Tag: Texas Business
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.
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.
Lake Michigan Credit Union selects FirstClose Equity Order Management for automated home equity settlement workflows
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 20, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) has implemented FirstClose's Equity Order Management to automate settlement workflows for its home equity lending operations.
Velocity Credit Union Introduces ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ to Give Members Greater Financial Flexibility
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Velocity Credit Union (Velocity) has announced the launch of a new Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) program designed to give members greater financial flexibility and control over their everyday spending. A financial institution with over $1 billion in assets and serving over 80,000 members, Velocity is introducing this program to further its commitment to offering comprehensive financial services to its members for every stage of their life.
Optimal Blue report: October lock volume holds second-highest level in three years
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.
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.
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.
NotaryCam Enterprise Product Manager Joseph Bisaillon honored as HousingWire Tech Trendsetter
HOUSTON, Texas, Nov. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced that Enterprise Product Manager Joseph Bisaillon has been honored as a 2025 HousingWire Tech Trendsetter. The award is given to technology leaders driving impactful innovation in the housing industry.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Click n’ Close offers free USDA lock extensions, accepts new locks during government shutdown
ADDISON, Texas, Oct. 27, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced a two-part initiative to support lenders during the federal government shutdown: free lock extensions for USDA loans already in its wholesale pipeline and acceptance of new USDA locks, which will be eligible for the same free extensions through Dec. 31, 2025.
FirstClose and Lateral Investment Management announce additional equity funding to support continued growth
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced the completion of an additional round of equity funding, which was led by existing investor Lateral Investment Management, based in San Mateo, California.
Optimal Blue continues to debut new innovations across complete capital markets platform ahead of MBA Annual Convention and Expo
PLANO, Texas, Oct. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today announced the launch of a new data solution to deliver increased market transparency, as well as three major platform enhancements focused on pricing accuracy, trade execution and counterparty management. Released ahead of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Annual Convention and Expo, and as the company prepares for its 2026 Optimal Blue Summit, these innovations reinforce Optimal Blue's commitment to delivering solutions that position lenders to drive operational excellence and boost competitive performance.
Optimal Blue report: Rate rally drives 28% surge in September lock volumes
PLANO, Texas, Oct. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its September 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which showed a sharp increase in rate-lock activity as mortgage rates fell throughout the month to their lowest levels in nearly a year. Total lock volume rose 28% month over month (MoM), led by a surge in refinance lending as borrowers seized on the opportunity to lower monthly payments. Purchases also climbed 6% MoM, outperforming typical seasonal trends as improved affordability brought more buyers into the market.
NotaryCam’s eClose 360 platform supports MISMO’s SMART Doc v3 standard for electronic HELOCs
HOUSTON, Texas, Oct. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification / authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced that its eClose360® platform is fully compatible with the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization's (MISMO) newly published SMART Doc® V3 standard for electronic home equity lines of credit (eHELOCs).
Click n’ Close names mortgage industry veteran Ian Kimball as president
ADDISON, Texas, Oct. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the appointment of Ian Kimball as president. In this role, Kimball will oversee strategic growth initiatives, operational execution and market expansion, reporting to founder and CEO Jeff Bode.
FirstClose integrates with Optimal Blue to accelerate home equity closings
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 29, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced a certified integration with Optimal Blue that connects FirstClose's point-of-sale (POS) platform to Optimal Blue's product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine. The integration builds on FirstClose's ability to reduce home equity closing times from 45 days to 10 or fewer.
Velocity Credit Union Unveils Bold New Brand Identity and Launches Innovative Rewards Checking Account
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 23, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Velocity Credit Union, a trusted financial partner for over 75 years, today announced the launch of its refreshed brand, including a new logo, a modernized website, and updated branch locations. The updated look and feel reflects Velocity's ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility, and delivering an exceptional, member-first experience both in person and online.
FirstClose Strengthens Sales Team with Industry Veterans to Support Growth in Home Equity Lending
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced the expansion of its sales organization with the addition of four accomplished industry sales professionals. These new team members bring deep industry experience and proven track records that will support the company's continued growth in home equity lending.
NotaryCam partners with Dovenmuehle and RUTH RUHL, P.C. to streamline loan modifications with remote online notarization
HOUSTON, Texas, Sept. 16, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced it has partnered with mortgage subservicing leader Dovenmuehle Mortgage Inc. and Texas-based law firm RUTH RUHL, P.C. to offer remote online notarization (RON) services for loan modification agreements.
