6.7.23 AM Radio; Milo's Josip Rupena on Young Home Ownership; Quiet Bond Markets

Thanks to Built Technologies. Join BuiltTechnologies on June 20th at 12 PM CST for an exclusive webinar that will dive into proactive portfolio monitoring as Built’s experts share best practices for achieving greater visibility into your construction portfolio. 

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Mortgage news temporarily aside, how about the government contemplating a law that would require cars to have AM radio?! AM radio goes farther than FM or cellular streaming services which is why, in out-of-the-way places, like in mountains, you can tune in to an AM station for traffic reports. If you think radio, or the mortgage process, is confusing, try visual entertainment, with too many cable channels and media outlets to fill with 24-7 options and opinions. Too many shows cast across streaming channels. Too many hours on cable TV with financial pundits offering crazy predictions, just to get on TV. I wish that I had an org chart showing who is in charge of what, and how they fit together. I now have three remotes and need to figure out the relationship between Roku, Apple TV+, Prime Video, VUDU, Discovery, YouTubeTV, Sling, Disney+, HBO Max (“Max”), Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Showtime, Starz… the list goes on and on. And what the heck is BritBox anyway? (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Built Technologies. Join Built Technologies on June 20th at 12 PM CST for an exclusive webinar that will dive into proactive portfolio monitoring as Built’s experts share best practices for achieving greater visibility into your construction portfolio. Today’s includes an interview with Milo’s Josip Rupena on the impact pricing is having on young homeownership.)

Lender and broker software and services

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Summer is approaching, and every extra second counts when you’re working on your tan. Utilizing digital mortgage tools can save you a lot of time, reducing turnaround times and increasing operational efficiencies. Whether you are using a hybrid or fully digital eClosing process, it's crucial to prioritize compliance and efficiency, ensuring the correct eSignature tools and processes is a major part of that. By leveraging advanced eSignature technology, you can simplify your operations, ensure compliance, and save time. Wolters Kluwer’s ClosingCenter and SmartSign Plus allow you to improve operational efficiency by as much as 50 percent, simultaneously improving the customer experience and collecting the key data you need to remain compliant with ever-changing regulations. Learn how advanced eSignature can improve your closing process now!

In today's ever-changing mortgage landscape, the right lending partner is essential. That's where Flagstar Bank comes in. As the second largest warehouse lender and a $124 billion asset bank, Flagstar offers the strength, stability, and best-in-class service you've been looking for. Flagstar warehouses most loan types, including conventional, NonQM, and construction. Our MSR, servicer advance, and EBO financing solutions are also available. Flagstar's warehouse platform already gives approximately 400 warehouse clients of all sizes the flexibility to fund quickly and easily. In addition, our specialized mortgage banking team may be able to help streamline operations and provide greater value for cash balances. Don't let market turbulence hinder your growth. Instead, choose Flagstar as your lending partner and unlock a world of opportunities for your business to thrive. Contact Jeff Neufeld or Patti Robins today to discuss what Flagstar can do for you.

It’s not news to you that lenders nationwide are facing rising interest rates and falling production volumes. Let’s give those decreased production volumes some perspective, shall we? Find out right now with MMI’s monthly Mortgage Industry Benchmarks newsletter, which lets lenders and LOs compare their recent performance to their peers via production-based tiers. After significant pipeline growth in March, lenders in every tier faced a decrease in production volume in April. Lenders in MMI’s Capital Tier ($500M-$5B production/year) averaged a 14.9 percent decrease in production from March to April while LOs in the Diamond Tier ($50-100M production/year) saw a 16.9 percent decrease in their monthly production. Now that you know how some lenders and LOs fared in April, find out how you stack up against your peers. Sign up for MMI’s monthly newsletter for to find out and for more insights like these!

“Unlock the secrets to consumer’s digital financial data with AccountChek® by Informative Research! Are you facing confusion and uncertainty regarding investor programs as they relate to verifications? Our expert consultation is here to guide you towards clarity and success. Navigating the complex landscape of asset, income, and employment verification can be challenging. Do not let it hinder your operations any longer. Let the experienced AccountChek team help you understand investor programs and streamline your verification processes. Book a consultation meeting today and gain access to our industry-leading expertise to provide you with the insights and answers you need to make more loan applications eligible for the many programs that leverage digital verification data. Say goodbye to confusion and hello to efficient verification processes that seamlessly feed into investor programs. Stop wasting time and resources on guesswork. Join the satisfied lenders who have already benefited from Informative Research's consultation services and AccountChek. Click now to schedule your meeting and discover how we can revolutionize your mortgage operations.”

