Texas Business
Refinances tick up and non-QM hits record high as purchase activity falls nearly 5% in July
PLANO, Texas — 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….
Optimal Blue’s New Brand Reflects Its Modern Technology and Proven Expertise and Leadership
PLANO, Texas — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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….
FirstClose’s SVP of HR Katie Smith named 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence
AUSTIN, Texas — 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 — 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 — 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….