 71 for educators (34%), 58 for Native American homebuyers (28%), 54 for Veterans (26%) and 50 for protectors such as law enforcement and first responders (24%), reflecting continued support for key community segments.
Expanded property and housing options: Programs supporting multi-unit properties (2–4 units) increased to 934 (35%), up from 923 in Q4 2025, while 1,053 programs (39%) now support manufactured housing, up from 1,041 (40%). These trends reflect continued expansion of more flexible and affordable homeownership pathways, including options that support rental income potential and lower-cost housing alternatives.

A more detailed analysis of the Q1 2026 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR’s website at: https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/down-payment-assistance-continues-to-expand-in-q1-2026-reaching-2679-programs-nationwide/

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit: https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q12026.pdf

Members of the media are encouraged to contact DPR for data specific to their reporting needs.

METHODOLOGY:

Published quarterly, DPR’s HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,400 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country’s wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database.

ABOUT DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE:

With a database that tracks over 2,600 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services (MLSs) and API users, Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry’s authority on homeownership program data and solutions, helping housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by seven of the top 25 mortgage lenders, two of the largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

X: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #downpayment

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0429-s2p-dprchart-300dpi.webp

Image caption: U.S. homebuyer assistance programs increase in Q1 2026 as identified by housing industry authority Down Payment Resource

NEWS SOURCE: Down Payment Resource

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/u-s-homebuyer-assistance-programs-increase-in-q1-2026-as-identified-by-housing-industry-authority-down-payment-resource/

Class Valuation launches CVUE to shift appraisal repurchase risk from lenders and reduce underwriting workload

New underwriting and appraisal assurance program eliminates most internal appraisal reviews while guaranteeing the quality of the appraisal

TROY, Mich., April 28, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), today announced the official launch of Class Valuation Underwriting Engine (CVUE), an underwriting and appraisal assurance program designed to reduce lender risk, lower operational costs and accelerate loan closings.

Image caption: Class Valuation.

One of the most persistent operational challenges in mortgage lending is reviewing every appraisal received from an AMC or appraiser regardless of the underlying risk score. Manually reviewing low-risk files adds unnecessary time and expense and reduces underwriting throughput. Compounding the issue, roughly one in four appraisals is returned for revision during underwriting, adding an additional one to three days to closing timelines. CVUE addresses these inefficiencies by combining AI analysis and human review to deliver guaranteed appraisals lenders can accept without an internal review.

CVUE covers eligible appraisals with repurchase risk defense and financial protection. By assuming repurchase risk on qualifying files, the program removes an estimated 80% of the appraisal review burden typically placed on underwriting teams, saving lenders roughly $100 per file while freeing teams to focus on higher-risk loans and scale production without adding staff. CVUE also eliminates appraisal revisions and shortens appraisal turn times by an average of two to three days, resulting in faster closings and improved pipeline predictability. These results have been validated through a pilot with more than 20 lenders, including three of the nation’s top 10.

CVUE’s guarantee generally applies to low-risk appraisals, which based on Class Valuation’s data represent approximately 80% of appraisal volume. This includes conforming purchase and refinance first mortgages sold to Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac® as well as FHA-insured loans guaranteed by Ginnie Mae. All loans must pass Class Valuation’s internal quality control review to qualify.

Getting started is simple with no required technology build-out, IT involvement or drain on your team’s time and resources. Enrolling is a turnkey solution so lenders are up and running with minimal effort.

“For the first time, an AMC is stepping in front of the risk and standing behind its appraisals. That’s what CVUE does,” said John Fraas, chief executive officer of Class Valuation. “After piloting the program, we’ve proven that lenders don’t need to review every appraisal to protect against buyback exposure. Class Valuation assumes that risk on qualifying files, giving lenders certainty of execution, a dramatic reduction in underwriting workload and fewer delays caused by appraisal revisions.”

ABOUT CLASS VALUATION:

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) renowned for its commitment to fast turn times, exceptional quality and unparalleled client service. The company leverages a powerful combination of skilled professionals, innovative products, streamlined processes and advanced technology to empower lenders in fulfilling homeownership dreams. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for its outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned accolades as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, please visit https://www.classvaluation.com.

X: @ClassValuation #appraisal #valuation #lending

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/class-valuation-launches-cvue-to-shift-appraisal-repurchase-risk-from-lenders-and-reduce-underwriting-workload/

TMC to host act Tech Summit, an affordable, high-value event for evaluating mortgage technology

SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 21, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, will host its act Tech Summit on Aug. 12-13, bringing together mortgage industry leaders, technology providers and decision-makers for an affordable, high-value opportunity to evaluate technology partners and solutions in a single setting. The event will be held at The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton in Dallas, Texas.

Image caption: TMC to host act Tech Summit.

The two-day event will focus on advancements in artificial intelligence, loan origination systems and other emerging technologies shaping the future of lending. Designed for CTOs, operations leaders and CEOs responsible for technology strategy, the summit offers a streamlined environment to compare solutions and make informed decisions. Registration is now open, and lenders do not need to be TMC members to attend.

A limited number of sponsorship and presentation opportunities are still available. Presentation applications for emerging technology companies are open until June 1, with responses due by June 15.

“The mortgage industry advances when lenders, innovators and investors are working from the same information in the same room,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “The act Tech Summit was created to build that environment, where lenders can evaluate technologies in context, engage directly with solution providers and better understand how these tools perform in real-world workflows. It’s about creating clarity in a space that’s evolving quickly.”

