2.5.25 CFPB Latest; Optimal Blue's Erin Wester on Product Innovation; Mortgage Apps

Thank you to Optimal Blue. Optimal Blue bridges the primary and secondary mortgage markets to deliver the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, helping lenders maximize profitability and operate efficiently so they can help American borrowers achieve the dream of homeownership. 

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I know where to go when this Commentary writing gig grows stale. Wanna make 30 clams an hour? Costco’s hiring! (Remember when lenders and originators were very nervous about Costco taking over home lending? Or was it Amazon?) I doubt if CFPB employees will be checking out the listings, and I received this note from Florida. “Rob, I have heard rumblings about ‘doing away’ with the CFPB, created from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act voted into law by Congress in 2010. Everyone in our business should be against doing away with, or de-funding, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau entirely, as Ted Cruz’s proposed legislation would do, or Elon Musk’s beliefs. Do we, as lenders, want 50 different interpretations of LO comp plans? 50 different versions of what the consumer should understand when signing mortgage paperwork? 50 different states creating their own Ability to Repay laws? 50 different versions of servicing rules? What will that do to the cost of loans for lenders which are passed onto borrowers?" (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Optimal Blue. OB bridges the primary and secondary mortgage markets to deliver the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, helping lenders maximize profitability and operate efficiently so they can help American borrowers achieve the dream of homeownership. Hear an interview with Optimal Blue’s Erin Wester on new products the company announced at Optimal Blue Summit in San Diego.)

Jobs

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Need to create a new documentation set or update an existing one? A Technical Writer is available for projects or reviewing existing documentation and seller guides! Products: Data sets, data dictionaries, user guides, reference guides, tutorials. Tools: Word, Paligo, Flare, FrameMaker, RoboHelp, Sphinx, XML, XSLT. Contact Mark Lautman, 301-221-6510.

“Are you a motivated and energetic professional looking to hone your sales acumen and create a career path in Wholesale? Join Logan Finance as a Sales Development Representative and be part of a team that is blazing a trail of growth and success in the Non-QM Lending Space. The SDR role is at the forefront of connecting with potential new clients, understanding their needs, and showcasing how Logan Finance can help them expand their product offering and grow their business. We provide hands-on Leadership support, competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative environment. Contact us today to learn more and enjoy the benefits of the Experience by Logan!”

(As a reminder, anyone searching for employment can post their resume at no charge at www.lendernews.com, and potential employers can view all resumes for several months for only $75.)

Lender and broker services, products, and software

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ICYMI: During Optimal Blue’s inaugural Summit user conference in San Diego, the company announced Ask Obi, an AI assistant designed to provide mortgage lending executives with instant, actionable insights from their Optimal Blue products and data. Ask Obi gives lenders the power to view their operations holistically with data aggregation across Optimal Blue’s comprehensive capital markets platform. This initiative aligns with Optimal Blue’s larger vision to deliver comprehensive interoperability across its end-to-end capital markets products, allowing clients to benefit from synthesized data and machine learning for enhanced margin management and profitability oversight. Ask Obi is one of several innovations Optimal Blue announced at its Summit, furthering its mission to help lenders and market participants maximize profitability on every loan transaction through advanced technology and data-driven insights. Read the press release for more information.

Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, & Fortress have all confirmed that commercial lending is experiencing hyper growth due to $1.5 trillion in ballooning loans over the next 3-5 years with the later starting new CRE debt funds. There is a shortage of commercial mortgage brokers, and with banks liquidity issues, a perfect storm is brewing for the secondary market that will create massive deal flow. Adding commercial while continuing to do your normal residential business can be an explosive new revenue stream. 25 Year CRE loan brokers have pooled together to create a new 6-week fast track online education program. Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Broker Training covers all practical aspects of commercial lending from origination to how to get your deals over the finish line. In addition to online training, learning on your time at your pace, you will have access to Live weekly sessions with industry experts and lenders. Schedule an appointment today with an enrollment counselor to see how fast and easy it is to add commercial to your book of business, a way to expand your current product line while substantially increasing revenue.

Do you have Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS)? SOS happens when a business, or more often salespeople, get distracted by the “new” and “trendy” often abandoning current projects and tactics before they have time to make a difference. In Dan Harrington’s new book, Authentic Intelligence: The Other AI, Dan draws on years of experience to show how SOS can derail focus and profit. Usherpa, the Smart CRM provides the industry’s only Relationship Engagement Platform that analyzes data in real-time, offering automatic targeted marketing campaigns and actionable insights. This ensures professionals stay focused on building relationships and seizing opportunities without getting sidetracked by trends. With Usherpa, you can automate tasks, track relationships, and grow your business efficiently, making it indispensable for success in the industry. Don’t let SOS derail your business in 2025 order your copy of Authentic Intelligence today!

