Texas Business
Mortgage Lock Activity Fell in November as Interest Rates Hit Their Highest Levels Since July
PLANO, Texas — Optimal Blue today released its November 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, highlighting a 25% decrease in month-over-month (MoM) lock volume as interest rates hit their highest levels since early July, creating headwinds for affordability….
Optimal Blue Announces Tony Hawk, Housing Industry Leaders to Headline Inaugural User Conference
PLANO, Texas — Optimal Blue today announced the speaker lineup for its inaugural user conference, the Optimal Blue Summit 2025. Legendary skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk will headline the event. The conference will also feature sessions led by Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research and Business Development Michael Fratantoni, Ph.D., MBA Associate Vice President of Secondary and Capital Markets Sasha Hewlett, AMP, HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler, and representatives from Microsoft….
UTR Sports Partners with Stack Sports to Launch TeamInn Travel Services for Tennis and Pickleball
DALLAS, Texas — UTR Sports, a global leader in tennis and pickleball player ratings and event management, today announced an expansion of its partnership with Stack Sports to incorporate TeamInn travel services. TeamInn, Stack Sports’ dedicated travel service platform, will now provide travel accommodations for UTR Sports tournaments and events, simplifying travel planning for players, coaches, officials, and fans….
Mortgage Machine awarded SOC 2 Compliance Status – AICPA-guided examination shows LOS operates as promised
ADDISON, Texas — Mortgage Machine™ (MMS), the loan origination system of record for digital mortgage pioneer Click n’ Close (formerly known as Mid America Mortgage), has achieved SOC 2® compliance….
October Mortgage Lock Data Shows Resilience and Cracks in the Mortgage Market as Interest Rates Tick up 65 Basis Points
PLANO, Texas — Optimal Blue today released its October 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, highlighting resilient purchase activity in the face of rising interest rates and affordability challenges. Despite a 65-basis-point (bps) increase in the Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming rate, purchase lock volume grew by 12% month over month (MoM), signaling strong demand among homebuyers….
Optimal Blue Promotes Industry Experts to New Executive Roles to Accelerate Innovation and Prioritize Partnerships
PLANO, Texas — Optimal Blue today announced two key executive promotions that will position the company to deliver innovation faster across the company’s entire capital markets platform, and to further expand the company’s network of partners. Erin Wester has been promoted to chief product officer and Mike Vough has been promoted to head of corporate strategy….
Click n’ Close Introduces New Down Payment Assistance Options for Shared Appreciation Mortgage Program
ADDISON, Texas — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced two significant enhancements to its Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM) program. These updates will help make homeownership more accessible and financially advantageous for a broader range of buyers in today’s competitive housing market….
Autocraft Bodywerks Is Certified For Mercedes-Benz Collision Repair!
AUSTIN, Texas — Autocraft Bodywerks, now celebrating 40 years of excellence in automotive collision repair, located at 5411 Wasson Rd, Austin, Texas, has met all the program standards in the certification process for the Mercedes-Benz Elite Certified Collision Program, Autocraft Principal Chris Raeder announced today. Completion of the Mercedes-Benz certification program confirms Autocraft Bodywerks’ commitment to restoring Mercedes-Benz vehicles back to original factory specifications and showroom condition….
Rate-and-Term Refinance Locks Surge 700% Over Previous Year Following the FOMC’s September Interest Rate Reduction
PLANO, Texas — Optimal Blue today released its September 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found a 50% month-over-month (MoM) increase in rate-and-term refinance activity as people who purchased homes in recent years jumped at the opportunity to lower their interest rates and mortgage payments. While the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered its target federal funds rate by 50 bps on Sept. 18, the market had already priced in a portion of the rate reduction, leading to a full month of increased refinance activity in September….
Optimal Blue Expands Expertise, Market Leadership With Launch of Two In-House Podcasts
PLANO, Texas — Optimal Blue announced the release of two in-house podcasts that extend the reach of the company’s capital markets experience and expertise built over its decades as the technology leader in its space. The Optimal Insights podcast and video, which will be released weekly, will provide timely analyses of market factors impacting loan originators and capital markets professionals….