The act Tech Summit will feature approximately 15 technology companies presenting across multiple segments, including live demonstrations, moderated discussions and audience Q&A. A live head-to-head component will showcase AI-driven underwriting platforms in real time, allowing lenders to evaluate performance, workflows and outcomes in a practical setting.

Additional programming will include dedicated time for loan origination system providers and presentations from solutions such as Candor Technology and Gateless. Participating companies will be selected by a group of TMC lender members, with the final lineup expected to be announced in June.

Xactus has been named the title sponsor of the act Tech Summit.

“Lenders today are under increasing pressure to move faster while maintaining accuracy and managing risk, which is where intelligent verification and AI-driven solutions play a critical role,” said Michael Crockett, COO of Xactus. “The act Tech Summit brings together the right mix of innovators and decision-makers to help the industry better understand how to apply these technologies in meaningful, practical ways.”

Organizations interested in sponsoring the event can contact Jodi Hall at jhall@mtgcoop.com for more information.

The act Tech Summit is an extension of TMC’s Tech Fund initiative, established to give lenders a more active role in shaping mortgage technology. This model allows lenders to engage earlier in the innovation process, offering feedback based on real workflows, regulatory requirements and borrower expectations. By linking that framework to a live event setting, the act Tech Summit provides a structured way to evaluate, refine and advance mortgage technology with direct input from the lenders who will use it ultimately.

For the event agenda and to register, visit the official event registration page.

ABOUT THE MORTGAGE COLLABORATIVE

The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is a membership-driven organization that empowers mortgage lenders across the United States through networking, education, and advocacy. TMC fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation, ensuring its members succeed regardless of market conditions. For more information, visit mortgagecollaborative.com

ABOUT XACTUS

Xactus is a leading verification innovator advancing intelligent verification across financial services. Through its proprietary Intelligent Verification Platform, Xactus360, the company delivers advanced data and technology solutions that help organizations make better decisions faster while increasing efficiency and reducing operational waste. With a focus on automation, accuracy and innovation, Xactus continues to modernize verification and improve outcomes across complex decisioning environments.

For more information about this acquisition and Xactus360, visit xactus.com or contact sales@xactus.com.

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/tmc-to-host-act-tech-summit-an-affordable-high-value-event-for-evaluating-mortgage-technology/

TMC to host act Tech Summit, an affordable, high-value event for evaluating mortgage technology

Image caption: TMC to host act Tech Summit.

A limited number of sponsorship and presentation opportunities are still available. Presentation applications for emerging technology companies are open until June 1, with responses due by June 15.

Xactus has been named the title sponsor of the act Tech Summit.

Organizations interested in sponsoring the event can contact Jodi Hall at jhall@mtgcoop.com for more information.

For the event agenda and to register, visit the official event registration page.

ABOUT THE MORTGAGE COLLABORATIVE

ABOUT XACTUS

For more information about this acquisition and Xactus360, visit xactus.com or contact sales@xactus.com.

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/tmc-to-host-act-tech-summit-an-affordable-high-value-event-for-evaluating-mortgage-technology/

Dark Matter Technologies names Vikas Rao CEO to lead next chapter of growth

Leadership transition positions company for AI-first execution and a faster pace of innovation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced the appointment of Vikas Rao as chief executive officer. Rao, who has served as chief technology officer since 2025, succeeds Sean Dugan and will lead the company’s next phase with a focus on translating its technology leadership into stronger growth.

Photo caption: Dark Matter Technologies names Vikas Rao CEO.

Dark Matter has built a strong foundation in product innovation, including early leadership in applying AI within mortgage origination, positioning the company to compete more effectively as the industry continues to shift.

“Dark Matter has built meaningful technology advantages in a market that is being reshaped by AI, automation and a faster pace of change,” said Bonnie Wilhelm, CEO of Constellation Software’s Andromeda Operating Group. “This leadership transition reflects a clear decision to align the company with where the market is going and to turn that advantage into sustained growth. Vikas has been at the center of that shift and is the right leader to carry it forward.”

“We are reshaping how we build, operate and go to market to match where the technology is going,” said Rao. “That means embedding an AI-first approach across the entire organization so we can move faster and deliver more effectively. Our clients will feel that pace of innovation. That is the measure that matters most.”

Rao brings more than 15 years of experience in software engineering, product management and mortgage technology leadership. Prior to joining Dark Matter, he led product strategy at Ellie Mae, where he was responsible for the Encompass lending platform along with the Developer and Partner ecosystems.

As part of the transition, Dark Matter is making further changes to its leadership structure and targeted organizational adjustments, including a reduction in force, to align its operating model with its strategic priorities. Dark Matter continues to operate with the support of Constellation Software’s Andromeda Operating Group. The company’s product roadmap, customer commitments and day-to-day operations remain unchanged.

ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry’s leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers powerful technology with unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders, servicers and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com.

MULTIMEDIA

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0416-s2p-vikasrao-300dpi.webp

Photo caption: Dark Matter Technologies names Vikas Rao CEO.

Logo link: https://dmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/dark-matter-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-technologies-names-vikas-rao-ceo-to-lead-next-chapter-of-growth/

Class Valuation expands New York presence with acquisition of Lauritano Appraisal Services

Acquisition strengthens regional expertise while enhancing technology-driven valuation capabilities

TROY, Mich., April 16, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that it has acquired Lauritano Appraisal Services (LAS), a highly respected New York-based residential appraisal firm with more than 30 years of experience delivering high-quality valuation services.

Image caption: Class Valuation.

