Tag Archives: Mortgage

Friday Harbor adds Fannie Mae’s Income Calculator to its AI Originator Assistant

Integration enables faster, more accurate income calculations for self-employed and rental income borrowers while reducing buyback risk

SEATTLE, Wash., Jan. 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced the integration of its AI Originator Assistant with Fannie Mae’s Income Calculator. The new connection enables lenders to instantly calculate qualifying income for borrowers with self-employment or rental income and gain enforcement relief from representations and warranties on the income calculation for conventional loans.

Image caption: Friday Harbor.

The Fannie Mae Income Calculator uses federal tax return data to calculate a borrower’s qualifying income, addressing one of the top five sources of loan quality defects found in post-purchase reviews. By integrating this capability directly into Friday Harbor’s AI Originator Assistant, lenders can identify income issues at the start of the loan process, improve underwriting accuracy and give loan officers the confidence to move deals forward without fear of costly buybacks.

“Income calculations for self-employment and rental income are among the most complex and error-prone in mortgage lending,” said Theo Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Friday Harbor. “By bringing Fannie Mae’s Income Calculator into Friday Harbor, we’re putting a powerful solution for these scenarios directly in the hands of thousands of lenders to improve accuracy, protect loan salability and give borrowers greater clarity earlier in the process.”

“Complex income scenarios used to slow us down and create uncertainty for our sales team and borrowers,” said Susan Schmidt, senior vice president of operations at Mason McDuffie Mortgage Corporation. “Now we can get answers instantly, make confident decisions up front and move loans forward with fewer surprises.”

The Income Calculator works alongside Friday Harbor’s borrower-specific checklist, real-time AI underwriting and scenario desk to simplify reviews of self-employment, business ownership and rental income. Loan officers and processors can upload tax returns, receive instant qualifying income results, resolve flagged issues with clear guidance and retain the Findings Report to maintain eligibility for rep and warrant relief.

Lenders can learn more about Friday Harbor’s integration with Fannie Mae’s Income Calculator or request a demo at https://fridayharbor.ai.

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 @FannieMae #income #selfemployed

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-adds-fannie-maes-income-calculator-to-its-ai-originator-assistant/

Dovenmuehle receives ISO/IEC 27001 certification, reinforcing commitment to data security and operational excellence

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., Jan. 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that it has received the ISO/IEC 27001 certification from NSF International Strategic Registrations (NSF-ISR), an NSF company. ISO/IEC 27001 defines global benchmarks for information security management systems (ISMS). Achieving this certification demonstrates that Dovenmuehle has established and maintains comprehensive, independently verified controls to identify, assess and mitigate data security risks across its operations.

Image caption: Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc.

The ISO/IEC 27001 certification follows the successful completion of DMI’s 2025 Service Organization Control (SOC) 1® Type 2 and SOC 2® Type 2 audits. While the SOC audits attest that specific controls exist at a given point in time, ISO/IEC 27001 indicates continuous maintenance and improvement of the company’s ISMS across operations through ongoing audits.

This accomplishment reflects DMI’s continued efforts to strengthen its technology foundation, governance practices and risk management framework, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing secure, compliant servicing solutions for its clients.

“Our clients and their borrowers trust us with their most sensitive data, and ISO/IEC 27001 certification demonstrates that we take that responsibility seriously,” said Chief Information Security Officer Art Harvey. “This achievement builds upon our SOC audits, showcasing Dovenmuehle’s proactive approach to managing information security risk through rigorous controls, transparency, and a culture of continuous improvement.”

“Through having a comprehensive set of controls, Dovenmuehle is able to better execute their business objectives knowing they have an information security management system in place,” said Tony Giles, Director of Information Security, NSF. “The certification benefits not only internal stakeholders and employees but also customers as Dovenmuehle now has controls in place to better protect data.”

DMI’s Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) team led the initiative to prepare for certification, with GRC Manager Daniel Maslowski overseeing the work to align controls, documentation and continuous-improvement processes across the organization.

“ISO/IEC 27001 certification validates the strength and maturity of Dovenmuehle’s information security management system and the discipline behind how we manage risk,” said Maslowski. “It reflects a yearlong effort to standardize and continuously improve our controls to better protect our clients’ and their borrowers’ most sensitive data.”

About Dovenmuehle

Founded in 1844, Dovenmuehle (Lake Zurich, Ill.) is a mortgage subservicer for commercial banks, credit unions, independent mortgage lenders, MSR investors and state housing finance agencies nationwide. The company subservices portfolio loans, as well as loans sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae and the Federal Home Loan Bank with servicing retained. Using a combination of best-in-class and proprietary technology, Dovenmuehle helps lenders reduce servicing costs and deliver consistently high levels of service to homeowners while maintaining compliance with investor and regulatory requirements. Learn more at https://dovenmuehle.com.

About NSF

NSF is an independent, global services organization dedicated to improving human health for more than 80 years by developing public health standards and providing world-class testing, inspection, certification, advisory services and digital solutions to the food, water and wellness products industries. NSF has 40,000 clients in 110 countries and is a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Medical Device Safety.

NEWS SOURCE: Dovenmuehle

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Dovenmuehle), 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/dovenmuehle-receives-iso-iec-27001-certification-reinforcing-commitment-to-data-security-and-operational-excellence/

The Big Picture opens 2026 with conversations on compliance, leadership and new paths to homeownership

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, announced a January slate of guests offering timely perspectives on how to navigate the regulatory landscape ahead, scale mortgage production while developing the next generation of originators, execute with discipline in volatile markets and expand access to homeownership in new ways. Co-hosted by mortgage business consultant and executive coach Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets authority Rob Chrisman, author of the widely read Chrisman Commentary newsletter, the webcast delivers timely, thought-provoking conversations with mortgage professionals, innovators and thought leaders.

Image caption: The Big Picture opens 2026 with conversations on compliance, leadership and new paths to homeownership.

The January lineup sets the tone for the year ahead, underscoring the level of expertise and insight listeners can expect from The Big Picture with guests whose work is shaping how the mortgage industry approaches compliance, builds durable leadership and expands access to homeownership:

Thursday, January 8:
Scott Weintraub is vice president of compliance at MQMR, a risk management firm providing compliance expertise to the mortgage industry. Drawing on his more than 25 years of experience navigating the complexities of ever-changing laws, regulations and agency guidelines, Weintraub will help listeners understand the regulatory landscape taking shape in the year ahead and what lenders should be paying closest attention to as expectations continue to evolve.
Thursday, January 15:
Ron Leonhardt is founder and CEO of CrossCountry Mortgage, the nation’s top retail mortgage lender by 2024 volume. Leonhardt will share perspective on building and sustaining top-tier production, developing the next generation of originators and what CrossCountry’s expansion into asset management through CrossCountry Capital signals about where the market is headed.
Thursday, January 22:
Erin Dee is chief operating officer at InterLinc Mortgage, secretary and treasurer of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association and co-host of the Basis Points With more than two decades of experience spanning operations, compliance, capital markets and executive leadership, Dee will share perspective on disciplined execution, leadership during periods of change and what it takes to build teams that perform when market conditions are anything but easy.
Thursday, January 29:
As CEO of PorchPass, Alberto Piña is focused on expanding access to homeownership through manufactured housing. Drawing on nearly two decades in factory-built housing, Piña will discuss why this segment matters more than ever and how alternative financing structures can succeed where traditional models fall short, particularly in addressing affordability and supply constraints.

Mortgage professionals and industry media can register for the webcast and view past episodes at https://www.chrismancommentary.com/the-big-picture.

About The Big Picture:

Co-hosted by renowned mortgage industry leader Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets expert Rob Chrisman, author of the widely acclaimed Chrisman Commentary industry newsletter, The Big Picture webcast offers a weekly deep dive into the forces shaping the mortgage world. Drawing on their extensive expertise and featuring compelling guests, the webcast delivers valuable perspectives and actionable insights for anyone seeking to better understand the dynamics of the mortgage industry. Visit https://www.chrismancommentary.com/the-big-picture to subscribe.

Tags: @crosscountrymtg @txmba2 @PorchPass #mortgagebrokers #constructionfintech #manufacturedhousing #mortgagecompliance

NEWS SOURCE: The Big Picture Mortgage Webcast

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (The Big Picture Mortgage Webcast), 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-big-picture-opens-2026-with-conversations-on-compliance-leadership-and-new-paths-to-homeownership/

Ascribe Appoints Craig Bennett as Chief Executive Officer

CHICAGO, Ill., Jan. 5, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Ascribe, a leading provider of real estate valuation and inspection services, has appointed Craig Bennett as chief executive officer to lead the company in its next phase of growth. Bennett brings nearly 15 years of senior-level experience in financial services to his post which includes 5 years at StoicLane, Ascribe’s parent company.

Image caption: Craig Bennett was recently appointed CEO of Ascribe, a leading real estate valuation provider.

Bennett’s leadership will focus on strengthening Ascribe’s technology-driven platform, enhancing service delivery, and expanding the company’s national footprint to better support clients across mortgage origination, servicing, and default markets.

“Craig’s expertise and strong track record of growth make him exceptionally well suited to guide Ascribe through its next phase of growth,” said Jake Nice, former CEO and now Chairman, “His operational expertise and deep understanding of technology-enabled services will serve our clients and partners by further raising the bar for accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This is an exciting new chapter for Ascribe.”

Prior to his role with Ascribe, Bennett was VP – head of technology for StoicLane. Before joining the StoicLane family of companies, he held senior positions with Enova Financial and fintechs Amount and Avant. His career also comprises close to two decades of leadership in technology, product innovation, and operational leadership.

At StoicLane, Bennett worked closely with Ascribe’s former CEO Jake Nice, and was instrumental in building the company’s strong foundation and culture of client service. As Nice transitions his focus to broader initiatives within StoicLane, Bennett will further Nice’s efforts in advancing innovation, deepening client partnerships, and building a scalable operational infrastructure for long-term success.

“I’m honored to join Ascribe at such an important moment,” said Bennett. “The valuation and property services industry is becoming increasingly complex, and clients need partners who deliver accuracy, speed & compliance. Ascribe has the scale, talent, and technology to meet that challenge. I look forward to working with our teams to expand our capabilities and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

About Ascribe

Built from six industry leaders in the real estate valuation and inspection segments, Ascribe provides residential and commercial valuation, evaluation, and inspection solutions for mortgage lenders and servicers doing business in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company’s flexible technology-enabled platform enables a fully customizable process to each of its clients, while delivering fast, compliant, and reliable results. The company’s rigorous compliance standards, disciplined vendor oversight, and a culture of responsiveness have made Ascribe a trusted partner to lenders, servicers, financial institutions, and real estate stakeholders nationwide. Based in Chicago, Ascribe is part of StoicLane, an investment platform focused on real estate, mortgage, and insurance services. Learn more at https://www.ascribeval.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: Ascribe

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Ascribe), 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/ascribe-appoints-craig-bennett-as-chief-executive-officer/

The Mortgage Collaborative Appoints Rich Swerbinsky as Strategic Advisor to CEO & President; Names Heidi Belnay Senior Advisor for Business Development

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Jan. 5, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s only independent, wholly-owned mortgage lending cooperative, today announced the appointment of Rich Swerbinsky as Strategic Advisor to the CEO & President and Heidi Belnay as Senior Advisor for Business Development. These strategic additions to the leadership team position TMC for accelerated growth and continued industry impact in 2026 and beyond.

Image caption: TMC – The Mortgage Collaborative.

Formerly president of TMC, Swerbinsky brings unparalleled institutional knowledge and a proven track record of organizational growth. Under his leadership, TMC expanded from 4 members to more than 300, helping establish the organization as an influential force in the mortgage industry. In his new advisory role, Swerbinsky will work closely with CEO & President Jodi Hall to drive strategic initiatives aligned with TMC’s ambitious growth objectives for the coming year.