“Ensure Compliance with GNMA and Safeguard Investor Interests! Noncompliance is not an option: both your auditor and GNMA require that your Document Custodian undergo regular reviews. At Richey May, we are a step ahead and have scheduled reviews for four Document Custodians beginning in September 2023. Our team of experts is well-versed in Document Custodian Procedures and has years of experience helping mortgage companies comply with these requirements. We'll conduct a comprehensive review of your Document Custodian to ensure compliance and identify any areas needing improvement. Trust us to safeguard the interests of investors and stay compliant. To schedule a comprehensive review, reach out to us.”

We all know volumes will return eventually, so why not get ahead of your competition during this slow season to optimize your operations with CandorPLUS? CandorPLUS builds upon the popular Candor LES underwriting engine and is a Lean Six Sigma Man + Machine solution spanning the entire loan fulfillment process. Why is now the best time? The current economic environment allows for favorable pricing. Manageable volume allows time to adapt and optimize. Right size operations for the last time… No more difficult layoffs. Instantly scale without additional headcount. Faster turn times increases market share and loyalty. Click here to learn more and take advantage of our introductory pricing!

Marketing & referral products

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You have to apply for a license to become a bona fide Unicorn Hunter, but all you need on your quest for more referrals is a phone and SimpleNexus, an nCino company’s mortgage app. SimpleNexus’ all-in-one mobile technology empowers loan officers to implement a powerful referral strategy and establish quick and constant connections with real estate agents. By supporting ongoing digital collaboration between lenders, real estate agents, and consumers, SimpleNexus transforms the time-consuming process of engaging, nurturing, and converting leads into a single-sign-on experience. Download SimpleNexus’ latest white paper, Leveraging Digital for Smarter Referral Strategies, and make some magic in your pipeline.

Here’s a true story about the power of a SmartCRM™: a loan officer we know made the President’s Club… from a hospital bed. On a mortgage company’s production cruise not long ago, a winner slipped near the pool and landed on the back of his head. He was unconscious for 20 minutes, but when he woke up, he felt fine. Turns out he wasn’t fine. In fact, he almost died and spent a year in the hospital. That same year, from his hospital bed, he originated $12 million. How? Great relationships, a great assistant, and automated marketing. His Realtors and clients had no idea he was even sick. They continued to get great service from his assistant and targeted, personalized marketing from Usherpa. According to the Loan Officer, “Without Usherpa, I’d be out of business.” Find out how to originate more loans from anywhere with this free eGuide.

Free eBook: Winning Agent Business: The Lender's Guide to a Strong Referral Network. In today’s volatile market, a steady stream of referrals means the difference between maintaining a pipeline and scrounging for leads. And as we move towards market recovery, a robust book of business will serve as an invaluable tool to take full advantage of profitable opportunities. Real estate agents still hold the keys to the referral kingdom. To create this eBook, Maxwell interviewed agents and broker-owners across the country. The result is firsthand advice to help you better network to create a strong funnel of referral leads. Download your free copy to learn the 4 qualities real estate agents value in their lending partners, agent networking dos and don'ts, 5 ways to become a go-to lender for real estate agents, and more. Click here to download “Winning Agent Business: The Lender's Guide to a Strong Referral Network.”

Broker & correspondent programs

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“U.S. Bank is dedicated to ongoing affordable housing efforts, and we believe sustainable homeownership is an important means of building wealth. Our commitment starts by empowering through education. As a trusted advisor, we’ve launched an educational breakthrough series aimed at providing lenders with the tools and resources to be successful. Join our upcoming breakthrough series “NextGen Homebuyers: How to Reach the Fastest Growing Homebuyer” or our "Affordable and Community Outreach" session to understand the challenges, opportunities and how to make a positive impact in growing communities. To learn more about participating, please contact your U.S. Bank account executive.”

Happy National Homeownership Month! A month that highlights and celebrates the value that owning a home brings to families, communities, and neighborhoods across the Country. And what better way to celebrate then to announce AFR Wholesale’s next edition of our “Why Wait?” series. We invite you on June 21st at 2 PM EST. to join AFR and special guests from Fannie Mae to learn about HomeReady® and how to leverage this program. Register Today! Over our series, we want to highlight affordable financing solutions that provide homeownership opportunities to more families. This provides you with a platform to learn from and ask Fannie Mae directly how to interpret program guidelines while AFR will provide insight on how to use this program as a solution for your borrowers. This live webinar will not be recorded, so sign up today and don’t miss it! Contact AFR by going to afrwholesale.com, email sales@afrwholesale.com or call 1-800-375-6071.

