Tag: Texas Business

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.

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 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.

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.

FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith named 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence

AUSTIN, Texas, July 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, announced its Senior Vice President of Human Resources Katie Smith has been named a 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence. The national award recognizes her exceptional leadership, commitment to company culture and impact on the fintech and mortgage lending industry.

Magan’s HandShield™ Helps Protect Your Skin from Harmful Effects of LED Nail Gel Curing Lamps

DALLAS, Texas, June 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — While emerging scientific evidence highlights the heightened cancer risk from exposure to LED nail gel curing lamps, what has been missing is a convenient and effective product to give you greater peace of mind during your mani and pedi. Introducing Magan’s HandShield™: a patented*, natural mineral-based spray uniquely designed to help protect skin from the harmful radiation damage caused by LED nail gel curing lamps.

Autocraft Bodywerks’ New 23,000 sq. ft. Bee Cave | 71 West Location Is Officially Open for Business!

AUSTIN, Texas, June 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Autocraft Bodywerks is proud to announce the opening of its fourth state-of-the-art collision repair center, located on State Highway 71 in Spicewood, Texas. This new 23,000-square-foot facility has achieved I-CAR Gold Class status and is proudly sponsored by BMW of South Austin and Audi of South Austin, as it works toward becoming the only BMW and Audi-certified collision repair center in the area. The company’s expanded footprint, led by Manager Robbie Mulderrig will better serve customers in West Austin, Westlake, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Spicewood, and the surrounding communities.

Zeteo Biomedical Secures Global Patents for Nasal and Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Device Innovations

CEDAR PARK, Texas, June 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Zeteo Biomedical, a privately held biomedical device company, today announced the issuance of new patents in the United States and European Union for its advanced drug delivery technologies. The patents, titled “Cartridge Devices for Administration of a Medicament” (U.S. Patent No. 12329949) and “Hand-Operated Devices for Administration of a Medicament” (EU Patent No. 3946526), further strengthen Zeteo’s ZTech™ delivery platform portfolio for the administration of drugs and biologics via nasal, ophthalmic, and sublingual routes.

RSI & Associates, Inc. Announces Limited Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business Valuations

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, June 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — RSI & Associates, Inc., a leading provider of business valuation, feasibility studies and consulting services, today announced a policy of limited and careful application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the preparation and analysis of business valuations. This decision is driven by the firm’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and ethical conduct in its valuation practice, particularly in light of current legal, regulatory, and ethical uncertainties surrounding the use of AI in financial analysis.

Optimal Blue Releases May Data Findings, Announces Expansion of Monthly Report for More Comprehensive Lender Profitability Insights

PLANO, Texas, June 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released the May 2025 edition of its now-expanded Market Advantage mortgage data report, which features newly added borrower profile and capital market datasets for a more comprehensive picture of early-stage mortgage activity and loan profitability. The enhancements come at a critical time for mortgage lenders navigating heightened interest rates, tighter margins, increased volatility and deepening affordability challenges.

Optimal Blue Launches New Lead Generation Tool for Originators

PLANO, Texas, June 9, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced a new product that helps originators efficiently track and identify refinance opportunities so they can reengage borrowers with eligible refinance options at the right time. Available to Optimal Blue PPE users, Capture for Originators dramatically reduces the manual effort loan officers currently spend evaluating refinance potential by automatically analyzing entire portfolios each month and putting recapture opportunities directly into originators’ hands.

CaptainU Relaunches as Stack Athlete, Enhancing the College Sports Recruiting Journey for Athletes

PLANO, Texas, June 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — CaptainU, one of the leading online collegiate sports recruiting platforms, announced its relaunch as Stack Athlete on May 20, 2025. This change reflects Stack Athlete’s ongoing commitment to empowering high school athletes, parents, and college coaches with the best tools to navigate the recruiting journey, now with an even stronger connection to the Stack Sports family.

Click n’ Close Appoints Mortgage Wholesale Veteran Tony Catanese as Regional Sales Manager to Lead East Coast Expansion

ADDISON, Texas, May 30, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender and innovator in third-party origination (TPO), announced Thursday that Tony Catanese has joined the company as regional sales manager. In this role, Catanese will lead the company’s wholesale and non-delegated expansion across the East Coast, focusing on building and developing a high-performing sales team.

ProNotary Expands Remote Online Notarization Services to Five New States

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 21, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ProNotary today announced the expansion of its Remote Online Notarization (RON) platform into five new states: Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. This milestone allows ProNotary to offer its streamlined, secure digital notarization services to more professionals across the country.

Optimal Blue Releases Executive-Level AI Insights Tool, Ask Obi, to Clients

PLANO, Texas, May 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced that Ask Obi, an AI-powered assistant designed to help mortgage lending executives extract real-time insights from across Optimal Blue’s capital markets platform, is now generally available to all PPE clients. Introduced at the company’s inaugural user conference in February and refined through beta testing with select clients, Ask Obi provides executives with fast answers to complex profitability questions at no additional cost.