Joining Swerbinsky, Heidi Belnay will serve as senior advisor for business development, bringing her extensive industry experience to help expand TMC’s reach and impact. Together, Swerbinsky and Belnay will focus on three key growth areas: expanding TMC’s membership base, increasing individual subscriber acquisition, and growing benchmark subscription services throughout 2026.

“Mortgage lenders find value in The Mortgage Collaborative in large part thanks to its originating principles, as implemented by its original president Rich Swerbinsky,” said Jodi Hall, CEO & President of The Mortgage Collaborative. “The TMC team, the TMC Board of Directors, its lender/member board, and I are energized about how Rich and Heidi will contribute as we extend our momentum in 2026.”

These appointments reflect TMC’s unflagging commitment to its strategic vision, industry-strengthening alignments and long-term achievement. During the industry’s recovery, TMC has been methodically positioning for sustained growth, and these leadership additions represent a significant milestone in that journey.

“It is an exciting and auspicious time to formally reconnect with TMC, allowing me to work closely with Jodi during a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Rich Swerbinsky. “Bringing Heidi into the leadership team builds on the momentum created in 2025 and positions TMC for decisive growth in the year ahead.”

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.

TMC will host its next in-person event February 22–24, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa in Arizona.

For more information, visit www.mortgagecollaborative.com.

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

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UPDATED 8:08am PST to fix an inadvertent spelling error in original copy.

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-appoints-rich-swerbinsky-as-strategic-advisor-to-ceo-president-names-heidi-belnay-senior-advisor-for-business-development/

TMC to host inaugural ACT Technology Summit focused on mortgage technology and AI

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Dec. 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s leading independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, today announced it will host the inaugural ACT Technology Summit, short for Accelerator and Collaborative Transformation, a two-day standalone mortgage technology competition and showcase Aug. 12-13 at The Highlands Hotel in Dallas.

Image caption: TMC to host inaugural ACT Technology Summit focused on mortgage technology and AI.

The event is open to both TMC members and non-members and marks the cooperative’s first industry-wide technology summit, designed to bring mortgage lenders, emerging technology companies and capital partners together to explore innovation and artificial intelligence in mortgage lending.

The summit will feature approximately 15 technology companies competing across multiple presentation segments, followed by moderated panel interviews and audience Q&A. A live head-to-head challenge will also take place, with companies demonstrating their AI-driven underwriting platforms in real-time. An overall winner will be announced during the event. Participating companies will be announced closer to the summit.

“The mortgage industry faces a critical gap between innovative technology solutions and the lenders who need them,” Jodi Hall, CEO & President at TMC and Operations Manager of the TMC Tech Fund. “ACT creates a collaborative space where technology companies can demonstrate real value, lenders can discover solutions to pressing challenges, and investors can access pre-vetted opportunities and hear the voices of the consumer, all in a concentrated two-day format.”

In addition to main-stage programming, the ACT Technology Summit will include:

Pitch competition segments: Technology companies presenting solutions, followed by panel discussion and audience questions
Live RFP: On-stage AI underwriting demonstrations where companies respond to lender questions and build loan files in real time
Working groups: Lender-only sessions for TMC members, including technology, owner-operator and capital-focused discussions
Technology demo space, known as Demo Alley: Dedicated time and space for loan origination system providers to showcase their platforms

Registration details, presenting companies and the full agenda will be released at a later date. To be notified when registration opens and to receive event updates, email TheMortgageCollaborative@mtgcoop.com.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/tmc-to-host-inaugural-act-technology-summit-focused-on-mortgage-technology-and-ai/

LenderLogix expands LiteSpeed POS with native eSignature for borrowers and loan teams

LiteSpeed eSign delivers an Encompass-optimized, zero-detour eSignature workflow with in-portal signing and automatic eFolder storage, including audit trails

BUFFALO, N.Y., Dec. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage point-of-sale and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and brokers, today announced LiteSpeed eSign, a fully native eSignature experience built into the LiteSpeed point of sale (POS) platform. Serving both sides of the mortgage process, LiteSpeed eSign enables lenders to tag and request documents for electronic signatures directly in Encompass without the need to switch platforms.

Image caption: LenderLogix.

LiteSpeed eSign enables borrowers to sign documents directly within their LiteSpeed dashboard with a mobile-ready tap-to-sign workflow that helps improve completion rates and reduce manual follow-up tasks. To ensure security, borrowers authenticate using mobile or email two-factor authentication when opening signature requests from their LiteSpeed dashboard. Signed disclosures are automatically added to the loan’s Encompass eFolder with a full audit trail.

Processors can tag documents directly in the Encompass® eFolder for signature without downloading files, creating third-party signing “envelopes” or switching platforms. LiteSpeed’s eSign tool also streamlines outbound signature requests for third-parties like gift donors, Realtors and other non-borrowers. Loan teams select the documents in Encompass, tag the signature, initial, and date fields, and send the request. LiteSpeed automatically adds the document to the borrower portal and generates borrower signing tasks. Completed documents are then returned to the eFolder, complete with timestamps, IP addresses and a tamper-evident hash.

“Borrowers shouldn’t have to leave the application, nor lenders leave the LOS, just to sign documents,” said Patrick O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of LenderLogix. “LiteSpeed eSign delivers eSignatures within the mortgage workflow to avoid disruptions. It’s a zero-detour experience that reduces friction for borrowers, simplifies the work for loan teams and keeps the signature process connected to the Encompass eFolder from start to finish.”

LiteSpeed eSign is included for LiteSpeed users. Book a demo or watch the feature walkthrough here: https://info.lenderlogix.com/litespeed-esign.

About LenderLogix

LenderLogix leverages the four decades of firsthand mortgage origination and real estate experience of its executive team to design customized software to meet the needs of today’s mortgage lenders. The company’s suite of products addresses the speed at which today’s real estate market moves by delivering technology solutions that create agile and informed borrowers, build strong referral partners and ultimately save lenders time and money. For more information, visit https://lenderlogix.com/.

LOGO link for media: https://info.lenderlogix.com/hs-fs/hubfs/lenderlogix-logo_white.png

NEWS SOURCE: LenderLogix

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (LenderLogix), 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/lenderlogix-expands-litespeed-pos-with-native-esignature-for-borrowers-and-loan-teams/

TMC launches new individual subscription membership option

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Dec. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s leading independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders, today announced the launch of an individual subscription membership option that expands access to its network for mortgage professionals seeking connection, insight and peer engagement outside a traditional lender membership.

Image caption: The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC).

For the first time, TMC will offer individual subscriptions, enabling mortgage professionals to participate in most of the network’s benefits, even if their companies have not joined. The recently introduced option is designed for professionals who want to remain engaged with the industry, including those between roles or reentering the field, with a focus on network access, working groups and events, so individuals do not have to navigate industry challenges alone.

“We introduced the individual subscription to give mortgage professionals a way to stay connected no matter what stage of their career they’re in,” said Jodi Hall, CEO and president of The Mortgage Collaborative. “There is a real loneliness that comes with leadership and career transitions. TMC exists to ensure people have trusted peers to learn from, prepare alongside and lean on, because none of us should be doing this work in isolation.”

The individual subscription is a one-year offering that allows participants to invest in themselves while engaging with TMC’s collaborative community. Subscribers receive access to most TMC programming, including working groups, educational content and network engagement, as well as registration for one in-person conference per year. Individual subscribers do not participate in collaboration labs.

TMC developed the offering in response to feedback from professionals who have relied on the cooperative’s insights and relationships throughout their careers but are not currently affiliated with a member lender.

Donielle Geiser, a longtime TMC participant and former lender executive, joined as the program’s inaugural individual subscriber. She discussed her experience during the TMC Unbox it LIVE! Introducing TMC’s New Individual Subscription webinar on Monday, December 15th.

“The longing to know what’s going on in the industry doesn’t go away just because you’re no longer putting out fires every day,” Geiser said. “TMC has always been a connection point for understanding what’s happening and how others are handling the same challenges.”

Geiser said the value of TMC lies in the informal moments of connection that often shape meaningful decisions.

“The quiet conversations between sessions or at the bar are where you walk away with a valuable nugget of insight,” Geiser said. “Every minute is value-packed, and this individual subscription allows me to attend the Scottsdale conference in February 2026 after a year away.”

Professionals interested in learning more can contact TheMortgageCollaborative@mtgcoop.com.

About The Mortgage Collaborative

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/tmc-launches-new-individual-subscription-membership-option/

ACES Quality Management Announces General Availability of ACES DATABRIDGE for Enterprise Data Portability

DENVER, Colo., Dec. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced the general availability of its latest innovation, ACES DATABRIDGE, which makes ACES customer data fully portable.

Image caption: ACES Quality Management#xae; (ACES).

ACES DATABRIDGE empowers financial institutions to seamlessly extract, manage and report on their ACES data using their own tools and environments. Designed to meet the evolving needs of compliance and quality control professionals, ACES DATABRIDGE enables secure, flexible and fully configurable data exports from ACES into client-controlled data warehouses.

“With ACES DATABRIDGE, we’re giving our clients unprecedented control over their data,” said Trevor Gauthier, CEO of ACES Quality Management. “Our goal is to make enterprise data truly portable, so organizations can leverage their ACES data for advanced reporting, analytics and compliance on their own terms.”

For more information about ACES DATABRIDGE, visit www.acesquality.com/products/aces-databridge.

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;
11 of the top 30 banks; and
3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

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.

IMAGE links for media:

https://www.acesquality.com/uploads/icons/ACES_Databridge_Logo.svg

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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-quality-management-announces-general-availability-of-aces-databridge-for-enterprise-data-portability/

FirstClose Integrates Stewart Home Equity Solutions into OMS to Streamline Lender Workflows

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today a new partnership with Stewart Lender Services, a division of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), that enhances FirstClose’s Order Management System (OMS) with expanded home equity fulfillment capabilities.

Image caption: FirstClose Integrates Stewart Home Equity Solutions into OMS to Streamline Lender Workflows.

Through this partnership, FirstClose OMS users will gain integrated access to Stewart’s comprehensive suite of home equity title, valuation and closing solutions. By streamlining ordering and fulfillment within a single workflow, lenders can reduce manual steps, accelerate decisioning and improve borrower experiences.

“Our home equity fulfillment solutions are designed to help lenders move with speed and confidence,” said Beth Fowler, President of Stewart Lender Services. “By integrating with FirstClose we’re equipping lenders with the tools needed to accelerate loan decisioning, improve operational efficiency, and provide borrowers with a modern, streamlined home equity experience.”

Stewart’s addition to FirstClose OMS provides lenders with data, property reports, title insurance, and an E&O Policy covering home equity loans, offering options and rapid response. Stewart also offers automated title decisioning tools and a streamlined curative process, which supports faster eligibility checks and quicker clear-to-close outcomes for many loan scenarios.

“Partnering with Stewart Lender Services enhances the power of our Order Management System by giving lenders direct access to a broader set of integrated home equity solutions,” said Tedd Smith, CEO of FirstClose. “By unifying data, title, valuation and closing workflows in one place, lenders can shorten cycle times, manage risk and drive growth in the evolving home equity market while also delivering a more seamless experience for borrowers.”

Lenders using FirstClose OMS can also leverage Stewart Valuation Intelligence’s offerings, which include desktop and field appraisals, AVMs, hybrid inspections and analytics that support accurate property valuation and risk assessment. Stewart’s integrated signing and closing services offer multiple options, including mobile notary, remote online notarization (RON), and in-person electronic notarization (IPEN), which enhance convenience and operational efficiency.

About Stewart Lender Services

Stewart Lender Services, part of the Stewart family of companies (NYSE-STC), delivers an integrated suite of solutions that helps lenders accelerate decisions, reduce friction and create better customer experiences from application to close. Whether you’re a credit union, community bank or national lender, you can rely on Stewart as your single-source partner. With advanced technology, deep industry expertise and a customer-centric delivery model designed to adapt to your needs, we help you reduce cycle times, manage risk and stay Next-Move Ready for whatever the market brings next. Learn more here.