Technology is only as powerful as the value it delivers… So how can lenders maximize efficiency without compromising ease of use? Dan McGrew of Mortgage Machine™ sat down with Kara Lamphere, COO of Click n' Close, to discuss how the right tech drives productivity. With 20+ years at companies like InterLinc Mortgage, Guaranteed Rate, and CMG Financial, Kara has led transformative innovations in mortgage operations. In this conversation, she explores the balance between ease-of-use and efficiency and shares why she trusts Mortgage Machine’s all-in-one LOS to streamline workflows. From SMART Docs® to seamless integrations to tiny-but-mighty notification capabilities, hear how Mortgage Machine enhances lending efficiency straight from its users. Watch the full video to hear Kara’s insights and see how Mortgage Machine can transform your lending process!

Still sending static PDFs? QuickQual gives loan officers a competitive edge with an interactive pre-approval experience borrowers and agents love. Borrowers stay engaged with real-time affordability updates, Realtors get instant, reliable info, and loan officers know what's going on. Stop losing business and start winning with QuickQual by LenderLogix. 

Wholesale and correspondent programs and news

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“Your borrower is not a ROBOT! Do you like dealing with automated platforms? Are you getting what you want from your AI HELOC lender? Symmetry is ready to provide the service you deserve! Symmetry is FAST & our national team of experienced AEs are ready to help with your next HELOC scenario! Give us a call, text, or email: Where Do We Lend: Symmetry Lending. We believe service, speed, & simplicity makes all the difference.”

“U.S. Bank is pleased to announce Ohio Housing Finance Agency has re-selected U.S. Bank as a servicer, reflecting the strength of our nearly four-decade long partnership. Its decision underscores the commitment to working with qualified servicers capable of purchasing, securitizing, and servicing mortgage loans for its programs. U.S. Bank is honored to continue serving as a trusted partner to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Together, we empower sustainable homeownership.”

“Here’s a popular program. JMAC Lending’s FHA Down Payment Assistance program provides an FHA first with a 3.5% or 5.0% DPA that can go toward the down payment and/or closing costs. No income limits, lower credit scores and no Max DTI with AUS approval, manual underwriting available, and the borrower does not need to be a first-time home buyer. Watch our DPA Video to learn about this easy-to-use program which is available in every state JMAC is licensed. Need a fast turn? Our fastest closing with the DPA program, so far, has been 6 days! Get a Better Broker Experience with JMAC Lending. Watch JMAC’s video on all the new products and services available from your complete lender in business since 1998. Contact us and visit here.”

Everyone is talking about REMN WHOLESALE’S Digital HELOC! As a rapidly growing leader in the Digital HELOC space, REMN WHOLESALE gives mortgage professionals the tools to close more deals. The REMN DIGITAL HELOC (Equity Access Program) blends cutting-edge technology with a highly experienced support team, providing more solutions for more borrowers. Beyond HELOCs, REMN offers a full suite of NON-QM products, including DSCR, ITIN, Bank Statement, Asset Qualifier, 1099 Only, Full Doc, P&L Statement Only, and Foreign National loans. Don’t miss REMN’s DSCR 1 point pricing special, extended through February 28, 2025. REMN is also a top player in FHA lending, now offering a .75 adjustor for 720+ credit scores on 203b loans (excludes K’s, Streamlines, and High Balance). With one of the most tenured sales and operations teams in the industry, REMN WHOLESALE delivers the expertise and support brokers need to grow their business. Contact a REMN Wholesale Account Executive today!

Upcoming training, webinars, and in-person events into next week

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The MBA has launched a series of eleven modules to help company Board members and senior executives navigate the litany of risk and compliance considerations they face, and to equip individuals in fiduciary and executive positions to ask the tough questions of their teams. The program kicks off on February 7th with Robert Maddox leading Basics of Board Duties and Ethics for Mortgage Lenders and Servicers. Classes are limited in size and reserved only for people in a Board or executive role. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance to help organizations demonstrate the organizations and individual’s commitment to their role and responsibility.

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here for in-person events in the future; and organizers can post their event!

Looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for Wednesday’s 11AM PT "Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One.

Do you know how to earn business from Gen Z borrowers? It all comes down to trust. Join Catalina Kaiyoorawongs, CEO of LoanSense, and Kristin Messerli, Executive Director of FirstHome IQ Webinar on Wednesday, Feb 5th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST., as they explore the essentials of connecting with Gen Z homebuyers.

Thursday will be another episode of The Big Picture at 3PM ET. Rich Swerbinsky hosts a variety of guests. You can click here to register for Thursday’s 3 PM ET show.

Join Rebecca Lorenz, Thursday, February 6th, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST., for an engaging and eye-opening webinar on key trends shaping the mortgage industry and leadership strategies to succeed.

