Everyone’s above average, right? If you are a lender and making money, you’re in the majority. It’s not that you’re not special, it’s just that with cuts and servicing income, and unprofitable companies going away, most companies are in the black: In the first quarter, 59 percent off all mortgage banking companies were profitable per the MBA Performance Report, buy it for details. Is our government profitable? Of course not, almost regardless of Administration. The federal budget deficit is expected to swell to around $1.9 trillion this year, according to the Congressional Budget Office, which was higher than its previous estimate of $1.5 trillion. This takes into account increased spending for student loans and Medicaid as well as the recently passed $95 billion foreign aid package. National debt is even poised to top $56 trillion over the next 10 years, or 122 percent of GDP, surpassing the 106 percent seen in 1946 after World War II. Meanwhile, the eurozone is facing debt issues of its own, with the ECB warning eight of its members (including Belgium, France, and Italy) over their excessive budget deficits. Today’s podcast is found here and this week’s is sponsored by Candor. Candor’s authentic Expert System AI has powered more than 2 million flawless, hands off underwrites. Every credit risk decision Candor makes is backed by a warranty, eliminating repurchase worries. Hear an interview with FinLocker’s Brian Vieaux on bringing consumer permission data to property searches and originations.

Software, Products, and Services for Lenders and Brokers

“Truv is the only consumer-permissioned VOIE platform approved with both GSEs, solidifying our commitment to delivering top-notch verification services tailored for mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions. What does this mean for your business? Faster turn times, lower buyback risks, compliance assurance, and reduced operational costs. Read about why this matters for your business here.”

“Did you know that Polly is the rate engine for HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center? We offer the same capability to display live rates on lender websites, helping borrowers better assess your competitive edge against other lenders. This live data ensures that as the market fluctuates, prospects get real-time insights into your rates. Because in the current rate environment, having accurate, up-to-date rate intel on your homepage is crucial. It signals transparency, allowing potential borrowers to make informed decisions faster, without needing to supply personal information. This convenience can significantly increase your site’s engagement and drive more volume your way. On the flip side, NOT displaying live rates may deter potential borrowers, as they could perceive higher costs or simply prefer quick access to this information. Now, let’s take it several steps further; Polly’s Lender Intelligence will help you keep your rates competitive, ensuring you stay at the forefront of your peers. Let’s talk about it.”

“Calling all loan originators: We need your insights! Take the annual Loan Originators Survey from MGIC and Loan Officer Hub to weigh in on how you handled the challenges and opportunities of the past year. Get a head start on comparing your strategies to your peers’: Complete the survey by June 30 and you’ll receive exclusive early access to the full survey report this fall!”

Optimal Blue announced its new Competitive Data License today. In a news release, the company described its new data solution as a collection of key national mortgage pricing data that empowers lenders to price products competitively, operate more profitably, and react swiftly to changing market conditions. This product from Optimal Blue includes loan-level data from the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine, providing a full price trace from borrower/buy-side to investor/sell-side pricing. Optimal Blue’s new data solution equips lenders with the ability to benchmark every aspect of their pricing strategy, providing extensive insights into markups, loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs), servicing-released premiums (SRP), concessions, loan officer compensation, base price, and PAR rate. Optimal Blue will be hosting a webinar on July 10 for those interested in learning more about Competitive Data License and its other data solutions.

HELOC borrowers can pay off debt to qualify and still close in as little as 1 day! With trillions of dollars in accessible home equity nationwide, there’s never been a better time to become a REMN Partner. REMN Wholesale, leading the way in Wholesale Digital HELOCs nationally, now provides the DEBT ELIMINATOR feature to its EQUITY ACCESS Digital HELOC. DEBT ELIMINATOR gives borrowers the ability to pay off debt to qualify. With loan amounts from $25k to $400k and recent rate reductions, REMN's Digital HELOC is designed for fast closings. Additional features: Instant Income Verification for the vast majority of W-2 borrowers; automated analysis of bank statements to determine Income for both W-2 and Self-employed borrowers; single AVM up to $400k (appraisal options available); Broker Portal with robust functionality and real-time detailed status on all pipeline loans. Minimum FICO 640 and max 80% CLTV (see rates/guides). Flexible: Hybrid platform is digitally fast with humans to solve real-life complexities! And they provide fast payout (utilizing ACH). White Label: Brand your company/MLO. REMN is only wholesale! Contact Carl Markman.

Webinars and Shows

“Unlock the key to closing more loans in a competitive market. Join us on Thursday, June 27 at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT for the NMP Webinar "Build Your Personal Brand (and Close More Loans) by Optimizing Borrower Credit Scores." Hosted by Mike Darne, a seasoned marketing executive who has led branding efforts at Capital One and Marriott, this webinar will share proprietary research from CreditXpert on what borrowers seek in a lender and how credit optimization meets those needs. Discover how you can help borrowers qualify, access better loan programs, lower their cost of homeownership, and reduce LLPA premiums. Learn to leverage credit optimization to build your personal brand, stand out in the marketplace, and ultimately close more loans. Don't miss this chance to enhance your skills and grow your business: Register for the webinar here.”