Are you frustrated as a retail loan officer or mortgage banker with the lack of flexibility to provide custom loan options? Take control: follow the lead of over 24,000 MLOs like you who have joined the wholesale channel in the last year. Whether you open your own independent mortgage brokerage or join a team as a loan officer, you’ll have the ability to provide your clients with the personalized solutions they need. Contact our team at BeAMortgageBroker.com today and you’ll be well on your way to a more fulfilling tomorrow.

Citi Correspondent Lending continues to make supporting underserved communities and diverse markets a priority, which is why we’re very excited to announce the pilot launch of our new HomeRun program. The first in a series of planned Community Lending initiatives, this program is a portfolio Community Lending product that allows up to 97 percent LTV, requires as little as 1 percent borrower down payment contribution and has no mortgage insurance requirement. These features could help make the path to homeownership significantly more affordable for your borrowers. Please reach out to your Citi Account Executive or our National Client Services Team to learn more about this new program and timeline for participant expansion.

Non-Agency, DSCR, and 2nd changes continue

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A&D Mortgage launched its Second Mortgage Program, designed to help homeowners and real estate investors access affordable financing options. The program offers competitive rates and flexible terms for owner-occupied homes, second homes, and investment properties.

Max Slyusarchuk, Founder and CEO of A&D Mortgage says: “We understand that life happens, and credit scores don’t always reflect a person’s full financial picture. Our new program allows us to meet those customers where they are and provide them with the financing they need.” Borrowers can access up to 85 percent combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratios on their primary residence or up to 75 percent CLTV on a vacation home or investment property. Borrowers must have a minimum credit score of 660 or higher, with a maximum debt-to-income (DTI) at 50 percent.

Champions Funding’s Accelerator Program has been consolidated to serve as a portfolio-building vehicle for your real estate investors. To further reduce friction in Underwriting, you are connected directly to decision-makers to further speed things up. With streamlined Non-QM products, you can qualify borrowers fast and close even faster, in as little as 5 business days.

Just a few examples of Hometown Equity Mortgage Niches: 100 percent FHA financing, VOE only FHA, 1-year 1099, 1- year P&L use to qualify non owner properties, business bank statements down to 20 percent expense factor, Foreign Nationals no credit, 2-1 buydown use seller concessions, Bridge first time home buyer no income / blanket loans, 5-25 units.

Gain An Edge with Angel Oak DSCR Loans: 6 Months title seasoning for cash out, calculate the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) based on interest-only payments, Condotels allowed,

Non-permanent residents, Foreign Nationals, Business Purpose Loans (allows LOs to close DSCR loans in states that they are not licensed in).

Capital markets: summer doldrums? Apps continue to slow

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Not much to report yesterday in the absence of economic data and Federal Reserve speakers. There was some chatter that the economy may be able to avoid a recession, though I’m not quite ready to declare that it’s headed for a soft landing just yet. We did see a little “spread tightening” (Treasury yields unchanged, mortgage rates down), which is good news considering MBS spreads continue to remain at historically wide levels. That isn't helping mortgage rates and LOs as the spread between the 30-year fixed rate mortgage and the 10-year bond yield has surpassed the highs of last year, the 2008 financial crisis, and is back at levels last seen nearly 40 years ago.

Today’s calendar kicked off with mortgage applications decreasing 1.4 percent from one week earlier, according to data from MBA. This week’s results include an adjustment for the Memorial Day holiday. We’ve also received the April trade deficit at $74.6 billion, where expectations were for $75.8 billion versus $64.2 billion in March. Later today brings the latest Bank of Canada policy decision as well as consumer credit. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices roughly unchanged from Tuesday and the 10-year yielding 3.69 after closing yesterday at 3.69 percent. The 2-year is still up around 4.52 percent, so the yield curve inversion is alive and well.

Subject: Food for Thought (Part 3 of 5)

10. I'm responsible for what I say, not for what you understand.

11. Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it the most never use it.

12. My tolerance for idiots is extremely low these days. I used to have some immunity built up, but obviously, there's a new strain out there.

14. It's not my age that bothers me - it's the side effects.

15. I'm not saying I'm old and worn out, but I make sure I'm nowhere near the curb on trash day.

16. As I watch this generation try and rewrite our history, I'm sure of one thing: it will be misspelled and have no punctuation.

17. As I've gotten older, people think I've become lazy. The truth is I'm just being more energy efficient.

Visit www.robchrisman.com for more information on our industry partners, access archived commentaries, or to subscribe to the Daily Mortgage News and Commentary. If you’re interested, visit my periodic blog at the STRATMOR Group web site. STRATMOR’s current blog is titled, “Doing Business with the Agencies: The Golden Ticket?” The Commentary’s podcast is live and at any place you obtain your podcasts (like Apple or Spotify).

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