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 www.firstclose.com.

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-integrates-stewart-home-equity-solutions-into-oms-to-streamline-lender-workflows/

Optimal Blue report: Lock volume posts strongest November since 2021

Resilient refinance demand driven by current rates tempers the effects of seasonal slowdown

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its November 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that total mortgage rate-lock activity declined with normal late fall seasonality, yet still marked the strongest November in four years. Total lock volume fell 25% month over month (MoM) from October but remained up 17% year over year (YoY), buoyed by historically strong refinance demand and mortgage rates holding near 6%. Rate-and-term refinances continued to outperform 2024 levels by a wide margin, finishing November up 223% YoY despite easing from September’s high. Cash-out refinances rose 29% YoY. Purchase lock activity declined 22% MoM in line with seasonal patterns and slipped 6% YoY as elevated home costs and limited inventory continued to restrain demand.

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s November 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming fixed rate, the benchmark for CME Group’s Mortgage Rate futures, dipped 1 basis point to 6.14% in November, marking a 53-bps improvement from the same period in 2024. FHA rates fell 5 bps to 5.99%, while VA and jumbo rates rose modestly to 5.76% (up 9 bps) and 6.44% (up 8 bps), respectively. The 10-year Treasury yield fell 11 bps to 4%, widening the mortgage rate spread by roughly 10 bps as OBMMI remained essentially flat.

“November’s data underscores a market still responding to rate relief even as seasonal patterns take hold,” said Mike Vough, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “Refinances remain the clear standout, with rate-and-term activity running more than triple last year’s levels and cash-outs continuing to outperform. It was a notably strong November by any measure.”

Lenders adjusted execution strategies in November as agency cash window sales rose 300 bps to 25%, interrupting the recent move toward greater securitization. Agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) deliveries declined 100 bps to 45% after six consecutive months of gains, while bulk aggregator share dropped 300 bps to 27% and best-efforts executions increased 100 bps to 3%. The share of loans sold at the highest price tier fell 200 bps to 79%, while second- and fourth-tier deliveries increased. Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) for conforming 30-year loans decreased 3 bps to 1.09% (a 4.36 multiple), in line with an average 15 bps decline across other OBMMI rate series.

“Execution strategies shifted meaningfully in November,” said Vough. “Lenders moved to the cash window as securitization momentum moderated, and pricing spreads broadened as more loans moved out of the top tier. These shifts point to lenders fine-tuning execution to manage price and overall delivery profile as the market settles into late-year conditions.”

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

Volume trends and market composition

Refis remain a major driver: Refinances accounted for 35% of all locks. Rate-and-term refinances rose 223% YoY despite slowing from early fall peaks, while cash-out refinances increased 29% YoY.
Purchases decline: Purchase locks fell 22% MoM and 6% YoY as elevated home costs and limited listings continued to weigh on demand.
Non-QM sets new record: Non-qualified mortgage share rose to 9%, the highest level recorded by Optimal Blue, with investor/debt-service-coverage-ratio (DSCR) programs accounting for a growing share of non-QM production.
FHA, non-conforming pick up share: Product mix shifted toward FHA and non-conforming loans (including jumbo) at the expense of conforming and VA lending, supported in part by 5.99% FHA rates.
PUD share ticks up slightly: Planned unit development (PUD) lock share, a reasonable proxy for new construction, rose relative to other property types but remained well below last year’s unusually high levels.

Rates and pricing

Rates stabilize near 6%: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate ticked down 1 bp to 6.14%. FHA fell to 5.99%, while VA and jumbo rates rose to 5.76% and 6.44%, respectively.
MSR values dip: MSRs for conforming 30-year loans fell 3 bps to 1.09% (a 4.36 multiple), moving in line with rate declines.
Spread widens to 10-year Treasury: The 10-year Treasury yield fell 11 bps to 4%, widening the mortgage rate spread by roughly 10 bps as OBMMI remained mostly unchanged.
Pricing tiers show more dispersion: The share of loans sold at the highest price tier dropped 200 bps to 79%, while second- and fourth-tier shares rose.

Channel and execution

Cash window share increases: Cash window deliveries increased to 25% (up 300 bps) as lenders shifted execution away from aggregator and securitization outlets in November.
MBS share pulls back: Agency MBS sales fell to 45% (down 100 bps) after six consecutive months of increases.
Aggregator share declines: Bulk aggregator executions dropped to 27% (down 300 bps), while best-efforts executions rose to 3% (up 100 bps).

Product mix and borrower profiles

Lower-rate programs gain traction: Lenders saw greater uptake in products benefiting from improved pricing, including increased FHA share at 18.8% (up 104 bps) and steady demand for jumbo and other non-conforming offerings at 17% (up 34 bps).
S. buyer share rises: U.S. citizens accounted for nearly 94% of locks, extending a multi-month upward trend.
Credit scores and loan sizes edge lower: The average credit score fell one point to 733. The average loan amount decreased to $391,323 from October’s $397,438. November loan averages ranged from $592,129 in metro New York to $295,526 in Indianapolis. Average loan-to-value ratios ranged from 69.79% in Los Angeles to 88.22% in San Antonio.

To view the full November 2025 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 Olivia DeLancey 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.

MULTIMEDIA

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Image caption: Optimal Blue’s November 2025 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-lock-volume-posts-strongest-november-since-2021/

Optimal Blue names Lanny Rogers chief financial officer and Jeremy Moreno chief revenue officer

Promotions elevate two longtime leaders into roles that deepen financial stewardship and strengthen revenue alignment as the company scales

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced the promotion of Lanny Rogers III, CPA, to chief financial officer (CFO) and Jeremy Moreno to chief revenue officer (CRO). Their combined experience and long track records of leadership position the company to advance its next stage of growth and client success with a dedicated financial strategy function and strengthened revenue oversight.

Image caption: Optimal Blue names Lanny Rogers chief financial officer and Jeremy Moreno chief revenue officer.

Rogers’ promotion to CFO reflects the company’s continued growth and investment in financial strategy as the business expands. As CFO, he will guide financial planning, forecasting, capital allocation and financial diligence on acquisitions, helping ensure the company grows with the discipline, visibility and long-term thinking required of a market leader.

“As we have continued to experience exponential growth and expansion, Lanny has been central to strengthening the financial nimbleness of our business,” said Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue. “He brings clarity to complex decisions, balances discipline with pragmatism and understands the financial considerations that shape every part of our operations. He has already been helping steer our financial direction, and this role formalizes his leadership as we continue to scale responsibly to continue bringing new innovation and value to our clients.”

Rogers first joined Optimal Blue in 2017 as an accounting manager and advanced to division controller in 2022 before being promoted to vice president of accounting in 2023 – his most recent role. A certified public accountant with deep expertise in financial operations, forecasting and organizational governance, he brings a collaborative approach and a steady, practical perspective to financial leadership across the company.

As CRO, Moreno will lead the company’s unified revenue and client retention function, with a focus on aligning ongoing client success, client acquisition and long-term relationship growth. His leadership brings greater cohesion across the client lifecycle and prepares Optimal Blue to respond to shifting market dynamics with agility and clarity.

“Optimal Blue had a record year in 2025 for both adding new clients and expanding relationships with our existing clients. As we continue to prioritize our current and future clients’ success across all aspects of our business, Jeremy’s leadership in the CRO function creates a unified team dedicated to this essential function,” said Tyrrell. “Jeremy has a track record of focusing on the needs of our clients and driving predictable, long-term growth for Optimal Blue, and he is the right leader to further align our strategies around client retention.”

Moreno has been part of Optimal Blue for more than a decade, most recently serving as vice president of sales, where he led acquisition strategies and supported relationship growth initiatives for lenders and partners nationwide. His experience spans operations, client services, training and retention, giving him deep insight into how customers use the company’s platform and where they need support as markets evolve.

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 transparency and accuracy to pipeline risk management 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.

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-names-lanny-rogers-chief-financial-officer-and-jeremy-moreno-chief-revenue-officer/

Informative Research’s Sriranjini Prabhakara Named to 2025 National Mortgage Professional 40 Under 40 List

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., Dec. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Informative Research (IR), a leading technology provider of data-driven credit and verification solutions for the lending industry, today announced that Software Developer Sriranjini “Sri” Prabhakara has been named to National Mortgage Professional Magazine’s 2025 40 Under 40 list. The annual recognition highlights emerging professionals whose work is helping shape the future of the mortgage sector.

Image caption: Sriranjini Prabhakara of Informative Research.

Sri was selected for her contributions to improving the reliability and transparency of systems lenders use to manage reporting, billing and operational oversight. With more than a decade of experience in mortgage technology, she has become a key contributor to the processes that support lender workflows and client service.

Her recent work includes designing a reporting module that generates over 100 client-specific reports on automated schedules, enabling lenders to monitor activity and performance without manual intervention. Sri also led efforts to customize invoice formats for individual clients, easing accounting workloads and improving accuracy across high-volume environments. Additionally, she introduced enhancements to the company’s billing platform that enable lenders to forecast costs better and maintain consistent operational records.

Colleagues say Sri’s influence is shaped not only by the tools she builds but also by her clear, practical approach to problem-solving. She is known for breaking down complex issues, identifying their root causes and equipping analysts with the context and structure needed to resolve technical challenges effectively.

“Sri plays a central role in strengthening the systems our clients rely on every day,” said Ajay Trilokeshwaran, Executive Vice President of Information Technology at Informative Research. “She has a strong grasp of how intricate processes function inside a lending workflow and a steady ability to turn technical challenges into workable improvements. Her contributions have made a direct impact on how lenders interact with our technology, and this recognition reflects that.”

The full list of 2025 40 Under 40 winners can be found in the December issue of National Mortgage Professional: nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/talent-wont-wait-12072025.

About Informative Research

Informative Research, a Stewart company, is a premier technology provider delivering data-driven credit and verification solutions to the lending community. The solutions provider currently serves mortgage companies, banks and lenders throughout the United States. The company is recognized for streamlining the loan process with its straightforward service model, progressive solutions and cutting-edge technology. To learn more, visit https://www.informativeresearch.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Informative Research

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Informative Research), 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/informative-researchs-sriranjini-prabhakara-named-to-2025-national-mortgage-professional-40-under-40-list/

FirstClose appoints Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 4, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the appointment of Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales. In this role, Sirpis will lead the company’s sales organization, refine the go-to-market strategy and drive revenue growth as FirstClose continues expanding its presence with mortgage and home equity lenders across the country.

Image caption: FirstClose appoints Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales.

Based in Alexandria, Va., Sirpis will oversee national sales initiatives, mentor and develop a growing team of sales professionals and work closely with the executive leadership team to deepen relationships with lenders and strategic partners. His focus will include aligning sales execution with FirstClose’s product roadmap and client success goals to further accelerate adoption of the company’s technology platform.

“Alex has spent more than 25 years leading sales organizations at some of the most recognizable brands in mortgage technology,” said Tedd Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of FirstClose. “He has repeatedly grown production in competitive markets, led dispersed sales teams through major technology rollouts and restructuring efforts and elevated performance across organizations. We’re excited to bring his experience in enterprise relationship management and sales execution to FirstClose as we continue to scale.”

Sirpis joins FirstClose with a long record of driving revenue growth and improving sales performance at companies undergoing rapid expansion. At nCino, he directed national relationship-management strategies for financial institutions and supported the company’s continued growth following its acquisition of SimpleNexus. During his tenure at SimpleNexus, he worked with enterprise lenders to expand adoption of digital mortgage and home equity technology, helping teams streamline workflows and increase user engagement.

Prior to that, Sirpis served as vice president of sales at LoanLogics and spent more than five years at Ellie Mae, where he managed enterprise accounts across the Northeast and helped drive retention and expansion among high-volume lenders. Earlier in his career, he led regional and national sales organizations at CARFAX, Prosperity Home Mortgage/Long & Foster Companies and Wachovia Bank, where he managed multi-state teams, opened new sales offices and consistently exceeded production goals. His leadership teams earned multiple President’s Club and Circle of Excellence honors during his tenure.