In Lombard, Illinois, IMBA’s 104th Annual Reception...2025 Mortgage Lending Conference will be held on Thursday, February 6, 6:00pm - 8:30pm. Network, enjoy great appetizers and drinks at The Capital Grille! IMBA Officers and Directors will be installed, and Annual Sponsor Partners and special award recipients will be recognized.

CoAMP is excited to partner with NAMB to bring its CVLS course to Denver, Friday, February 7th, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM MST at Stewart Title, 7979 E Tufts Ave. Cost for NAMB Members is $199, attendance for NAMB Military Veteran Members is free. Cost for CoAMP Members is $299, email dmcdonald@townemortgage.com for discount code-$299 level includes a year membership to NAMB); Non-NAMB or CoAMP Members-$399 (includes a NAMB Membership). The certification training will cover VA lending basics in addition to advanced topics to set yourself apart. The certification exam immediately following the course, upon passing, you will be presented with your CVLS certification and marketing materials. Visit NAMB’s website for more information.

Friday the 7th, listen in to opinions (Last Word Fridays at 1pm ET) from Kevin Peranio, Christy Soukhamneut, and Brian Vieaux! Register here. On this Friday’s The Last Word, KP, Brian, and Christy will discuss President Trump's executive orders and their impact on housing and housing finance. The conversation will explore potential changes in mortgage lending, affordability, and government-backed housing programs.

Technology and innovation in residential lending are the focus of Now Next Later Mondays at 1pm ET.

If you don’t have your business plan created for 2025 yet don’t panic. The MBA of Eastern PA is holding a Business Planning Workshop to help you reach your sales goals. This free, 90-minute interactive workshop event for lender/broker members, nonmembers are also invited to attend, will be held on February 10th, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (EST), followed by happy hour at Great American Pub in Conshohocken.

Get ready to unlock the future of the Secondary Market at TMBA's Southern Secondary Market Conference, the event that promises to kickstart your year with a bang. Join us on February 10-11, at the Omni Houston Hotel where industry leaders will gather to share invaluable insights and the latest trends that are shaping the Secondary Market landscape. This is not just another conference; it's your opportunity to connect with the best and brightest in mortgage banking.

All Tuesdays at 11am PT, two veteran LOs discuss all things mortgage with Industry Leaders: Mortgage Pros 411 with Audrey Boissonou and Kevin Casey.

Ready to grow your volume without working more hours? Join industry leader Joe Soto, Branch Manager at Cross Country Mortgage and FirstHome IQ Ambassador, as he reveals his webinar strategy that's helped him connect with more qualified leads and ultimately help more buyers. Register here and mark your calendar for Feb 12 at 10am.

Kind Lending TPO Upcoming Training Session: February 6th USDA Purchases.

Capital markets

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Market attention yesterday centered on tariff developments. The Trump administration delayed tariffs on Canadian imports, while expectations of a conversation between President Trump and China’s President Xi went unmet. Instead, China announced new tariffs on U.S. coal, LNG, crude oil, and machinery imports, alongside an antitrust investigation into Google. Economic data added to the cautious sentiment, with job openings falling sharply in December to 7.6 million from a revised 8.16 million in November. Additionally, December’s Factory Orders report came in weaker than expected, declining 0.9 percent versus the anticipated 0.3 percent drop. These figures reinforced concerns about slowing economic momentum, further supporting demand for Treasuries.

Today’s economic calendar kicked off with mortgage applications increasing 2.2 percent from one week earlier, according to data from MBA for the week ending January 31. Last week’s results include an adjustment for the Martin Luther King holiday. We’ve also received ADP employment for January (+183k, stronger than expected), and the December trade deficit ($98.4 billion). Later today brings the final January S&P Global Services PMI, ISM Services PMI for January, the announcement of the details of the Quarterly Refunding, and remarks from multiple Fed speakers. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices better by about .125 from Tuesday’s close, the 2-year yielding 4.17, and the 10-year yielding 4.45 after closing yesterday at 4.51 percent.

Companies are paying $8 million for a 30-second commercial slot this year in the Super Bowl. Obviously, you can watch them for free. This week, ahead of the game, here’s a short ad studied by marketing executives around the world.

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 “Leaders Don’t Wait for Markets”. The Commentary’s podcast is live and at any place you obtain your podcasts (like Apple or Spotify).

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(Market data provided in partnership with MBS Live. For free job postings and to view candidate resumes visit LenderNews. This newsletter is for sophisticated mortgage professionals only. There are no paid endorsements by me. For up-to-date mortgage news visit Mortgage News Daily. For archived commentaries, or to subscribe, go to www.robchrisman.com. Copyright 2025 Chrisman LLC. All rights reserved. Occasional paid job & product listings do appear. This report or any portion hereof may not be reprinted, sold, or redistributed without the written consent of Rob Chrisman. The views and opinions in this newsletter are mine alone unless otherwise specifically stated herein.)