Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Brennan O'Connell and Olivia DeLancey kick things off with a discussion on the April 2025 mortgage rate lock data and market trends from the Market Advantage report. Later, they are joined by Optimal Blue Chief Product Officer Erin Wester to explore the impact of technological innovations on driving profitability in the mortgage industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Volatile Rate Lock Activity: April experienced significant rate fluctuations due to macroeconomic factors, impacting rate lock volumes and borrower behavior.
• Market Performance: Purchase lock volumes increased by 7% MoM, while YoY purchase lock volume was down 5%.
• Refinance Activity: Rate-and-term refinance volumes fell 15% MoM, and cash-out refinances dropped 3%.
• Production Mix: Non-agency loan share decreased slightly, while FHA loans gained market share.
• Technological Innovations: Optimal Blue's introduction of Originator Assistant, enhanced Lock Extension workflows, and the overall importance of managing technical debt.
• Strategic Recommendations: Emphasis on leveraging all features of technology platforms and considering custom API implementations for unique business workflows.

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
• Erin Wester’s recent appearance on the HousingWire Daily podcast with Sarah Wheeler: https://www.housingwire.com/podcast/erin-wester-on-optimal-blues-evolution/
• Follow Erin Wester on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-wester-0996931b/  
• 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:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey and Brennan O'Connell are joined by Mike Vough, Optimal Blue’s head of corporate strategy, to discuss March 2025 mortgage rate lock data, the latest market trends, and the impact of technological innovations on driving profitability in the mortgage industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Positive Market Trends: March saw a 24% increase in rate lock volumes MoM and a 21% rise in purchase volumes MoM, indicating a strong market performance.
• Refinance Activity: Significant increases in rate-and-term refinances (up 52%) and cash-out refinances (up 20%) MoM due to a better rate environment.
• Purchase Market Challenges: Despite positive MoM numbers, YoY purchase volumes declined by 2%, with lock counts down 6%.
• Shift Toward Non-Agency Loans: Decrease in GSE-eligible production and an increase in non-agency and jumbo loans, driven by high investor demand.
• Technological Innovations: Introduction of AI tools like Ask Obi for real-time data access and automated hedging insights, helping lenders save time and maximize profitability.
• Strategic Recommendations: Emphasis on creating proprietary rate sheets and adopting dynamic, cashflow-based servicing valuations to stay competitive.

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
• Mike Vough’s recent opinion piece in MBA NewsLink: https://newslink.mba.org/mba-newslinks/2025/march/tech-and-ai-are-advancing-so-whats-next-for-mortgage-pricing/
• Follow Mike Vough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vough-60467826/
• 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:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

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:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

At the first annual Optimal Blue Summit, Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue, reflects on past industry challenges, the importance of preparation, and the rapid advancements in technology.

He shares insights on Optimal Blue's new core competencies, including flexibility, transparency, innovation, value, and control, all aimed at increasing profitability for their partners.

Discover how Optimal Blue is leading the way with innovative AI solutions that solve lenders’ real-world challenges and a commitment to delivering unparalleled value at no additional cost.

Learn more about our new product innovations: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-introduces-seven-major-innovations-at-its-inaugural-user-summit-in-san-diego/

Mentioned in this episode:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

Market Advantage – Episode 5

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, recorded on-site at the Optimal Blue Summit in San Diego. The hosts look at mortgage rate lock data from January 2025 before welcoming HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler for a round of “20 questions” spanning her career journey, her role at HousingWire, her interests, and more.

Key Takeaways:

• January 2025 rate lock activity: The month saw a nearly 11% increase in overall volumes compared to December, predominantly attributed to a 16% MoM rise in purchase volume, alongside a 9% uptick in cash-out refi activity. However, YoY metrics indicate a slight decline in purchase lock counts, down 6% from January 2024, underscoring the evolving dynamics of the market.
• A day in the life of HousingWire editor in chief: Sarah Wheeler joins the hosts for a round of “20 questions” focused on industry matters, her career path, the HousingWire team, and more
• Optimal Blue Summit: Recorded on-site at the Optimal Blue Summit (Feb. 3-5, 2025), the hosts touch on major product announcements and the buzz at the event.

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 Sarah Wheeler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tester-wheeler/
• HousingWire website: https://www.housingwire.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from December 2024 and feature an interview with Shant Banosian, executive vice president of sales at Rate (formerly known as Guaranteed Rate). Shant is the #1 loan originator in America for 6 years running.