“I’ve spent my career helping lenders adopt technology that improves the borrower experience and strengthens operational performance,” Sirpis said. “FirstClose is solving real challenges in home equity and mortgage lending, and I’m excited to help scale a platform that gives lenders the speed and efficiency today’s market demands.”

About FirstClose

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-appoints-alex-sirpis-as-vice-president-of-sales/

Rivermark Community Credit Union Expands Subservicing Relationship with Dovenmuehle

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., Dec. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI), a leading mortgage subservicing company, announced today that Rivermark Community Credit Union has expanded its partnership with DMI. Under this expanded relationship, Dovenmuehle will provide subservicing for Rivermark’s growing portfolio of mortgage loans, supporting the credit union’s expanding membership base and ensuring an exceptional servicing experience for members.

Image caption: Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc. (DMI).

Rivermark is the third-largest credit union in Oregon, with roughly $3.2 billion in assets and 172,000 members. Rivermark continues its commitment to member service backed by DMI’s industry-leading security and performance standards. Exemplifying its excellence this year, DMI received an Above Average Primary Servicer Ranking from S&P Global Ratings, earned Fannie Mae’s Servicer Total Achievement and Rewards™ (STAR™) Servicer Award, and successfully completed the 2024 SOC 1® Type 2 and SOC 2® Type 2 audits, conducted by independent evaluators.

“Partnering with Dovenmuehle allows us to maintain the high level of service our members expect while leveraging deep servicing expertise and a robust technology platform,” said Rivermark Vice President of Credit Administration Trevor Hutchens.

“As Rivermark continues growing, we’re thrilled to bring our advanced servicing technology and rigorous security standards to their expanded member base,” said Dovenmuehle Senior Vice President Matt Budy. “Our collaboration reflects a shared commitment to efficiency, transparency and exceptional member care.”

About Dovenmuehle

About Rivermark

Headquartered in Oregon City, Oregon, Rivermark Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative offering products, solutions, and services that empower more than 170,000 members to reach their financial goals. Find more information at www.rivermarkcu.org.

NEWS SOURCE: Dovenmuehle

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/rivermark-community-credit-union-expands-subservicing-relationship-with-dovenmuehle/

The Big Picture’s final lineup of 2025 features mortgage power players in conversation on leadership, tech disruption and the future of the industry

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Dec. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, announced a December lineup of trailblazing figures in loan origination technology, real estate and housing finance advocacy. Co-hosted by mortgage business consultant and executive coach Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets authority Rob Chrisman, author of the widely read Chrisman Commentary newsletter, the webcast delivers timely, thought-provoking conversations with mortgage professionals, innovators and thought leaders.

Image caption: The Big Picture’s final lineup of 2025 features mortgage power players.

Guests on the docket for December reflect the show’s commitment to facilitating vital conversations about the evolving technology, operating models and policy issues shaping real estate finance today.

Thursday, December 4:
Mike Yu is co-founder and CEO of Vesta, an AI-native loan origination system (LOS). A Stanford educated technologist, Yu was an early product manager at origination platform Blend (NYSE: BLND) where he shaped products that have become foundational to how major financial institutions serve borrowers. Since founding Vesta, he has attracted more than $55 million in venture capital and established one of the most viable challenger platforms in the LOS category. Yu will share his perspective on how AI-driven architecture can reimagine outdated origination workflows and deliver a meaningfully better experience for borrowers and lenders alike.
Thursday, December 11:
James Dwiggins is co-founder and CEO of NextHome, one of the fastest-growing real estate franchises in the United States. A third-generation real estate professional, Dwiggins also founded Rayse, a platform designed to help agents compete more effectively amid shifting consumer expectations. Known for his direct, unfiltered industry analysis, Dwiggins hosts the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast, where he breaks down modern brokerage models and sustainable business practices. On The Big Picture, he’ll examine the forces redefining the real estate landscape and what leadership must do to stay ahead of the game.
Thursday, December 18:
President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Robert (Bob) Broeksmit, CMB, is a senior finance executive with more than three decades of experience across all aspects of lending, including operations, servicing and secondary marketing. Before joining the MBA in 2018, he served as president and COO of compliance consulting firm Treliant, guiding some of the nation’s largest financial firms through complex supervisory and litigation challenges. Known for his clear, steady leadership, Broeksmit has testified as an industry expert and helped shape national conversations around housing finance. He’ll offer a candid view of the policy landscape heading into 2026 and what lenders need in order to prepare for the year ahead.

Mortgage professionals and industry media can register for the webcast and view past episodes at https://www.chrismancommentary.com/the-big-picture.

About The Big Picture:

Tags: @Vesta @NextHome @MBAMortgage #mortgagetech #AI #fintech #mortgagebrokers

NEWS SOURCE: The Big Picture Mortgage Webcast

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-big-pictures-final-lineup-of-2025-features-mortgage-power-players-in-conversation-on-leadership-tech-disruption-and-the-future-of-the-industry/

iEmergent’s latest U.S. mortgage forecast validation confirms industry-leading accuracy

New analysis shows iEmergent's mortgage origination projections outperforming other publicly available forecasts over a six-year period

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, released a new analysis validating that its U.S. purchase mortgage origination forecasts continue to lead the industry in accuracy, outperforming other publicly available forecasts such as those published by Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) over the last six years.

Image caption: [1] 6-YR COMPARISON OF iEMERGENT’S ‘NEXT YEAR’S’ FORECAST ACCURACY VS. MBA, FANNIE MAE.

Image caption: [2] 6-YR COMPARISON OF iEMERGENT’S ‘LAST ESTIMATE’ FORECAST ACCURACY VS. MBA, FANNIE MAE.

iEmergent’s forecasting approach centers on the Purchase Mortgage Generation Rate (PMGR), a proprietary metric that represents the rate at which a defined market produces purchase mortgages. The PMGR simplifies forecasting by capturing the complexity of the U.S. mortgage market, including economic and demographic factors, homebuyer behavior and decades of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) loan data. When paired with a demand-driven view of the homebuyer pool, this bottom-up model—which can be applied at any geographic level from the individual census tract to the entire nation—delivers reliable insight into where and when mortgage activity will emerge.

For the six-year period spanning 2019 to 2024, iEmergent achieved a 9.5% mean absolute percent error (MAPE) for ‘next year’s’ forecasts (projections issued a year in advance) and a 3.9% MAPE for ‘last estimate’ forecasts (projections released a few months ahead of HMDA’s annual release of actual loan counts). And over the past three years (2022–2024), iEmergent’s forecast accuracy has improved even further, achieving an 8.4% MAPE for ‘next year’s’ forecasts and a 1.2% MAPE for ‘last estimate’ forecasts.

“These results demonstrate the strength of iEmergent’s proprietary forecasting model and why our approach consistently leads the industry in accuracy,” iEmergent COO Bernard Nossuli said. “Lenders need a dependable way to see where mortgage opportunity will take shape, and iEmergent’s model gives them that insight well before traditional indicators emerge.”

iEmergent’s purchase mortgage forecast accuracy remains high even when projections are segmented by borrower race and ethnicity. The company also delivers strong refi mortgage forecast accuracy, maintaining an error rate in the 2% range despite growing refinance market volatility.

For a closer look at iEmergent’s novel and highly accurate approach to forecasting U.S. mortgage originations, read the company’s methodology blog post.

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 #mortgagelending #mortgage #origination #housingdata

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/iemergents-latest-u-s-mortgage-forecast-validation-confirms-industry-leading-accuracy/

FirstClose Appoints Adam Nicholson as Director of Professional Services

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 25, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the appointment of Adam Nicholson as director of professional services. Nicholson will lead the company’s implementation operations, including project delivery, process optimization and cross-functional coordination to enhance the customer experience.

Image caption: FirstClose Appoints Adam Nicholson as Director of Professional Services.

In this new position, Nicholson will oversee implementation strategy, guide project scopes and timelines, establish policies and standard operating procedures, and collaborate with executive leadership to ensure delivery frameworks align with organizational objectives. He will also support the refinement of onboarding practices and client-driven product enhancements to strengthen adoption and long-term value for lenders.

“Adam brings a deep background in professional services leadership across mortgage and financial technology,” said Tedd Smith, co-founder and chief executive officer of FirstClose. “His ability to build strong teams, streamline processes and deliver measurable results will help us further accelerate implementation efficiency and reinforce the value lenders experience when partnering with FirstClose.”

Nicholson has more than 12 years of experience directing implementation, customer success and professional services teams within the fintech sector. He most recently served as an enterprise client success manager at Blend. He previously held director-level roles at Polly and SimpleNexus, where he led implementation groups, established onboarding processes, reduced delivery timelines and collaborated with product and engineering teams to support customer-driven improvements. Earlier in his career, Nicholson spent six years in software implementation leadership roles at Accenture, developing deep expertise in mortgage technology, regulatory compliance and system integration.

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 cost for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist the lender’s borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit firstclose.com.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-appoints-adam-nicholson-as-director-of-professional-services/

DocMagic enhances Total eClose platform with new IPEN capability for broader digital closing flexibility

In-person electronic notarization option strengthens DocMagic's eNotary offering and supports diverse borrower and settlement agent preferences

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic, Inc. announced today the availability of its in-person electronic notarization (IPEN) capability, extending the company’s Total eClose™ platform to support more closing scenarios and borrower preferences across the country. IPEN offers lenders, settlement agents, notaries and borrowers an additional digital option for situations where remote online notarization (RON) is not jurisdictionally permitted or simply not the preferred experience.

Image caption: DocMagic, Inc.

While RON remains a powerful tool for digital closings, it is not authorized for real estate transactions in every state. Today, IPEN is permitted in 46 states and the District of Columbia, making it a widely accessible alternative that preserves the benefits of electronic execution even in jurisdictions that do not permit remote notarization. For lenders, this expanded coverage translates into greater operational flexibility and a more consistent eClosing workflow regardless of geography.

“Not every transaction can be remote, but every transaction can be digital,” said Michael Morford, chief technology officer at DocMagic. “By adding IPEN, we’re enabling lenders, settlement agents and notaries to provide the kind of in-person experience many consumers still prefer while maintaining all the efficiency, accuracy and immediacy of an electronic closing.”

A key advantage of IPEN is its flexibility. Where permitted by state law, settlement agents and notaries can switch between RON and IPEN within the same transaction, supporting co-borrowers in different locations or accommodating last-minute changes in borrower availability. The immediate availability of electronically executed documents also shortens post-closing timelines, accelerates funding and reduces costs associated with paper handling.

The addition of IPEN also supports a wide range of borrower preferences. Some clients want hands-on guidance, and others value the relationship and ceremony of an in-person signing. IPEN preserves that face-to-face experience while delivering the efficiency and accuracy of a 100% digital closing, giving lenders a way to meet every borrower where they are without sacrificing speed, accuracy or auditability.

“IPEN rounds out the Total eClose platform so every closing—hybrid, remote or in-person—can be managed through one trusted digital ecosystem,” said Pat Theodora, DocMagic co-founder and CEO. “This enhancement reflects our commitment to supporting all participants in the closing process and helping our clients deliver a consistent digital experience, regardless of the borrower’s location or preference.”

DocMagic’s proprietary IPEN technology works on any connected device with no special hardware or training required. Built on the same trusted foundation as DocMagic’s RON capability, IPEN uses the familiar DocMagic signing interface and is available to all notaries within the company’s nationwide notary network. All RON-capable notaries in the system can also perform IPEN. Optional identity verification tools such as knowledge-based authentication (KBA) and ID Verify remain available but are not required for in-person sessions, creating a faster, more efficient process for both notaries and borrowers.

For more information about DocMagic’s eNotary solutions, including IPEN and RON, visit https://www.docmagic.com/enotary.