As of March 16, LAS is operating as a division of Class Valuation, expanding the company’s presence in the Northeast and strengthening its regional expertise in luxury and complex properties. The combined organization provides clients with access to a broader range of valuation solutions, including alternative valuation products, enhanced data and analytics capabilities and new efficiencies through Class Valuation’s technology. All this while maintaining the high standards of service and client relationships that have defined LAS for decades.

“We’ve always focused on delivering high-quality service while staying at the forefront of appraisal efficiency,” said Tom Lauritano, CEO of Lauritano Appraisal Services. “As the industry continues to evolve, partnering with Class Valuation allows us to accelerate innovation, modernize processes and bring our clients into the future of residential appraising.”

“Lauritano Appraisal Services has built a strong reputation for quality, compliance and customer service in one of the most complex appraisal markets in the country,” said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. “With Lauritano now part of Class Valuation, we’re bringing together their specialized knowledge of luxury and complex New York properties with our technology to deliver greater efficiency, consistency and innovation for our clients.”

ABOUT CLASS VALUATION:

Class Valuation is a leading nationwide appraisal management company (AMC) renowned for its commitment to fast turn times, exceptional quality and unparalleled client service. The company leverages a powerful combination of skilled professionals, innovative products, optimized processes and advanced technology to empower lenders in fulfilling homeownership dreams. Consistently recognized by top mortgage lenders for its outstanding performance, Class Valuation has also earned accolades as a top workplace and received numerous industry awards. Founded in 2009, Class Valuation is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, please visit https://www.classvaluation.com.

X: @ClassValuation #appraisal #valuation #lending

NEWS SOURCE: Class Valuation

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/class-valuation-expands-new-york-presence-with-acquisition-of-lauritano-appraisal-services/

Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand lifts mortgage lock activity as rates rise

Lock volume rises 13% month over month as spring buying season gains traction

PLANO, Texas, April 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its March 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, reflecting resilient mortgage activity as purchase demand strengthened despite higher rates. Total rate-lock volume rose 13% month over month (MoM) and 26% year over year (YoY). Purchase activity led the month, with purchase lock volume up 38% from February and 20% from March 2025. Cash-out refinance volume increased 9% MoM and 21% YoY, while rate-and-term refinance volume declined 34% from February but remained more than 66% higher YoY. Refinance share finished March at 28% of total production, down from earlier in the year but still well above 2025 levels.

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s March 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

Mortgage rates moved higher across all major products in March. The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming fixed rate, the benchmark for CME Group’s Mortgage Rate futures, ended the month at 6.35%, up 45 basis points (bps) from February. Jumbo, VA and FHA rates also increased during the month. The 10-year Treasury yield ended March at 4.30%, up 33 bps, while the spread between the 10-year Treasury and the 30-year rate widened to 205 bps.

“Purchase demand is carrying the market forward even as rates move higher,” said Mike Vough, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “That’s a strong sign for the spring market, especially with refinance share still at 28%, well above where it spent most of 2025.”

On the secondary side, March data reflected modest shifts in execution. Best-efforts-to-mandatory spreads tightened for 30-year products, while agency cash window executions increased 100 bps and securitization activity eased. Mortgage servicing rights (MSR) values also rose 6 bps as higher rates reduced refinance expectations.

“In a higher-rate environment, lenders have to be more deliberate about how they execute and where they find value,” Vough said. “We saw some movement toward the cash window in March, but the more telling signal was MSRs moving higher as refinance expectations came down. That’s the market adjusting to a higher-rate backdrop.”

Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock and secondary market data, include:

Volume trends and market composition

Refinance share eases: Refinances accounted for 28% of total lock volume in March as purchase demand accelerated. Rate-and-term refinance volume declined 34% MoM but remained more than 66% higher YoY, while cash-out refinance volume increased 9% MoM and 21% YoY.
Purchase share expands: Purchase locks accounted for just over 71% of total volume in March, with purchase activity rising 38% MoM and 20% YoY as the market moved deeper into the spring selling season.
Conforming’s majority narrows: Conforming share declined to just over 50% of total volume in March. FHA and non-conforming share each increased to 18%, while VA share eased to 13% and USDA held steady at 1%.
ARM usage climbs: Adjustable-rate mortgages accounted for 12% of total production in March, up 162 bps MoM and reaching the highest mark since October 2022.
PUD share rises: Planned unit developments, a proxy for new construction activity, rose to 28% of total volume in March, up 75 bps MoM but down 413 bps YoY.

Rates and pricing

Rates move higher: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate rose 45 bps to 6.35%. Jumbo rates increased 41 bps, VA rates rose 44 bps and FHA rates climbed 21 bps. The 10-year Treasury yield increased 33 bps to 4.30%, while the mortgage-to-Treasury spread widened to 205 bps.
MSR values rise: MSRs for conforming 30-year loans increased 6 bps to 1.24%, representing a 4.97 multiple, as higher rates reduced refinance expectations.
Execution spreads tighten: Best-efforts-to-mandatory spreads decreased 3 bps for conventional 30-year loans and 5 bps for government 30-year loans, while the conforming 15-year spread increased 7 bps.
Top pricing share slips: The share of loans sold at the highest price tier declined 100 bps to 79%, while loans sold in the fourth (or worse) tier decreased 100 bps to 4%.

Channel and execution

MBS share slips: Agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) securitizations accounted for 41% of hedged executions, down slightly from 42% the prior month.
Cash window gains ground: Hedged loan sales to the agency cash window rose 100 bps to 28%.

