Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Director of Data Solutions Brennan O’Connell shares highlights from February 2025 mortgage rate lock data. He and his cohost Olivia DeLancey then welcome their guest, CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp, to discuss the housing market, affordability outlooks, and more.

 Key Takeaways:

• Significant jump in refinances: February saw a 40% surge in refi activity attributed to an improving rate environment, indicating potential opportunities for lenders in this segment.
• Affordability challenges: Despite some pockets of improvement, the overall housing market continues to lag, with first-time home buyers facing significant affordability challenges due to rising insurance costs and property taxes.
• Migration patterns: Emerging trends indicate a potential slowdown in migration patterns, as individuals reassess their housing decisions in light of evolving workplace dynamics and climate risks.
• Hazard risk scoring: CoreLogic’s innovative hazard risk scoring for properties allows for a comprehensive assessment of climate and insurance risk.

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe to the Market Advantage data report: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/  
• View the latest Market Advantage data report: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/  
• Follow Optimal Blue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimal-blue/  
• Subscribe to Optimal Blue’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Optimal-Blue  
• Follow Selma Hepp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selma-hepp-phd-11b0773a/
• Visit the CoreLogic website: https://www.corelogic.com/
• Follow Brennan O’Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennan-oconnell/
• Follow Olivia DeLancey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-delancey/

Mentioned in this episode:

AI at Optimal Blue – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line

Is your technology vendor selling real solutions – or just the idea of them? Too often, companies pitch big returns, offer free trials, and promise seamless automation, only to reveal during implementation that the tech doesn’t actually exist. At Optimal Blue, we take a different approach. Our AI-powered automation is already live, already delivering, and already saving lenders real dollars. We show you exactly where the ROI comes from and how it reduces risk – no vague timelines, just proven technology that’s working in production today. AI at Optimal Blue isn’t just about delivering software; it’s about empowering lenders to make smarter decisions, operate more efficiently, and stay ahead of the curve. Built around real capital markets challenges, informed by direct engagement with thousands of clients, and focused on delivering measurable value at no additional cost to clients, while others talk about AI, we’re delivering it – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line.

AI at Optimal Blue - MA

Optimal Blue Summit 2026 | February 23-25 | Scottsdale, Arizona

In case you missed it – Optimal Blue has announced the dates for its 2026 Summit! Join us February 23 – 25 at Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a client-exclusive event packed with strategic insight and innovation. Attendees will gain early access to Optimal Blue’s latest generative AI and automation tools, dive into expert-led sessions on pricing, compliance and more, and experience hands-on demos of new capabilities. Plus, it’s a chance to connect with capital markets pros, integration partners, and mortgage insiders—all while gaining actionable strategies to maximize profitability and sharpen your competitive edge. The Optimal Blue Summit: where proven mortgage expertise meets modern innovation to shape what's next. Early bird registration is now open at Summit.OptimalBlue.com – space is limited, so register today!

Summit - MA