About DocMagic:

Founded in 1987, DocMagic, Inc. is a leading provider of compliant document generation, automated compliance, eSignature and comprehensive eMortgage solutions for the mortgage industry. Built with DocMagic’s patented technologies, the company’s solutions facilitate precision-based digital lending transactions, connecting industry participants and ensuring data integrity. Backed by decades of compliance expertise, DocMagic’s in-house specialists monitor legal and regulatory changes at both federal and state levels. For more information on DocMagic, visit www.docmagic.com.

Tags: @DocMagicTech #eClosing #mortgagetech #notary

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/docmagic-enhances-total-eclose-platform-with-new-ipen-capability-for-broader-digital-closing-flexibility/

ACES Q2 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows modest rise in critical defect rate as refinance complexity tests loan quality

Collateral, eligibility and regulatory defects rise as cash-out refinances grow; core underwriting quality continues to strengthen

DENVER, Colo., Nov. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced the release of its quarterly ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report covering the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. The report analyzes post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management & Control® software.

Image caption: ACES Quality Management®.

Key findings from the Q2 2025 ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report include:

The overall critical defect rate increased 15.27%, rising from 1.31% in Q1 2025 to 1.51%.
Appraisal defects surged 156.5%, while Borrower/Mortgage Eligibility defects more than doubled to 15.87%.
Income/Employment defects improved 19.7%, falling from 22.99% to 18.45% of all critical defects.
Loan Documentation and Insurance defects declined 32.6% and 25.2%, respectively.
Purchase defect share decreased to 73.96%, while refinance defect share climbed to 26.04% amid increased cash-out activity.
Conventional loan quality improved, while FHA and VA findings rose modestly.

“Although the overall critical defect rate increased for a second straight quarter, the situation is nuanced,” said Nick Volpe, executive vice president at ACES Quality Management. “The rise was mainly in specific categories such as appraisals and eligibility-related areas. Meanwhile, other key underwriting areas saw notable improvements. This mixed performance demonstrates the importance of continuous monitoring and targeted quality control efforts.”

Findings for the Q2 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 and/or calendar years, 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

Over 70% of the top 20 independent mortgage lenders;
7 of the top 10 loan servicers;
11 of the top 30 banks; and
3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

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.

NEWS SOURCE: ACES Quality Management

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MMI Honored with 2025 AI Pioneer Award for Innovative Use of Artificial Intelligence in Mortgage Technology

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), the leader in mortgage technology, has been recognized with the 2025 AI Pioneer Award by PROGRESS in Lending Association for leveraging artificial intelligence like ChatMMI cross its platform to deliver to deliver real, measurable outcomes for lenders—from opportunity discovery and timely outreach to borrower retention and lifetime loyalty.

Image caption: NEW! ChatMMI’s Automatic User Awareness, “What are my opportunities today?” — ChatMMI knows exactly who you are & delivers insights specific to you.

The AI Pioneer honorees were selected for moving beyond experimentation to operationalize AI at scale. At MMI, this evolution has been guided by CEO & Founder Ben Teerlink’s vision to make intelligence and closing loans effortless for loan officers and lenders. Under CTO Dan Jones’s technical leadership, MMI has turned that vision into reliable, production-grade systems.

“Our north star has been simple from day one: make intelligence effortless for originators,” said Teerlink. “AI should remove friction, not add it. I’m proud of how our teams turned that vision into systems that act at the right moment so lenders can close more loans with less effort.”

“AI isn’t a side project at MMI – it’s how the platform works,” said Jones. “We built a conversational layer (ChatMMI), predictive signals, and engagement workflows into a single ecosystem. The goal is precision: surface the right opportunity, trigger the right action, and measure the business impact—all without asking users to stitch tools together.”

Ways MMI Operationalizes AI Today

ChatMMI (Conversational AI): Natural-language questions return instant, data-backed answers—no dashboards or manual queries required.
Predictive Borrower Intelligence (MonitorBase): AI-driven alerts for equity changes, listing signals, MI removal, and opportunity windows—feeding timely retention plays.
AI-Driven Content Creation (Bonzo): Generates and personalizes relevant messaging at scale, enabling teams to communicate faster and with greater precision.
Automated Engagement (MMI One + Bonzo): Outreach sequences trigger automatically, using verified data and intent to time messages and tasks.
Data Quality & Coverage: AI-assisted matching and normalization expand coverage and accuracy across markets; unified intelligence supports recruiting, partner mapping, and market moves.
Pathways Home: A consumer experience that turns insights into everyday value—equity tracking, valuation trends, and loan health—keeping LOs connected for life.

Together, these capabilities enable lenders to move easily from Lead → Loan → Lifetime Loyalty, with AI quietly orchestrating insights and actions in the background.

About MMI

MMI delivers the mortgage industry’s only all-in-one tech platform that helps LOs close more loans faster. MMI One unifies market intelligence (MMI Data Center), predictive borrower alerts (MonitorBase), effortless engagement (Bonzo), and conversational AI (ChatMMI) so lenders can operate more efficiently—automatically. Pathways Home extends that intelligence to homeowners with personalized, white-labeled insights that keep lenders top of mind long after closing. Learn more at https://mmi.io/ or contact sales@mmi.io.

About PROGRESS in Lending Association

PROGRESS In Lending Association was formed to help lending executives grow their business by boiling down the latest news and trends into sound strategies. Ther company is run by industry veterans that have come together to make a positive difference for their readers.

MULTIMEDIA:

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Image caption: NEW! ChatMMI’s Automatic User Awareness, “What are my opportunities today?” — ChatMMI knows exactly who you are & delivers insights specific to you.

NEWS SOURCE: Mobility Market Intelligence

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Mobility Market Intelligence), 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/mmi-honored-with-2025-ai-pioneer-award-for-innovative-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-mortgage-technology/

Rice Park Acquires Rosegate Mortgage, Enhancing End-to-End Mortgage Capabilities and MSR Investment Platform

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and PLYMOUTH, Minn., Nov. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Rice Park Capital Management LP (“Rice Park”), a Minneapolis-based private investment firm specializing in mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), announced today that it has acquired Rosegate Mortgage, LLC (“Rosegate Mortgage”), NMLS #2020757, a retail and consumer-direct mortgage lender headquartered in Charlotte, NC. This strategic acquisition expands Rice Park’s capabilities across the mortgage value chain, supporting both MSR recapture and retention strategies while reinforcing its commitment to supporting originator partners.

Image caption: Rice Park Acquires Rosegate Mortgage, Enhancing End-to-End Mortgage Capabilities and MSR Investment Platform.

The integration of Rosegate allows Rice Park to selectively perform recapture across its MSR holdings, which Rice Park believes will enhance returns and mitigate prepayment risk, while maintaining its strong alignment with third-party originators who rely on Rice Park for capital solutions, MSR liquidity and customer retention. To manage this dynamic, Rice Park has developed a dual-channel strategy:

For MSR acquisitions with embedded recapture partnerships, Rice Park will support and respect those relationships.
For MSRs without an embedded recapture agreement, Rice Park will utilize Rosegate to pursue recapture directly.

“Acquiring Rosegate enables us to offer a fully integrated mortgage investment platform that we believe enhances value for our investors through improved servicing retention and strategic recapture,” said Craig Freel, President and co-Chief Investment Officer of Rice Park. “At the same time, we remain fully committed to our originator and servicer partners. Our platform is designed to offer flexibility—providing capital and MSR solutions that preserve and support our partners’ customer relationships.”

Rice Park and Rosegate initially partnered in October 2024 to provide financing solutions for borrowers within Rice Park’s MSR portfolio, which includes approximately $61 billion in unpaid principal balance [*note 1] serviced through its affiliate, Nexus Nova LLC (“Nexus Nova”), NMLS # 2082961. Under the new structure, Rosegate and Nexus Nova are combined into a single operating entity within Rice Park’s organizational structure.

Rosegate will continue to operate under its existing brand, maintaining its headquarters in Charlotte, NC, and expanding its retail and consumer-direct lending operations.

“We’re thrilled to be integrated with Rice Park and are excited to build out what we believe will be a high quality servicing retention and recapture model,” said Bryce Bradley, President & CEO of Rosegate Mortgage. “We are committed to being a leading place for customers to obtain a home loan and a great place for our team-members to work. Now within the Rice Park family, we are able to introduce ourselves to more customers and provide a high quality experience while continuing to enhance our organization and grow both the consumer-direct and retail lending channels.”

About Rice Park Capital Management LP

Rice Park is a private investment firm managing capital of institutional investors, family offices and high net worth individuals. Its investment focus is to deliver cycle-resistant returns by unlocking value in complex opportunities in the residential and commercial mortgage and real estate sectors.

Learn more about Rice Park at https://riceparkcapital.com/.

No Offer or Solicitation. This press release is for information purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities.

Registered Investment Advisor. Rice Park is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements.

Forward-Looking Statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements about the plans, strategies, and prospects of Rice Park. These statements are based on our current expectations and projections about future events. The words “may,” “will,” “feel,” “should,” “expect,” “scheduled,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “aim,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of those terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and estimates by the management of Rice Park that, although believed to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain and subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from historical results or those anticipated or predicted by such forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release may not, in fact, occur. Rice Park undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement after the date of this press release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Rice Park qualifies all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

Nexus Nova LLC, NMLS ID: 2082961 https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

CITATION:
[1] As of November 1, 2025

NEWS SOURCE: Rosegate Mortgage

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Rosegate Mortgage), 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/rice-park-acquires-rosegate-mortgage-enhancing-end-to-end-mortgage-capabilities-and-msr-investment-platform/

The Mortgage Collaborative Charts 2026 Strategy Focused on Connection, Growth and Industry Resilience

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Nov. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As lenders continue to navigate a shifting housing market marked by volatility, margin pressure and rapid technological change, The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) is doubling down on what it believes is the industry’s greatest strength: connection.

Image caption: The Mortgage Collaborative.

The nation’s largest independent mortgage cooperative announced a series of 2026 initiatives aimed at expanding membership, strengthening partner relationships and providing data-driven insights that empower lenders to operate more efficiently and competitively.

“In a market where many lenders feel isolated by shrinking margins, rapid change and growing operational demands, The Mortgage Collaborative is showing that strength comes from community,” said Jodi Hall, president and CEO of The Mortgage Collaborative. “Through shared data, open dialogue and a genuine commitment to helping one another succeed, our members are proving that collaboration is more than a core value. It is the foundation for growth, innovation and resilience in this industry.”

Building on momentum from its 2025 “Cheers in Boston” conference, where record engagement underscored the appetite for collaboration, TMC’s 2026 strategic plan is centered on three pillars: expanding the network, deepening engagement and modernizing data access.

Among the key initiatives:

Membership Expansion: TMC plans to grow its lender member network by 20%. The cooperative’s peer-driven model, anchored by confidential “Collaboration Labs,” continues to be a differentiator for lenders seeking practical, real-time solutions from their peers.
New Leadership Role: To support this expansion, TMC is hiring a Vice President of Business Development, focused on outreach and onboarding for both lenders and preferred partners.
Partner Relationship Focus: Toni Bramley will transition to Partner Relationship Manager, ensuring that TMC’s vendor partners receive dedicated support and engagement to maximize member value.
Evolving Data Benchmarking: The organization’s flagship data-sharing platform will relaunch as TMC Insights, incorporating expanded market and performance data to give members and non-members a clearer, comparative picture of their operations, a crucial advantage as profitability pressures persist.
Individual Memberships: For the first time, TMC will offer individual subscriptions, allowing mortgage professionals to participate in collaborative learning and events even if their companies have not yet joined the network.
IMPACT powered by TMC Future Fund: In August 2026, TMC will debut IMPACT, a standalone technology and innovation summit that will convene lenders, capital partners, and emerging tech firms for live demos, competitions, and collaborative exploration of tools shaping the industry’s future.

“These programs are not about selling a service but rather sustaining an industry,” Hall said. “When lenders share knowledge, compare performance, and learn together, everyone gets better. That’s what collaboration looks like in action.”