Product mix and borrower profiles

First-time buyer share remains high: First-time homebuyers represented 46% of conforming purchase locks and more than 70% of FHA volume in March, while VA first-time buyer share held near 46%. Conforming first-time buyer share was up 3 points over the past three months and 1 point year over year.
Borrower profiles remain stable: Debt-to-income (DTI) ratios for purchase loans were 36.3% for conforming loans, 43.3% for FHA and 42.7% for VA in March. Conforming purchase DTI was essentially flat from February, while FHA and VA purchase DTIs moved modestly lower. All three remained below year-ago levels. The average purchase FICO was 732.
Loan balances stay elevated: Average loan amount declined to just over $401,000 from $404,586 in February but remained well above year-ago levels. The average loan-to-value ratio (LTV) was 81.32%. Loan amounts ranged from $888,536 in greater San Francisco to $306,283 in Indianapolis, while regional LTVs ranged from 69.88% in the Bay Area to 89.47% in San Antonio.

To view the full March 2026 Market Advantage report, complete the free subscription form: https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage.

Subscribers receive a report PDF each month with the latest data. Members of the press are eligible for special, advance access each month and should contact Leslie Colley to be added to the media list.

About the Market Advantage Report

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue

MULTIMEDIA

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Image caption: Optimal Blue’s March 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-lifts-mortgage-lock-activity-as-rates-rise/

The Mortgage Collaborative expands national conference presence, invites lenders to connect during spring events

SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, will engage with members and industry partners across a series of key mortgage conferences and events nationwide throughout the second quarter.

Image caption: The Mortgage Collaborative.

TMC representatives will attend and connect with lenders at the following gatherings:

April 16: Advocacy Committee meetings in Washington, D.C. (held in conjunction with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) National Advocacy Conference)
April 26: Texas Mortgage Bankers Association (TMBA) conference in Austin, Texas
April 27: HousingWire The Gathering in Austin, Texas
May 5: Great River MBA conference in Memphis, Tennessee
May 11: MeridianLink Live! in San Diego, California
May 14: TMC Executive Summit in The Hamptons, New York
May 17–19: MBA Secondary and Capital Markets Conference in New York
June 14: Ohio MBA conference in Columbus, Ohio

“Our goal is simple. We want to create more opportunities for lenders to engage with each other and with us throughout the year, not just at our two annual conferences,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “If you are a member, we encourage you to connect with us at these events. If you are not yet part of TMC, this is a great opportunity to meet our team and experience the value of a lender-driven network.”

In addition to its presence at these industry gatherings, TMC will co-host a series of invitation-only networking dinners and private events alongside key partners, including Brody Gapp LLP, Ocrolus and Polly. These smaller, relationship-driven settings reflect the organization’s lender-led model, providing a forum for mortgage professionals to exchange insights, address shared challenges and collaborate on strategies to improve operations, profitability and compliance.

TMC’s broader event participation is supported by a range of Preferred Partner members, including Byte Software, Land Gorilla, National Mortgage Insurance Corporation, Vice Capital Markets and Cathedral CPAs and Advisors, who contribute to key experiences surrounding the Executive Summit and other industry gatherings. Together, these partnerships reflect TMC’s collaborative approach, where solution providers engage directly with lenders to address real-time business needs.

The organization recently attended Dark Matter Technologies’ conference in Ponte Vedra, Florida, further demonstrating its commitment to maintaining an active and visible presence across the mortgage ecosystem.

Through both large-scale industry events and more targeted, peer-driven engagements, TMC continues to create opportunities for lenders to connect, share knowledge and strengthen their businesses in an increasingly dynamic market.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

LOGO link for media: https://mortgagecollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Color-Logo-The-Mortgage-Collaborative-scaled-1.png

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-mortgage-collaborative-expands-national-conference-presence-invites-lenders-to-connect-during-spring-events/

Vice Capital Markets Announces Support for New Fannie Mae Specified-Cash Payup Commitment Grids

NOVI, Mich., April 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, announced today that it now supports new 30-year fixed-rate specified-cash payup commitment grids from Fannie Mae, which became effective April 9, 2026.

Image caption: Vice Capital Markets.

The new commitment grids include:

30-Year Fixed Rate – $425k Max Loan Amount;
30-Year Fixed Rate – $450k Max Loan Amount; and
30-Year Fixed Rate – Manufactured Housing.

With these additions, Vice Capital clients can incorporate more precise pricing into their rate sheets and best execution analysis when evaluating eligible loans for delivery to Fannie Mae.

“As agency cash execution becomes more granular, lenders need to be able to reflect those distinctions in their pricing and delivery strategy,” said Shawn Ansley, Chief Information Officer at Vice Capital Markets. “Fannie Mae’s new commitment grids add useful precision for specific loan scenarios, and we’re making that available to clients so they can strengthen best execution analysis and act on opportunities more confidently.”

To explore how Vice Capital helps lenders optimize pricing, commitments and delivery strategies, visit www.vicecapitalmarkets.com.

About Vice Capital Markets

LOGO link for media: https://vicecapitalmarkets.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VCMlogo.png

NEWS SOURCE: Vice Capital Markets

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/vice-capital-markets-announces-support-for-new-fannie-mae-specified-cash-payup-commitment-grids/

Click n’ Close names Delores Lopez as chief operating officer

ADDISON, Texas, April 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the appointment of Delores Lopez as chief operating officer, effective April 6. In this role, Lopez will lead operations, drive scalable growth initiatives and implement operational strategy across the organization, reporting to Ian Kimball, president.

Image caption: Click n’ Close names Delores Lopez as chief operating officer.