Podcast: How the NAR Ruling Will Impact Lenders (& the Entire Home-Buying Process). The groundbreaking NAR settlement has real estate agents, lending professionals, and home buyers scrambling to understand its ramifications. Here to weigh in is Maxwell’s Clear to Close crew: In this conversation, Alan, Bryan, and Anthony channel their experience in the industry to walk through possible outcomes of the ruling. Specifically, this episode explores how new policy changes are likely to impact lead generation, methods to earn borrower business, and more—and how lenders can get ahead of the major ways the home-buying process is about to change. Click here to listen to How the NAR Ruling Will Impact Lenders (& the Entire Home-Buying Process).

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “Conference List” for in-person events in the future.

Join Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman today at 10am PT/1pm ET for the latest episode of Mortgages with Millennials as they share some new research on NextGen money trends, this time based on a personality quiz she developed to better understand the mindset, planning style, and behaviors of millennials when it comes to money and homebuying. sharing some new research on NextGen money trends, this time based on a personality quiz she developed to better understand the mindset, planning style, and behaviors of millennials when it comes to money and homebuying.

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

Register for Silicon Valley CAMP’s Free Marketing Presentation: “AI for Dummies via Zoom,” today at 9:30 AM (PDT).

In support of the Credit Score Models and Credit Reports Initiative, FHFA has announced a new stakeholder forum, an “Overview of Historical Credit Scores,” that will take place today from 3-4 p.m. (ET). FHFA, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will provide details regarding the Enterprises’ forthcoming publication of historical credit scores to support the implementation of the VantageScore® 4.0 credit score model.

MBA's Single Family Research Showcase 2024 Virtual Meeting, June 25 & 26, 1:00 – 5:00 pm. MBA's Research & Economics team will take you on a deep dive behind the data during our one-of-a-kind Single-Family Research & Economics Showcase. Led by MBA's Chief Economist, Mike Fratantoni, Ph.D., this two-day online event highlights the most current results and insights from our popular residential surveys, forecasts, and reports. For those unable to attend, meetings will be recorded on both days. Register to receive the recordings.

Capital Markets

As optimism about a US Treasury rally grows among investors, a key bond market indicator suggests high interest rates could persist, potentially hampering the Federal Reserve's ability to cut rates. Market forecasts indicate that the economy's neutral rate, crucial for balancing growth, is significantly higher than the Fed's current projection, hinting at long-term elevated borrowing costs.

While we do have some significant data later this week (GDP, inflation, consumer sentiment, home prices, etc.), this final week of June began yesterday on a quiet note without much market movement. This week also brings the quarterly refunding, which sees an increased flood of Treasury issuance that investors will be asked to absorb: $211 billion in new debt this week alone, with all of it coming on the front end of the curve. Today, markets will receive $69 billion 2-year Treasury notes.

Today’s economic calendar kicked off with the non-market moving Chicago Fed National Activity Index for May (better than expected) and Philadelphia Fed non-manufacturing for June. Later today brings Redbook same store sales for the week ending June 22, April house price indices from FHFA and Case-Shiller, the Consumer Confidence report for June, Richmond Fed manufacturing and services/revenues in June, and Dallas Fed Texas services for June, followed by the aforementioned Treasury note auction. Two Fed Governors are scheduled to make appearances: Governor Bowman and Governor Cook. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices little changed from Monday’s close, the 10-year yielding 4.22 after closing yesterday at 4.25 percent, and the 2-year at 4.72.

Employment

Mortgage Equity Partners (“MEP”), a mid-cap IMB headquartered in Massachusetts, is proud to be recognized as the fastest-growing IMB in the state measured in both units closed and volume funded in 2023 and YTD 2024. MEP has added production in many of its 22 states over the last 12-14 months. “As a mid-cap, we inherently have a flatter management structure, are more nimble, and can adapt to change quicker. Consistently, we see LOs migrate from large-cap IMBs because, as architects of their own businesses, LOs want quicker access to decision-makers. Those LOs want to operate at their own cadence and not be bogged down with layers of management. Our environment has a positive impact on LOs as strong business partners to support their referral sources,” said Sean Riley, CEO and General Counsel. To learn more about MEP, visit meploans.com or contact John Cabral, National Sales Director.

A seasoned Mortgage Executive is seeking a new opportunity to help lead a mortgage lender or vendor toward achieving their growth goals. Are you a mortgage lender or vendor (established or new) in need of leadership to navigate the current market and drive future growth? This executive has extensive sales leadership experience in all production channels (TPO, Retail, and DTC) and is an expert in all product types (Agency, Non-QM, and Private Money Lending). They also have deep knowledge of the vendor and technology space. Please send inquiries to Anjelica Nixt to pass along to the candidate and specify the listing.

(Remember: job seekers can post their resumes for free on www.lendernews.com where employers can view them for several months for a nominal charge.)