About The Mortgage Collaborative

NEWS SOURCE: The Mortgage Collaborative

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-mortgage-collaborative-charts-2026-strategy-focused-on-connection-growth-and-industry-resilience/

Cloudvirga’s Loan Hub equips loan teams with modern tools for managing pipelines, tasks and borrower communication

Streamlined loan processing and underwriting helps lenders deliver a faster, more satisfying mortgage experience for borrowers

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Cloudvirga, a Stewart-owned provider of digital point-of-sale platforms for lenders, today announced the launch of its new Loan Hub for lenders seeking an optimized loan team experience. The Loan Hub gives loan officers, LO assistants and processors a modern, intuitive workspace to manage their pipelines, collaborate with borrowers and complete key tasks without toggling between systems.

Image caption: Cloudvirga.

As the operational counterpart to Cloudvirga’s consumer-facing Tropos experience, the Loan Hub centralizes loan data, applicant interactions and communication tools, empowering lenders to work smarter and offer borrowers a faster, more seamless journey from application to clear-to-close.

“The Loan Hub keeps teams focused on relationships instead of repetitive clicks,” said Jessica Evett, senior vice president of product strategy and technology operations at Cloudvirga. “It brings the modular power of our Tropos consumer portal to the lender side of the experience, giving teams one intuitive workspace that helps them close loans faster and strengthen borrower satisfaction.”

With the Loan Hub, loan teams can:

Simplify pipeline management: View loans and leads in a customizable dashboard with sortable columns, saved filters and at-a-glance progress tracking.
Accelerate application creation: Initiate new borrower records, start applications and send secure invitations to apply.
Keep loans moving: Add, assign and prioritize tasks for borrowers or team members using lender-configured templates from the Tropos admin portal.
Collaborate and communicate seamlessly: Work in the same application simultaneously, share notes and documents and stay aligned on borrower progress with real-time updates and automated notifications.
Import, export and sync effortlessly: Upload lead lists, export pipeline data, and keep loan data and milestones synced with the loan origination system in real time or at configured intervals.
Engage borrowers proactively: Create and manage targeted campaigns and personalized communications from the loan hub to nurture leads, reengage prospects and strengthen relationships across the pipeline.

The Loan Hub complements Cloudvirga’s Tropos portal, which guides consumers through a modern, intuitive and personalized experience from initial application to clear-to-close, and the admin portal introduced earlier this year, which gives lenders real-time control over organizational settings, permissions and workflow configurations. Together, these solutions give lenders end-to-end flexibility to build borrower-first experiences that adapt quickly to changing market and operational needs.

Lenders can learn more about the Loan Hub by visiting https://www.cloudvirga.com or requesting a personalized demo.

‍About Cloudvirga

Cloudvirga is a leading provider of digital point-of-sale platforms designed to engage borrowers and increase lending efficiency. Its modular solutions help lenders streamline the loan process, improve accuracy and scale operations without sacrificing the human touch. Cloudvirga is a subsidiary of Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company. For more information, visit https://www.cloudvirga.com/.

Tags: @Cloudvirga #mortgage #lending

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NEWS SOURCE: Cloudvirga Inc.

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Cloudvirga 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/cloudvirgas-loan-hub-equips-loan-teams-with-modern-tools-for-managing-pipelines-tasks-and-borrower-communication/

Optimal Blue report: October lock volume holds second-highest level in three years

Seasonal cooling offset by resilient refinance demand and rising agency MBS executions

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its October 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showing that rate-lock activity remained strong despite seasonal cooling and continued to outpace last year’s levels. Total lock volume fell 4.2% month over month (MoM) from September’s peak but was still up 18% year over year (YoY) as borrowers responded to improving affordability and narrower rate spreads.

Image caption: Optimal Blue’s October 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

Purchase locks declined just 1.5% in October, in line with typical seasonal patterns, while refinance lending remained a key driver of activity. Rate-and-term refinances fell 14% from September but stayed up 143% YoY, and cash-out refinances rose 6% MoM and 29% YoY.

The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming fixed rate – the benchmark for CME Group’s Mortgage Rate futures – dropped another 16 basis points (bps) to 6.16%, marking its lowest level since late 2023.

“October’s data speaks to the market’s resilience,” said Mike Vough, head of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. “Purchase activity held steady and refinance demand – particularly cash-outs – remained strong. Even after September’s record pace, October delivered another standout month for originations.”

Lenders continued to strengthen execution strategies in the secondary market during October. Sales to agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) climbed 400 bps to 46%, extending a multi-month trend of large-lender securitization growth. Deliveries to the agency cash window fell 200 bps to 30%, while aggregator bulk and best-efforts channels each dipped 100 bps. The share of loans sold at the highest price tier rose to 81%, up 300 bps, underscoring lenders’ ability to capture premium pricing even as servicing values tightened. Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) for conforming 30-year loans increased 3 bps to 1.12% (a 4.47 multiple), moving in line with an average 6-bps gain across OBMMI rates for the month.

“October’s secondary market data reflected clear strength in execution,” said Vough. “Lenders leaned further into MBS sales and maintained access to top-tier pricing, signaling disciplined hedging and growing investor confidence. With securitization share and pricing quality both on the rise, large lenders appear well positioned to sustain profitability as production remains steady.”

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

VOLUME TRENDS AND MARKET COMPOSITION

Refis stay elevated: Rate-and-term refinances fell 14% MoM but remained up 143% YoY, while cash-outs rose 6% MoM and 29% YoY. Refinance pull-through improved to 71.6%, up 11.4 points from September. Refinances accounted for 37% of all production in October, down 176 bps from September but up 11.4 points YoY.
Purchases steady: Purchase locks declined 1.5% aligned to seasonal expectations, remaining strong relative to historical patterns. Purchase pull-through improved to 84.6%, up 91 bps from September.
Non-QM share rises: Non-qualified mortgage share edged higher, driven by gains in both investor/debt-service-coverage-ratio (DSCR) and bank statement programs.
FHA and conforming gain share: FHA and conforming production increased at the expense of primarily VA lending. VA refinance activity typically reacts fastest to rate reductions, leading to a front-loading of VA locks in September.
Single-family share climbs: Single-family production rose relative to all other property types in October, reflecting sustained strength in owner-occupied lending.

RATES AND PRICING

Mortgage rates decline: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate fell 16 bps to 6.16%, with FHA at 6.04%, VA at 5.67% and jumbo at 6.36%.
Spread tightens to 10-year: The mortgage rate spread to the 10-year Treasury narrowed 11 bps to just over 200 bps, down 46 bps from 2024 and the tightest since early 2022. The 10-year yield itself fell only 5 bps to 4.11% as the Fed’s recent rate cut was largely priced into the market, indicating that most of the mortgage rate improvement stemmed from spread compression rather than a broader interest rate decline.
Lender pricing strengthens: Lenders achieved higher overall pricing levels in October as spreads narrowed and execution improved across delivery channels.
Servicing values recover: MSRs for conforming 30-year loans rose 3 bps to 1.12% (a 4.47 multiple).

CHANNEL AND EXECUTION

Agency MBS execution expands: Share rose to 46% (+400 bps), while the agency cash window share of execution fell to 30% (–200 bps) and aggregator bulk and best efforts each dipped 100 bps.
Investor count steady: The average number of active investors held at 11, reflecting stable liquidity conditions. Historical counts ranged from 8 in November 2024 to 12 in December 2024.
Higher-tier pricing dominates: With 81% of loans sold at the highest pricing tier, lenders demonstrated disciplined execution strategies that offset margin pressure from rate compression.

PRODUCT MIX AND BORROWER PROFILES

DTIs and affordability flat: Debt-to-income ratios and first-time homebuyer share held steady, signaling sideways affordability movement.
Balanced composition: FHA and conforming production growth offset earlier VA surge, keeping overall mix diverse across loan types.
Credit profiles, loan amounts dip: The average credit score fell to 734 from 735 MoM. The average loan amount decreased to $397,438 from $403,746. October loan averages ranged from $602,646 in metro New York to $312,177 in Indianapolis. Average loan-to-value (LTV) ratios ranged from 70% in San Francisco to 87% in San Antonio.

To view the full October 2025 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 Olivia DeLancey to be added to the media list.

Access this month’s podcast episode: https://market-advantage.captivate.fm/episode/episode-14.

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 October 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report.

NEWS SOURCE: Optimal Blue

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-october-lock-volume-holds-second-highest-level-in-three-years/

MMI’s Chief Technology Officer Dan Jones Named 2025 HousingWire Tech Trendsetter

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — HousingWire has recognized Dan Jones, Chief Technology Officer at Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), as one of its 2025 Tech Trendsetters – an annual honor celebrating 75 technology leaders who are shaping the future of housing through innovation.

Image caption: MMI’s Chief Technology Officer Dan Jones Named 2025 HousingWire Tech Trendsetter.

Now in its seventh year, the Tech Trendsetters program highlights the people behind the technology — the engineers, product leaders, and data visionaries transforming how the housing industry connects and serves its customers. This year’s honorees represent every corner of housing—from mortgage and real estate to servicing and capital markets—and are advancing new standards for automation, efficiency, and client experience.

Since joining MMI in 2024, Jones has redefined how lenders use data to build lifelong borrower relationships. He led the integration of MMI’s three flagship products – MMI Data Center, MonitorBase predictive alerts, and Bonzo engagement automation – into a single, intelligent, automated ecosystem known as MMI One. The platform unites market intelligence, borrower insights, and engagement automation into one connected experience, purpose-built to do everything for the LO to close more loans more efficiently.

Under Jones’s leadership, MMI also launched ChatMMI, the industry’s first conversational AI for mortgage intelligence. ChatMMI enables lenders to ask natural-language questions and receive instant, data-backed answers—eliminating the lag of traditional dashboards or static reports.

Jones spearheaded a comprehensive data excellence initiative that expanded MLS coverage to 98.5% of U.S. counties, improved mortgage-to-real-estate linkages by 35%, and enhanced data accuracy across underserved markets—all while maintaining MMI’s standards for security, compliance, and governance.

“Dan has a rare ability to turn complex ideas into transformative technology,” said Ben Teerlink, CEO and Founder of MMI. “His leadership continues to raise the standard for what’s possible in mortgage intelligence—where data becomes action and innovation drives lasting relationships.”

Prior to MMI, Jones spent 17 years at Rocket Companies, where he helped design and scale Rocket’s multi-petabyte data platform, powering more than 3.7 billion AI-driven decisions annually and achieving client retention rates exceeding 90%.

At MMI, Jones is leading the launch of Pathways Home, a consumer-facing experience that connects borrowers and loan officers for life through personalized home valuations, equity tracking, and loan health insights. Together with MMI One, ChatMMI, and Pathways Home, Jones is helping lenders close more loans more efficiently than ever as they move from Lead → Loan → Lifetime Loyalty—a connected journey built on data intelligence and engagement.

About Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI)

MMI is the industry’s leading provider of mortgage technology. Its integrated platform—MMI One—combines data, automation, and engagement to help lenders recruit top producers, retain borrowers and build lasting relationships—ultimately making it easier to close more loans faster than ever. Through its core products—MMI Data Center, MonitorBase, Bonzo, and Pathways Home—MMI delivers the unified system powering growth from Lead → Loan → Lifetime Loyalty. Learn more at https://mmi.io/ or contact sales@mmi.io.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data, research, business journalism, and events for housing leaders. Its annual Tech Trendsetters award honors technology leaders whose products and platforms are transforming the housing ecosystem. Explore more at https://www.housingwire.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brian Vacanti
VP of Marketing, MMI
e brian.vacanti@mmi.io
m 720-369.8500

MULTIMEDIA:

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Photo caption: MMI’s Chief Technology Officer Dan Jones.