As chief operating officer, Lopez will focus on advancing operational excellence, supporting long-term growth and optimizing performance across Click n’ Close’s national footprint as the company continues to expand. Lopez joins Click n’ Close at a time of continued momentum for the company, as it builds on its leadership in down payment assistance programs and One-Time Close construction lending while expanding its reach across wholesale, correspondent and consumer direct.

“I’m pleased to welcome Delores to Click n’ Close,” said Ian Kimball, president of Click n’ Close. “Her deep operational expertise and proven leadership across multiple functions will be instrumental as we continue to scale the business, strengthen our platform and support our partners and borrowers with greater efficiency and consistency.”

Lopez most recently served as executive vice president of mortgage operations at Titan Bank, where she played a key role in building and scaling the bank’s correspondent channel while guiding operations across the full loan life cycle. Prior to that, she spent more than a decade at Supreme Lending, including as Chief Enterprise Risk Officer, where she helped shape a disciplined risk culture and strengthen quality and compliance practices across a growing national platform. She began her career in secondary marketing roles at Benchmark Mortgage, ViewPoint Bankers Mortgage and Concorde Acceptance, developing a foundation in capital markets that has informed her approach to balancing growth, risk and execution throughout her career.

About Click n’ Close, Inc.

In operation since 1940, Click n’ Close has remained at the forefront of mortgage innovation, pioneering the adoption of eClosings and eNotes. Backed by a strong financial foundation, Click n’ Close has the balance sheet and warehouse capacity to support and scale its specialized loan programs, providing consistent access to capital and reliable execution for its partners. By maintaining direct relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and private investors and servicing its loan programs in-house, the company delivers dependable liquidity, loan salability and an enhanced borrower experience.

Learn more at www.clicknclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Click n' Close Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/click-n-close-names-delores-lopez-as-chief-operating-officer/

Vice Capital Markets Now Supports New Freddie Mac Cash-Specified Payup Types for 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages

NOVI, Mich., April 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, announced today that two new Freddie Mac Cash-Specified Payup Types (CSPTs) for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are now available through Vice Capital for both mandatory and best-efforts executions. The new payup types became effective in production on April 6, 2026.

Image caption: Vice Capital Markets.

The new Cash-Specified Payup Types apply to 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in two maximum low loan balance (LLB) categories: loans with balances of $425,000 or less and $450,000 or less. With this update, Vice Capital clients can now incorporate the new CSPTs into their secondary marketing execution workflows as they evaluate pricing and commit eligible loans to Freddie Mac.

“Speed to market matters in secondary, especially when new execution options become available,” said Shawn Ansley, Chief Information Officer at Vice Capital Markets. “Our priority is to ensure clients can take advantage of investor and agency updates the moment they become available. By supporting these new Freddie Mac Cash-Specified Payup Types at launch, we’re enabling lenders to respond quickly to market changes and immediately incorporate new execution opportunities into their decision-making.”

As a long-standing Freddie Mac Secondary Market Advisor, Vice Capital continues to expand and enhance its execution capabilities, helping lenders navigate agency pricing, commitments and delivery strategies with greater efficiency and confidence. For more information, visit www.vicecapitalmarkets.com.

About Vice Capital Markets

LOGO Link for media: https://vicecapitalmarkets.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/VCMlogo.png

NEWS SOURCE: Vice Capital Markets

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/vice-capital-markets-now-supports-new-freddie-mac-cash-specified-payup-types-for-30-year-fixed-rate-mortgages/

Kitsap Credit Union selects FirstClose’s home equity lending platform

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

Image caption: FirstClose.

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

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

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

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

About FirstClose

About Kitsap Credit Union

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

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

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

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

Dark Matter Technologies introduces Ask Aiva, an AI assistant embedded in the Empower LOS

With Aiva AI, lenders can ask questions of their origination data and get instant answers with supporting source-level insights

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced Ask Aiva®, a conversational AI assistant natively embedded within the Empower® loan origination system (LOS) that allows lenders to query their origination environment in plain language, receive instant answers to see how those answers were derived. Available now to Empower clients, Ask Aiva is unveiling at Horizon 2026, the company’s annual user conference.

Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies.

“The data lenders need to answer important operational questions has been just out of reach—buried in their own systems,” said Sean Dugan, CEO of Dark Matter Technologies. “Ask Aiva changes that by allowing users to ask questions of their origination environment and receive answers they can act on, with the ability to trace those answers back to the source.”

The assistant is built on a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture that searches connected data sources in real time, retrieves relevant context and generates responses in plain language. What distinguishes Ask Aiva is the ability for users to click directly into results to view the source data and underlying logic behind each answer, addressing a common limitation of AI tools that lack transparency and auditability into their outputs. It also delivers immediate answers within Empower, eliminating the need for support tickets and reducing wait times for system assistance.

“The industry has seen a surge of AI tools that operate as bolt-ons, requiring users to leave their core systems and trust outputs without clear visibility into how they’re generated,” said Vikas Rao, chief technology officer at Dark Matter Technologies. “We built Ask Aiva differently. As one of the first AI experiences woven into the fabric of a mortgage LOS and deployed at scale, it gives lenders the ability to trace every answer back to its source, all within the system where they already work.”

Future releases will expand Ask Aiva’s capabilities to include additional lender-specific content sources, enabling institutions to incorporate underwriting guidelines, product matrices and internal policies, as well as broader support across Dark Matter’s loan officer, borrower, broker and seller portals. Additional enhancements will introduce borrower-facing capabilities and extend Ask Aiva across Dark Matter Technologies’ product suite.