Refinances surge nearly 70% as purchase activity falls 10% in August
PLANO, Texas, Sept. 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its August 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found a sharp split between purchase and refinance trends as seasonal factors and falling rates reshaped origination activity. Total lock volume dipped about 2% month over month (MoM) as a roughly 10% drop in purchase locks outweighed the strongest month for rate-and-term refinances this year, which surged nearly 70%.
Home equity fintech FirstClose promotes Andria Lightfoot to vice president of client success
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose™, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today the promotion of Andria Lightfoot to vice president of client success. In her new role, Lightfoot will join the sales and revenue organization and be responsible for implementation and customer success strategy.
Click n’ Close launches SmartBuy 5/1 ARM DPA product to help builders address affordability challenges
ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced the launch of its SmartBuy 5/1 ARM Down Payment Assistance (DPA) product, designed specifically to help home builders address affordability concerns and support new home sales. The SmartBuy 5/1 ARM DPA builds on Click n' Close's established down payment assistance programs.
Click n’ Close Chief Operating Officer Kara Lamphere named 2025 HousingWire Vanguard
ADDISON, Texas, Sept. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced that its Chief Operations Officer, Kara Lamphere, has been named a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard. The award recognizes C-suite professionals and business leaders whose vision and leadership are driving the housing industry forward across lending, servicing, investments and real estate.
NotaryCam helps major credit card issuers fight fraud and reduce time to resolution with RON-based identity verification
HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced the continued expansion of its fraud prevention use cases within the credit card industry.
NotaryCam Certified to Provide Remote Online Notarization Services in Vermont
HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and leading remote online notarization (RON) provider for real estate and legal transactions, its certification to perform RON services in the state of Vermont. This development follows Vermont's enactment of legislation supporting remote notarizations, allowing notaries with a Special Endorsement to perform digital notarizations in the state.
Optimal Blue to Host Its 2026 Summit February 23-25 in Scottsdale
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 18, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today announced it will host its 2026 Optimal Blue Summit from February 23-25 at the Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Building on the success of its inaugural event, the 2026 Summit will bring together the company's clients and integration partners, along with thought leaders and experts from across the mortgage industry, for three days of insights, connection and strategy.
Refinances tick up and non-QM hits record high as purchase activity falls nearly 5% in July
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its July 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found a 3% month-over-month (MoM) drop in overall rate lock volume, led by a nearly 5% drop in purchase activity as affordability remained strained. Mortgage rates rose MoM across all loan types.
Optimal Blue’s New Brand Reflects Its Modern Technology and Proven Expertise and Leadership
PLANO, Texas, Aug. 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today launched a new brand that emphasizes the company's market leadership in delivering modern innovation backed by decades of proven, trusted performance. "Optimal Blue is operating in an era defined by accuracy, scale, speed and artificial intelligence - and our new brand embodies that," said Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue.
Velocity Credit Union Breaks Ground on New Southwest Austin Branch
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Velocity Credit Union is proud to announce the official groundbreaking of its newest branch, located at the southeast corner of Davis Lane and Brodie Lane in Southwest Austin. This expansion reflects the credit union's continued commitment to serving its growing membership and delivering convenient, modern financial services to communities across Central Texas.
Shaun Simms of FirstClose named 2025 HousingWire Insider
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 1, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced today that Shaun Simms, Director of the Project Management Office (PMO), has been selected by HousingWire magazine for its annual Insiders awards program.
Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors
PLANO, Texas, July 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today announced a new capability in its industry-leading product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine that fully automates the process for a lock desk user to execute best efforts locks directly with participating investors via API. By eliminating the last remaining manual step in the locking life cycle, Optimal Blue is delivering innovations and enhancements that will help significantly increase a lender's efficiency and profitability.
Click n’ Close Honored as Top USDA Wholesale Mortgage Lender Award for Second Consecutive Year
ADDISON, Texas, July 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Click n' Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced it has been honored for the second year in a row as a 2025 Top Wholesale Lender Champion by the United States Department of Agriculture. This recognition underscores Click n' Close's continued commitment to fostering homeownership and supporting community development through innovative lending programs.
Refis, Product Shifts and Strong Agency Participation Define June Market Advantage Report
PLANO, Texas, July 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its June 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report showing total lock volume rose 1.95% month-over-month (MoM), driven by increased refinance activity. Refinance share climbed from 16% to 18% of all locks as rate-and-term refinances jumped 17.4% MoM and 18.4% year-over-year (YoY). Cash-out refinances rose 8.1% from May and nearly 28% YoY. Meanwhile, purchase activity held relatively steady - a better-than-expected result for June, when the spring homebuying season typically tapers off.