NEWS SOURCE: Mobility Market Intelligence

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mmis-chief-technology-officer-dan-jones-named-2025-housingwire-tech-trendsetter/

LenderLogix expands LiteSpeed POS with built-in AI-powered agent for mortgage loan officers

AI Sidekick delivers instant insights to improve loan accuracy and reduce loan processing times by up to 40%, leading to increased borrower satisfaction

BUFFALO, N.Y., Nov. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage point-of-sale and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and brokers, today announced it has launched AI Sidekick, an artificial intelligence (AI) feature built into the LiteSpeed point-of-sale (POS) platform. AI Sidekick supports loan officers (LOs) with simple tools to instantly review loan files, efficiently update document needs lists and rapidly identify missing data, reducing loan processing times by up to 40%.

Image caption: LenderLogix.

AI Sidekick is designed to support mortgage lending, empowering LOs by streamlining highly manual back-end tasks. It scans and analyzes loan details in seconds, providing LOs with critical insights into potential compliance errors and missing documentation, minimizing risk while improving turnaround time without disrupting current processes. Built with SOC 2–compliant infrastructure and end-to-end encryption, AI Sidekick ensures that borrower data remains fully secure within lenders’ existing Encompass® environments.

AI Sidekick also enables LOs to update borrowers’ needs lists with a single click, reducing manual data entry. By surfacing insights and missing documentation early in the loan process, AI Sidekick improves accuracy, reduces processing time and enhances the borrower experience.

“With AI Sidekick, we’re giving lenders a way to eliminate bottlenecks in the loan process without adding complexity,” said LenderLogix CEO Patrick O’Brien. “It’s not about replacing people but about equipping them with modern tools. AI Sidekick doesn’t interact with borrowers, instead acting as a true copilot for LOs to automate the most time-consuming parts of loan file review so they can focus on what they do best: building relationships and delivering great service.”

Visit https://info.lenderlogix.com/litespeed-ai-sidekick to request a demo.

About LenderLogix

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NEWS SOURCE: LenderLogix

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/lenderlogix-expands-litespeed-pos-with-built-in-ai-powered-agent-for-mortgage-loan-officers/

Friday Harbor adds appraisal underwriting to its AI Originator Assistant

AI-driven collateral analysis helps lenders identify appraisal issues early, reducing defects and repurchase risk

SEATTLE, Wash., Nov. 6, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced that its AI Originator Assistant now performs collateral analysis alongside credit, income and asset reviews. The enhancement enables lenders to underwrite appraisals and appraisal-related documents with the same precision and consistency the platform already delivers for other loan file components.

Image caption: Friday Harbor.

“The appraisal is one of the most subjective and time-consuming parts of underwriting,” said Theo Ellis, co-founder and CEO of Friday Harbor. “By extending our AI Originator Assistant to collateral review, lenders can identify inconsistencies early, strengthen appraisal quality and ensure every loan aligns with agency standards before it reaches the underwriter.”

Friday Harbor’s appraisal review feature examines structured data, narrative commentary and visual content within appraisal reports to surface potential risk factors ranging from missing or inconsistent details to property and market-level red flags. In addition to confirming that data in the appraisal matches the loan application, the system evaluates market soundness by analyzing comparables and neighborhood trends, and reviews property condition through photos and sketches to flag potential concerns such as damage, infestation or mismatched room counts.

When discrepancies arise, the AI Originator Assistant provides resolution paths that guide originators and processors through the steps needed to resolve issues before they reach underwriting. The new feature supports full appraisals and automated valuation models (AVMs), with built-in checks against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.

As originators and processors resolve appraisal conditions in Friday Harbor, loan files update automatically in the loan origination system through Friday Harbor’s integration with the Encompass LOS from ICE Mortgage Technology and its open APIs that connect with other leading loan origination systems.

Lenders can learn more about appraisal underwriting in Friday Harbor or request a demo at https://fridayharbor.ai.

About Friday Harbor

Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech #collateral #underwriting #valuation #appraisal

NEWS SOURCE: Friday Harbor

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/friday-harbor-adds-appraisal-underwriting-to-its-ai-originator-assistant/

Click n’ Close triples warehouse line capacity to support growing One-Time Close demand

ADDISON, Texas, Nov. 6, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced a significant expansion of its warehouse line capacity dedicated to its growing One-Time Close (OTC) construction-to-permanent wholesale lending business. The expansion, supported by Merchants Bank and other warehouse partners, triples Click n’ Close’s OTC capacity and follows a record fiscal year performance, reinforcing the confidence of its capital partners in the company’s financial strength and specialized business model.

Image caption: Click n’ Close, Inc.

“This expansion is both a reflection of where we’ve been and a catalyst for where we’re going,” said Jeff Bode, CEO of Click n’ Close. “Our record year showed that the One-Time Close program is not only resilient in any market but also transformative for lenders and borrowers. With this additional capacity, we can accelerate that momentum, giving our partners more flexibility and borrowers more opportunities to build and finance their homes.”

Click n’ Close’s One-Time Close program simplifies the construction-to-permanent financing process by combining land, construction, and permanent mortgage financing into a single transaction. Available across FHA, VA, USDA, and Section 184 loan types, the program is designed to make new construction more accessible — particularly for first-time buyers and borrowers in rural or underserved markets.

The program offers up to 100% loan-to-value (LTV) financing, covering land, construction and closing costs, with no down payment or minimum investment required. Borrowers may also finance the USDA Guarantee Fee up to 101% LTV. Other features include flexible debt-to-income ratios, eligibility for credit scores of 640 and above and no prepayment penalties. The program supports first-time homebuyers, allows seller or builder concessions of up to 6%, accepts eligible gifts for closing costs, and offers contingency account financing of up to 10%.

“Demand for our One-Time Close product continues to exceed expectations,” added Ian Kimball, President of Click n’ Close. “By expanding our warehouse capacity, we’re ensuring our partners have the reliable liquidity and operational support needed to serve more borrowers and builders nationwide.”

Click n’ Close’s record fiscal year was driven by growth across its government lending and servicing portfolios, strong market adoption of its SmartBuy™ down payment assistance (DPA) programs and disciplined capital and risk management. The company achieved its highest annual net profit to date while maintaining balanced channel performance across wholesale, correspondent and retail divisions.

Additional contributors included the launch of new leadership initiatives, expanded correspondent relationships and increased operational efficiencies through the use of proprietary technology and process automation. These achievements have strengthened the company’s financial foundation and deepened partner confidence, paving the way for continued investment in strategic areas, such as OTC lending.

With its newly expanded warehouse capacity, Click n’ Close is positioned to further its leadership in the construction-to-permanent lending space, offering the flexibility, scale and stability needed to help more families achieve homeownership through new construction.

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 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 https://www.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-triples-warehouse-line-capacity-to-support-growing-one-time-close-demand/

FirstClose celebrates 25 years of mortgage and home equity innovation

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. This marks a quarter-century of innovation in modernizing lending processes for residential mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide.

Image caption: FirstClose.

The anniversary comes as homeowners increasingly turn to equity amid limited refinancing opportunities in a high-rate environment. Total homeowner equity in the U.S., including homes owned outright, is estimated at $35 trillion. American homeowners with a mortgage hold about $17.6 trillion in home equity, of which approximately $11.5 trillion is considered tappable while maintaining at least 20% ownership. In addition, HELOCs and home equity loan originations increased by more than 23% year over year from 2023 to 2024, underscoring the growing importance of this lending segment.

With 225 financial institutions leveraging its platform, FirstClose has assisted lenders in meeting this demand through instant decisioning, automated workflows and vendor integrations that ensure transparency and efficiency, resulting in $129 billion in funded loans since 2015. Institutions using FirstClose’s digital prequalification tools have also experienced a 30 to 40% increase in application volume, showcasing the company’s influence on lender growth.

“Reaching 25 years reflects the trust of our clients and the dedication of our team,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “With demand for home equity products at an all-time high, our mission has never been more relevant: to simplify lending and empower lenders to grow. We are eager to continue shaping the future of mortgage and home equity lending.”

Looking ahead, FirstClose plans to expand its investments in this market. As the leader in home equity workflow management, including its award-winning point-of-sale (POS) platform and order management system (OMS), the company is introducing new integrations with top providers and developing innovative borrower and loan officer engagement tools, reinforcing its role as a long-term partner to lenders navigating evolving borrower needs.

Since its founding in 2000, FirstClose has evolved from a one-stop aggregator of property data and settlement services into a full end-to-end technology platform solution that enables lenders to capture the growing demand of home owners, reduce costs and deliver faster, borrower-friendly closings. Its platform integrates automated workflows, extensive vendor networks, and deep loan origination system integrations to provide a full-service, end-to-end solution that lenders and borrowers can rely upon to access funds within 7 days, compared to an industry average of 42 days. FirstClose leadership is excited to celebrate 25 years of innovation while looking to the future by impacting the entire industry with similar time and cost savings nationwide.

About FirstClose

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to home equity 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 the lender’s borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://www.firstclose.com/.

NEWS SOURCE: FirstClose

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-celebrates-25-years-of-mortgage-and-home-equity-innovation/

Benchmark Mortgage adds Clay McMurray as Chief Marketing Officer

DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Benchmark Mortgage, a full-service mortgage lender and broker based in Dallas, has added mortgage marketing professional Clay McMurray as chief marketing officer. McMurray will help Benchmark Mortgage grow its national brand to new heights, bringing the company’s story to life with the goal of helping as many homeowners as possible while attracting top mortgage originators. He brings extensive mortgage industry experience, having led and expanded other national brands.

Image caption: Benchmark Mortgage Chief Marketing Officer Clay McMurray.

McMurray previously served as vice president of marketing at ValuTrac Software, where he transformed the company’s brand identity through visual and content strategies. He also served as chief marketing and brand officer at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp., where he expanded the company’s national brand recognition and supported its growth to a top 10 national lender.

At Benchmark Mortgage, McMurray will lead the company’s marketing initiatives as it introduces innovative mortgage strategies and marketing technology. He will also support its national events such as the annual Boot’n & Shoot’n fundraiser.

More information about Benchmark Mortgage’s philanthropic efforts can be found here: https://benchmark.us/the-benchmark-way/giving-back.

“Hiring Clay as our new chief marketing officer is a strategic decision,” said Stewart Hunter, founder and CEO of Benchmark Mortgage. “Innovation and transparency are more than ideals in our always evolving mortgage landscape — they’re necessities. Clay delivers a forward-thinking approach plus a deep understanding of how trust, technology and brand integrity drive long-term growth.”

“Clay’s vision will help us further strengthen our connection with our borrowing families, empower our partners and continue shaping a company that leads through clarity, creativity, community and purpose,” said Jim McMahan, president of Benchmark Mortgage. “Clay understands that marketing is about more than messaging — it’s about building trust. His leadership will help us continue to elevate how we serve our clients, support our team and show up in the communities where we live and work.”

“Benchmark is a built on strong values, outstanding leadership, and a genuine commitment to serving others, especially our nation’s veterans,” said Clay McMurray. “Benchmark has a powerful story and an even brighter future, and I’m thrilled to help bring that story to life in a bigger, bolder way.”

About Benchmark Mortgage

Founded in 1999, Benchmark Mortgage is a nationally recognized brand offering a wide range of mortgage products with a focus on serving veterans and first responders. The company has built a dynamic lending community by focusing on integrity and relationships. The power of creativity and innovation sets Benchmark apart from its competitors. Learn more: https://benchmark.us/

LOGO link for media: https://benchmark.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Benchmark-retina-2x.png

NEWS SOURCE: Benchmark Mortgage

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Benchmark Mortgage), 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/benchmark-mortgage-adds-clay-mcmurray-as-chief-marketing-officer/

Mortgage leaders tackle practical innovation, homeownership access and AI strategy on The Big Picture this November

CLEVELAND, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, announced its November slate of influential leaders who will cover diverse topics, including user-focused origination technology, agentic AI and the role of homeownership in building stronger communities. Co-hosted by mortgage business consultant and executive coach Rich Swerbinsky and capital markets authority Rob Chrisman, author of the widely read Chrisman Commentary newsletter, the webcast delivers timely, thought-provoking conversations with mortgage professionals, innovators and thought leaders.