For information or to request a demonstration, visit https://www.dmatter.com or contact your Dark Matter Technologies account representative.

ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES:

X: @dmattertech #fintech #mortgage

LOGO link for media: https://dmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/dark-matter-logo.svg

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-technologies-introduces-ask-aiva-an-ai-assistant-embedded-in-the-empower-los/

Friday Harbor integrates with Calyx Path Platform to bring AI pre-underwriting directly into the flow of the loan

Lenders on the Calyx Path Platform can identify and resolve loan issues earlier, reducing rework and keeping loans moving forward with fewer interruptions

SEATTLE, Wash., April 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor today announced a new integration with the Calyx Path Platform that brings AI-powered pre-underwriting directly into the flow of the loan. Instead of waiting until underwriting to uncover issues, lenders can now review borrower documents, surface potential problems and resolve them earlier while maintaining consistent, reliable loan data throughout the lifecycle.

Image caption: Friday Harbor integrates with Calyx Path Platform.

Friday Harbor equips loan officers to structure smarter deals with dynamic pre-underwriting capabilities like Income and Asset Sandbox. Originators can test scenarios against program guidelines to qualify more borrowers and place them in the right products with greater confidence. The platform is built to handle the complexity of real-world loan files, so loan officers spend less time chasing paperwork and more time on what moves the needle: client relationships, referral partner growth and pipeline management.

At the same time, Friday Harbor enables loan officer assistants, processors and other fulfillment team members to review borrower documents and loan data as files are assembled. The platform flags income calculation errors, missing verifications and guideline conflicts, then presents a clear resolution path so teams can correct issues before the loan file reaches underwriting. Cleaner files arriving at the underwriting desk translate into fewer conditions and fewer file touches for underwriting teams.

“Cleaner files mean lower costs and faster closings,” said Friday Harbor CEO Theo Ellis. “When lenders apply underwriting intelligence earlier in the origination process, they reduce costly rework, improve pull-through and compress the time needed to get to closing. Underwriters spend less time chasing conditions and more time making real risk decisions, ultimately increasing underwriting productivity per FTE.”

The Calyx Path Platform is a data-centric mortgage platform designed to coordinate the lifecycle of a loan from application through closing. Built on a unified data model and workflow engine, the platform reduces manual handoffs, maintains consistency across the loan and allows work to move forward with fewer interruptions.

“Lenders are looking for ways to improve file quality earlier without adding more friction to their process,” said Jeff Davis, director of sales at Calyx. “By bringing pre-underwriting intelligence directly into the flow of the loan, teams can catch issues sooner and reduce the amount of rework later. It greatly aligns with our move toward a more coordinated, data-driven lifecycle where the loan can move forward with fewer interruptions.”

To learn more about the integration between Friday Harbor and Calyx Path Platform, visit https://fridayharbor.ai.

About Friday Harbor

About Calyx

Calyx provides technology for mortgage lenders, brokers and financial institutions through the Calyx Path Platform, designed to coordinate the lifecycle of a loan from application through closing. By reducing manual steps, maintaining consistent and reliable data across the loan and connecting key parts of the mortgage process, the platform helps lenders move faster, lower costs and deliver a more predictable borrower experience. For more information, call (800) 362-2599 or visit www.calyxsoftware.com.

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech @Calyx

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/friday-harbor-integrates-with-calyx-path-platform-to-bring-ai-pre-underwriting-directly-into-the-flow-of-the-loan/

Argyle announces integration with Vesta to embed direct-source verifications within the loan origination system

New platform capabilities bring income, employment and asset verification together in a single consumer-permissioned workflow

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y., March 30, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Argyle, a leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income, employment and asset verifications, today announced a new integration with Vesta, an AI-native loan origination system (LOS) and agent platform built to automate and accelerate mortgage operations.

Image caption: Argyle.

The integration allows lenders to order, view and refresh Argyle’s verification of income, employment and assets directly within the Vesta LOS. By embedding direct-source verifications inside the core origination workflow, lenders can reduce manual processes, eliminate system toggling and streamline file management from application through underwriting.

With real-time payroll and banking connections available natively within Vesta, lenders can increase automation rates, lower verification costs and improve operational efficiency, all without introducing additional vendor complexity.

“Verification is one of the most operationally intensive parts of the mortgage process,” said John Hardesty, senior vice president of revenue at Argyle. “By integrating directly into Vesta’s LOS, we’re helping lenders automate more of their pipeline within the systems they already use every day.”

“We’re excited to partner with Argyle to bring embedded, direct-source verification capabilities to our mutual customers,” said Mike Yu, CEO of Vesta. “With verification costs top of mind for many lenders,this integration highlights Vesta’s commitment to providing a flexible, interoperable platform that meets the evolving needs of the industry.”

The integration will be available beginning March 30, 2026. Argyle and Vesta are already launching with their first mutual customers and look forward to expanding access in the coming months.

To learn more about Argyle’s verification platform, visit https://www.argyle.com/.

About Argyle:

Argyle is the leading provider of direct-source, consumer-permissioned income, employment and asset verifications, making it fast and easy to gain secure and reliable access to the most complete real-time datasets stored in consumers’ payroll and bank accounts. With Argyle, lenders automate verification workflows to save time, reduce fraud and compliance risks, lower costs and build better product experiences. As an authorized report supplier for Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter® validation service and an approved service provider supporting Freddie Mac’s Loan Product Advisor® asset and income modeler (AIM), Argyle empowers mortgage lenders to auto-retrieve paystubs and W-2s, understand consumers’ ability to pay and improve loan quality—all at up to 80% less cost. Argyle’s commitment to innovation is backed by investors including Bain Capital Ventures, Checkr, Mastercard and SignalFire.