Image caption: Mortgage leaders tackle practical innovation, homeownership access and AI strategy on The Big Picture this November.

November’s lineup carries on the show’s commitment to featuring influential leaders at the forefront of mortgage technology and the national lending landscape:

Thursday, November 6:
Returning guest Patrick O’Brien is co-founder and CEO of LenderLogix. Known for innovating operational solutions to common mortgage process challenges, he tackles lender pain points with over 15 years of firsthand experience in the banking trenches. His exceptional understanding of the connection between loan officers, borrowers and realtors allows O’Brien to design API-enabled solutions that streamline and simplify loan infrastructure with the user experience in mind. O’Brien will discuss how lenders can reframe the AI conversation to focus less on chasing the latest tech trend and more on solving real business problems. He’ll share why defining challenges like improving borrower experience is the first step toward using AI meaningfully.

Thursday, November 13:
As founder and CEO of Equity Prime Mortgage, Eddy Perez, CMB, is fiercely passionate about expanding access to homeownership and financial success. Perez’s commitment to change is evident through his advocacy and strong voice on industry issues. He serves on the Mortgage Bankers Association’s board of directors and is the former chair of both MORPAC, the MBA’s bipartisan political action committee, and the MBA’s Affordable Homeownership Advisory Council. He also hosts his own podcast, “Empowering People More.” Listeners can expect a personal and candid session connecting Perez’s roots with his mission to deliver world-class results to the communities he serves.

Thursday, November 20:
Diane Yu is co-founder and CEO of TidalWave, a multilingual agentic AI platform simplifying the home loan process. A veteran technology entrepreneur, Yu brings unmatched experience in building scalable platforms that solve the complex problems of the origination workflow. Previously chief technology officer at digital mortgage company Better and co-founder of adtech company FreeWheel, Yu will offer a seasoned perspective on architecting innovation in mortgage and share why championing female leadership is vital to the industry’s future.

Mortgage professionals and industry media can register for the webcast and view past episodes at https://www.chrismancommentary.com/the-big-picture.

About The Big Picture:

Tags: @LenderLogix @epmortgages #mortgagetech #affordablehousing #womeninmortgage #homeownership #mortgagebrokers

NEWS SOURCE: The Big Picture Mortgage Webcast

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/mortgage-leaders-tackle-practical-innovation-homeownership-access-and-ai-strategy-on-the-big-picture-this-november/

Click n’ Close appoints Jon Wilson as Vice President of Accounting

ADDISON, Texas, Oct. 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the addition of Jon Wilson as Vice President of Accounting. In this role, Wilson will oversee corporate accounting, financial reporting and process optimization, supporting the company’s continued growth and operational excellence.

Image caption: Jon Wilson of Click n’ Close.

Wilson brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance leadership within the mortgage and financial services sectors. Prior to joining Click n’ Close, he served as Vice President of Finance for Bay Equity, LLC, a subsidiary of Redfin Inc., where he oversaw financial operations, including audit management, warehouse certification reporting and banking relationships. Previously, Wilson held senior accounting roles at Algentis, LLC (a subsidiary of HUB International) and First Collateral Services (a subsidiary of CitiMortgage).

“Jon’s extensive background in financial management, audit oversight and operational efficiency makes him a tremendous asset to our leadership team,” said Gary McKiddy, CFO of Click n’ Close. “His experience supporting complex financial infrastructures within mortgage lending organizations will strengthen our accounting operations and position us for continued expansion.”

“I’m thrilled to join Click n’ Close and contribute to its mission of delivering innovative lending solutions,” Wilson said. “The company’s reputation for combining strong financial stewardship with forward-thinking programs like One-Time Close construction lending and down payment assistance aligns perfectly with my professional values and experience.”

Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Chico State University and an MBA in Finance from Golden Gate University.

About Click n’ Close, Inc.

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

NEWS SOURCE: Click n' Close Inc.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/click-n-close-appoints-jon-wilson-as-vice-president-of-accounting/

Denise Donoghue, a.k.a. ‘The Mortgage Nerd,’ is Benchmark Mortgage’s 2025 Blue Jacket Winner

DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Benchmark Mortgage, a full-service mortgage lender and broker based in Dallas, has named Denise Donoghue, also known as “The Mortgage Nerd,” as its 2025 Blue Jacket winner.

Image caption: 2025 Blue Jacket winner Denise Donoghue.

The prestigious award is given annually by Benchmark Mortgage, a community of expert mortgage consultants in more than 80 branches nationwide, to members who embody the company’s core values and demonstrate excellence in business execution.

Based in Lewisville, Texas, Donoghue is a nationally recognized mortgage advisor known for her client-first approach and dedication to financial education. A top 1% producer in the U.S., she began her career in financial services in 2006 before shifting her focus to mortgage lending to help families build long-term wealth through homeownership. Branded as “The Mortgage Nerd,” Donoghue has built a reputation for simplifying complex loan options, creating personalized strategies and empowering clients to make confident financial decisions.

“The Blue Jacket is Benchmark’s highest honor,” said Stewart Hunter, founder and CEO of Benchmark Mortgage. “It was inspired by the Masters’ Green Jacket and represents the pinnacle of recognition within our organization. Those who earn it play for it every day. It’s not about one moment — it’s about consistently showing up as your best for your family, your team, your clients and your community.”

“Denise epitomizes our core values in everything she does,” said Marty Preston, president of retail lending. “During her three years at Benchmark, she has demonstrated unwavering resolve to prioritize relationships. She has left a significant imprint on each department and every teammate.”

“Denise does so much more than loans,” Preston added. “She manages an incredibly successful branch, leads a billion-dollar division, has built a successful and revolutionary coaching company, and is growing her brand all over the country. We are incredibly proud to name her the 15th recipient of Benchmark Mortgage’s coveted Blue Jacket Award.”

About Benchmark Mortgage

NEWS SOURCE: Benchmark Mortgage

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/denise-donoghue-a-k-a-the-mortgage-nerd-is-benchmark-mortgages-2025-blue-jacket-winner/

Class Valuation and Land Gorilla Automate 1004D Final Appraisal Inspections

New integration speeds construction lending by reducing delays and improving compliance

TROY, Mich., and SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Oct. 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company, and Land Gorilla, a leading provider of construction lending software, today announced a joint integration that adds a new Appraisal Management Company category to Land Gorilla’s inspection marketplace. This enables lenders to order or automate final inspections and appraisal updates directly within the Land Gorilla platform.

Image caption: Class Valuation and Land Gorilla Automate 1004D Final Appraisal Inspections.

This collaboration centralizes a critical step in the construction loan lifecycle and is designed to cut delays, reduce risk and speed draw disbursements for lenders.

Through Land Gorilla’s marketplace, mutual clients can automatically trigger inspection orders when a project reaches its completion milestone. Class Valuation routes the request to the original appraiser when available or quickly assigns a qualified local appraiser. This minimizes the end-of-project bottleneck that often stretches multiple weeks for many lenders.

The partnership also supports additional Class Valuation products, providing lenders with greater assurance in collateral valuation data, alongside Land Gorilla’s secure and auditable inspection workflows. With appraisal products becoming the third major category in Land Gorilla’s marketplace — joining draw inspections and title updates — the direct integration standardizes data exchange and order processing. It moves beyond customized connections to a reliable, repeatable system that will serve new-construction, investment and private-lending segments and credit unions. Moreover, this integration will support the delivery of Update and Completion appraisal reports in the new UAD 3.6 format. The integration is expected to be available midway through the fourth quarter, with broad access for Land Gorilla lenders at launch.

“This is about helping general contractors get their final disbursement faster,” said Sean Faries, CEO of Land Gorilla. “By embedding Class Valuation directly into our Marketplace, lenders get an automated, scalable path to final inspections that reduces manual touches, accelerates final payment and closes out projects faster.”

“This is really two leaders coming together to remove a costly choke point in construction lending,” said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation. “Our nationwide 1004D/Final Appraisal Inspections coverage combined with Land Gorilla’s automation helps lenders in any market — busy or slow — close out projects faster, lower carrying costs and mitigate compliance risk. The fact that we can also quickly assign the final inspection back to the original appraiser adds a layer of certainty that the lenders need to feel confident in the final approval decision.”

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/.

ABOUT LAND GORILLA

Land Gorilla is the leading technology provider of construction loan management software, giving financial institutions confidence to make safe, fast and profitable construction loans. Land Gorilla technology reduces the frustrating back and forth between loan stakeholders, while giving lenders complete control over draw management and reporting tasks. Our proven platform enables faster disbursements and seamless exchange of information between stakeholders all in one place. For more information, visit https://landgorilla.com/.

Tags: @ClassValuation @LandGorilla #appraisal #valuation #lending #construction

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-and-land-gorilla-automate-1004d-final-appraisal-inspections/

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Tag Archives: Mortgage

Friday Harbor adds Fannie Mae’s Income Calculator to its AI Originator Assistant

Dovenmuehle receives ISO/IEC 27001 certification, reinforcing commitment to data security and operational excellence

The Big Picture opens 2026 with conversations on compliance, leadership and new paths to homeownership

Ascribe Appoints Craig Bennett as Chief Executive Officer

The Mortgage Collaborative Appoints Rich Swerbinsky as Strategic Advisor to CEO & President; Names Heidi Belnay Senior Advisor for Business Development

TMC to host inaugural ACT Technology Summit focused on mortgage technology and AI

LenderLogix expands LiteSpeed POS with native eSignature for borrowers and loan teams

TMC launches new individual subscription membership option

ACES Quality Management Announces General Availability of ACES DATABRIDGE for Enterprise Data Portability

FirstClose Integrates Stewart Home Equity Solutions into OMS to Streamline Lender Workflows

Optimal Blue report: Lock volume posts strongest November since 2021

Optimal Blue names Lanny Rogers chief financial officer and Jeremy Moreno chief revenue officer

Informative Research’s Sriranjini Prabhakara Named to 2025 National Mortgage Professional 40 Under 40 List

FirstClose appoints Alex Sirpis as vice president of sales

Rivermark Community Credit Union Expands Subservicing Relationship with Dovenmuehle

The Big Picture’s final lineup of 2025 features mortgage power players in conversation on leadership, tech disruption and the future of the industry

iEmergent’s latest U.S. mortgage forecast validation confirms industry-leading accuracy

FirstClose Appoints Adam Nicholson as Director of Professional Services

DocMagic enhances Total eClose platform with new IPEN capability for broader digital closing flexibility

ACES Q2 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows modest rise in critical defect rate as refinance complexity tests loan quality

MMI Honored with 2025 AI Pioneer Award for Innovative Use of Artificial Intelligence in Mortgage Technology

Rice Park Acquires Rosegate Mortgage, Enhancing End-to-End Mortgage Capabilities and MSR Investment Platform

The Mortgage Collaborative Charts 2026 Strategy Focused on Connection, Growth and Industry Resilience

Cloudvirga’s Loan Hub equips loan teams with modern tools for managing pipelines, tasks and borrower communication

Optimal Blue report: October lock volume holds second-highest level in three years

MMI’s Chief Technology Officer Dan Jones Named 2025 HousingWire Tech Trendsetter

LenderLogix expands LiteSpeed POS with built-in AI-powered agent for mortgage loan officers

Friday Harbor adds appraisal underwriting to its AI Originator Assistant

Click n’ Close triples warehouse line capacity to support growing One-Time Close demand

FirstClose celebrates 25 years of mortgage and home equity innovation

Benchmark Mortgage adds Clay McMurray as Chief Marketing Officer

Mortgage leaders tackle practical innovation, homeownership access and AI strategy on The Big Picture this November

Click n’ Close appoints Jon Wilson as Vice President of Accounting

Denise Donoghue, a.k.a. ‘The Mortgage Nerd,’ is Benchmark Mortgage’s 2025 Blue Jacket Winner

Class Valuation and Land Gorilla Automate 1004D Final Appraisal Inspections