For more information on Argyle’s industry-leading verification platform, visit https://www.argyle.com/.

About Vesta:

Tags: @withArgyle

NEWS SOURCE: Argyle

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

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/argyle-announces-integration-with-vesta-to-embed-direct-source-verifications-within-the-loan-origination-system/

The Mortgage Collaborative to send advocacy committee to Washington for policy meetings

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 27, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, will send its Advocacy Committee to Washington, D.C. on April 16 to meet with federal policymakers and housing agencies to discuss mortgage lending, regulatory reform and housing affordability.

Image caption: TMC – The Mortgage Collaborative.

The meetings are designed to advance member-driven priorities and bring the collective voice of banks, credit unions and independent mortgage banks to federal housing agencies. Committee members will engage directly with policymakers to provide feedback on key regulatory and policy issues, including implementation of recent federal housing initiatives, credit costs, regulatory modernization, artificial intelligence frameworks, agency approval processes and housing affordability.

“These meetings allow us to bring the real-world experiences of our members directly to policymakers,” said Amy Azorandia, SVP of mortgage compliance and systems at First Trust Bank and chair of TMC’s Advocacy Committee. “This trip is an opportunity for TMC to represent our members’ interests at the highest levels, advocate for reduced regulatory barriers and reinforce the essential role our lenders play in expanding access to sustainable homeownership.”

The visit includes an in-person National Advocacy Committee meeting and meetings with the Federal Housing Finance Agency, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Ginnie Mae and Fannie Mae. The trip is scheduled for the day following the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Advocacy Conference, in which many TMC Advocacy Committee members and lender members are participating, with timing coordinated to maximize industry visibility and engagement while maintaining separate meetings.

“Consistent engagement with policymakers is critical as regulatory priorities continue to take shape,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “Our focus is on advancing practical, lender-agnostic solutions that reduce unnecessary complexity, support responsible lending and ensure independent mortgage banks and community lenders can continue expanding access to homeownership.”

TMC’s Advocacy Committee was formed in 2023, starting as a small breakout group at the organization’s March conference before conducting its first advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., later that year. The committee returned to Washington in 2024 but paused travel in 2025 due to the transition in federal administration and scheduling issues with key agencies. In 2025, under the leadership of TMC Lender Member Chair Sarah Gonzalez, the committee formalized its charter, defining its mission, meeting schedule and member expectations. The upcoming visit will be the committee’s third trip to Washington as it continues to foster relationships with policymakers and advocate for independent mortgage lenders. To learn more, visit TMC’s advocacy page at https://mortgagecollaborative.com/advocacy-committee/.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-mortgage-collaborative-to-send-advocacy-committee-to-washington-for-policy-meetings/

Friday Harbor partners with Waterstone Mortgage to expand underwriting capacity

National lender adopts AI pre-underwriting technology to support production growth without adding fulfillment staff

SEATTLE, Wash., March 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced that Waterstone Mortgage has implemented its AI pre-underwriting platform to strengthen file quality and expand underwriting capacity across the lender’s nationwide retail operation.

Image caption: Friday Harbor partners with Waterstone Mortgage to expand underwriting capacity.

Waterstone Mortgage, a national retail lender with more than 200 loan officers operating in 48 states, deployed Friday Harbor to help surface issues earlier in the loan process and deliver cleaner files to its lean underwriting team. Since implementation, Waterstone has seen stronger pre-approval confidence, faster file resolution and fewer conditions at the underwriting desk.

“Cleaner files mean our underwriting team can focus on high-value risk decisions instead of clearing avoidable conditions,” said Jake Rowoldt, vice president of information services at Waterstone Mortgage. “Friday Harbor is the first AI solution we’ve tried that actually delivers on what it promises. It’s helping us scale production while maintaining the standards that define our business.”

Friday Harbor analyzes loan files during origination to flag missing documents, surface income calculation issues and identify potential underwriting conditions. The tool evaluates files against investor guidelines and lender overlays, providing loan officers with visibility into problems that would otherwise emerge days or weeks later in the process.

“Waterstone approached this implementation with a clear understanding of what they needed: a way to improve file quality without disrupting their workflows or undermining the expertise of their underwriters,” said Theo Ellis, CEO of Friday Harbor. “Their success demonstrates what becomes possible when lenders use AI to support judgment rather than replace it.”

Waterstone piloted Friday Harbor in late 2024 and has since rolled the platform out across its sales and operations teams. Loan officers report that Friday Harbor’s income and asset calculations align closely with their own analysis and underwriting’s final determinations, building confidence in pre-approval scenarios involving complex borrower situations.

The implementation has driven strong engagement, with teams actively incorporating the platform into their daily workflow within weeks of launch. The integration with Waterstone’s Encompass loan origination system from ICE Mortgage Technology allows loan officers to access Friday Harbor’s capabilities without disrupting their established processes.

To learn more about how Waterstone and Friday Harbor are working together, download the case study: https://fridayharbor.ai/fh-waterstone-case-study-2026-03-03.pdf.

About Friday Harbor

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech @waterstone

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/friday-harbor-partners-with-waterstone-mortgage-to-expand-underwriting-capacity/

Dark Matter Technologies integrates Snapdocs with its Empower LOS to power seamless digital closings

Empower LOS clients gain an enhanced eClosing workflow that accelerates funding and improves the borrower experience

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 24, 2026 (SEND3PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced a new integration between its Empower® loan origination system (LOS) and Snapdocs, the mortgage industry’s leading digital closing platform. Through the seamless, two-way integration, closing teams can generate orders, track transaction progress with real-time status updates and automate key closing and funding workflows, all without leaving their system of record.

Image caption: Dark Matter Technologies integrates Snapdocs with its Empower LOS to power seamless digital closings.

By eliminating the need to toggle between platforms, lenders gain operational efficiency while maintaining full visibility into the closing process. Borrowers benefit from the ability to preview closing documents before signing—across wet, hybrid, and full eClosing transactions. This helps identify and resolve potential issues early and reduces funding delays. The centralized workflow supports automated quality control checks and a streamlined signing experience, resulting in shorter appointments and more predictable closings.

The integration is available to Empower LOS clients regardless of document provider, providing flexibility as lenders continue to evolve their technology stacks.

“This integration reflects our commitment to delivering a modern, connected mortgage ecosystem,” said Sean Dugan, CEO of Dark Matter Technologies. “By embedding Snapdocs’ digital closing capabilities directly within Empower, lenders can simplify operations, reduce errors and provide a more seamless experience for their borrowers.”

“At Snapdocs, we believe lenders should have the flexibility to connect best-in-class solutions across their technology ecosystem,” said Michael Sachdev, CEO of Snapdocs. “With so many lenders already using Empower and Snapdocs, this integration creates a natural bridge between the systems, empowering lenders to automate critical closing workflows, reduce manual effort and errors, and scale digital adoption with confidence.”

Empower LOS clients interested in activating the Snapdocs integration can contact their Dark Matter account manager for more information.

ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES:

ABOUT SNAPDOCS:

Snapdocs is the leading digital closing provider, connecting the people, processes, and technologies that power mortgage closings. Its patented AI-driven platform automates the critical interactions between lenders, title companies, and secondary market participants from pre-closing through the sale of the loan. Paired with white-glove customer service and connectivity to the industry’s largest settlement and notary networks, Snapdocs makes mortgage closings fast, accurate, and efficient. This approach gives customers a competitive advantage by saving them time and money. For more information, visit https://www.snapdocs.com.

LOGO link for media: https://dmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/dark-matter-logo.svg

X: @dmattertech @snapdocs #fintech #mortgage

NEWS SOURCE: Dark Matter Technologies

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-technologies-integrates-snapdocs-with-its-empower-los-to-power-seamless-digital-closings/

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Tag Archives: Mortgage

Service 1st’s Lisa Binkley named Women of Mortgage Tech Award winner by Mortgage Women Magazine

ACES Q4 and CY 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows critical defect rate falls to annual low

Service 1st names Lucas Jones senior vice president of operations

OptiFunder Launches OptiExchange, Connecting Lenders to Trusted Industry Solutions

Friday Harbor becomes first mortgage technology provider to receive AI governance compliance attestation from Brody Gapp

Click n’ Close expands Whole Loan Trading division with engagement of Christy Soukhamneut and Launch Point Advisory Group

NewFed Mortgage leverages Friday Harbor to boost fulfillment productivity by 35%

The Mortgage Collaborative launches Mortgage AI Council to advance responsible AI adoption for community and mid-sized lenders

OptiFunder Connects LendingPad LOS to Genesis to Link Origination and Warehouse Funding

Vesta Partners with OptiFunder to Bring Loan Origination and Warehouse Funding Together

Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand holds firm as April lock activity cools

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

MISMO awards eVault System Certification to DocMagic’s SmartSAFE eVaults

MISMO awards eVault System Certification to DocMagic’s SmartSAFE eVaults

Vice Capital Markets introduces agency market-based interest rate benchmark designed to expand insight into mortgage pricing

Vice Capital Markets introduces agency market-based interest rate benchmark designed to expand insight into mortgage pricing

iEmergent releases 2025 HMDA insights: volume rebounds, but the mortgage market grows more concentrated

U.S. homebuyer assistance programs increase in Q1 2026 as identified by housing industry authority Down Payment Resource

Class Valuation launches CVUE to shift appraisal repurchase risk from lenders and reduce underwriting workload

TMC to host act Tech Summit, an affordable, high-value event for evaluating mortgage technology

TMC to host act Tech Summit, an affordable, high-value event for evaluating mortgage technology

Dark Matter Technologies names Vikas Rao CEO to lead next chapter of growth

Class Valuation expands New York presence with acquisition of Lauritano Appraisal Services

Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand lifts mortgage lock activity as rates rise

The Mortgage Collaborative expands national conference presence, invites lenders to connect during spring events

Vice Capital Markets Announces Support for New Fannie Mae Specified-Cash Payup Commitment Grids

Click n’ Close names Delores Lopez as chief operating officer

Vice Capital Markets Now Supports New Freddie Mac Cash-Specified Payup Types for 30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages

Kitsap Credit Union selects FirstClose’s home equity lending platform

Dark Matter Technologies introduces Ask Aiva, an AI assistant embedded in the Empower LOS

Friday Harbor integrates with Calyx Path Platform to bring AI pre-underwriting directly into the flow of the loan

Argyle announces integration with Vesta to embed direct-source verifications within the loan origination system

The Mortgage Collaborative to send advocacy committee to Washington for policy meetings

Friday Harbor partners with Waterstone Mortgage to expand underwriting capacity

Dark Matter Technologies integrates Snapdocs with its Empower LOS to power seamless digital closings