Key Takeaways:

• December mortgage rate lock activity: The year ended with rate lock volume falling in a typical seasonal fashion, but rate/term refi volume saw a 33% spike MoM.
• Relationships are key: Shant emphasizes the importance of networking and building strong referral relationships for loan officers to maximize success.
• Shifting borrower behavior: Today’s consumers are more discerning and proactive about financial decisions; how do loan officers capitalize on this?

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/
• Register for the Optimal Blue Summit: https://www.eventcombo.com/ms/ev/73217/optimal-blue-summit-2025/home  - Use code NEWYEAR25 for a special discounted rate.
• Follow Optimal Blue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimal-blue/  
• Follow Shant Banosian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantbanosian/?hl=en
• Follow Shant Banosian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantbanosian/

Mentioned in this episode:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from November 2024 and feature an interview with Agha Mirza, managing director and global head of rates and OTC products at CME Group.

Key Takeaways:

1. November mortgage rate lock activity: Overall lock volume fell 25% MoM, yet stood 12% higher YoY, providing some reason for optimism.
2. Mortgage Rate futures: CME Group has partnered with Optimal Blue to launch Mortgage Rate futures in January 2025 – a game-changer for managing risk across mortgage pipelines, MSRs, and securities.
3. Centralized trading platform: CME Group’s single platform reduces counterparty risk, and the company’s approach to margining and clearing provides advantages to mortgage lenders in terms of liquidity and operational efficiency.

Hosts: Olivia DeLancey & Brennan O'Connell

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Optimal Blue:

• Market Advantage mortgage data report | November 2024 data: https://www2.optimalblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/OB_MarketAdvantage_MortgageDataReport_Nov2024.pdf
• Press release: CME Group to Launch Mortgage Rate Futures: https://www2.optimalblue.com/cme-group-to-launch-mortgage-rate-futures-in-january-2025/
• Subscribe to the Market Advantage mortgage data report: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/
• Optimal Blue Summit: summit.optimalblue.com
• Follow Optimal Blue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimal-blue/

Mentioned in this episode:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from October 2024 and feature an interview with Dave Savage, chief innovation officer at Trust Engine and founder of Mortgage Coach.

Key Takeaways:

1. October mortgage rate lock activity: Rates rose, yet purchase lock volume showed resilience.
2. “Captains of the wealth team”: Industry expert Dave Savage explains why successful loan officers are upleveling to become trusted financial advisors – what he calls captains of a borrower’s wealth team.
3. Data and tech: Dave Savage and the hosts discuss the value of incorporating technology and data into the origination process, including making it available to loan officers.

Hosts: Olivia DeLancey & Brennan O'Connell

LINKS AND RESOURCES

Optimal Blue:

• Market Advantage mortgage data report | October 2024 data: https://www2.optimalblue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/OB_MarketAdvantage_MortgageDataReport_Oct2024.pdf
• Subscribe to the Market Advantage mortgage data report: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/
• Optimal Blue Summit: summit.optimalblue.com
• Follow Optimal Blue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimal-blue/

Dave Savage:

• Dave Savage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesavage/
• MortgageCoach YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@mortgagecoach
• eBook – Art of Referral by Dave Savage: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/art-of-referrals-by-dave-savage/85720814
• Modern Mortgage IQ – Assessment: https://modernmortgageiq.com/
• TrustEngine website: mortgagecoach.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetrustengine
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrustengine?igsh=MWRrcXU3ZWlmNGM5Zw==

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Optimal Blue, LLC.

Mentioned in this episode:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

Welcome to this month’s episode of Market Advantage from Optimal Blue, where we analyze mortgage lock data from September 2024 and feature an interview with Joel Kan, deputy chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Key Takeaways:

• September rate lock activity: The month saw a significant surge in refinance volume.
• MBA Application Survey Index: Joel Kan explains why it serves as a key indicator for understanding mortgage market dynamics.
• Affordability remains a key market topic: First-time homebuyers are increasingly pursuing new construction.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable advice to help you stay ahead in the mortgage industry.

#OptimizeYourAdvantage #MaximizeProfitability

Hosts:

Olivia DeLancey & Brennan O’Connell

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producer: Matt Gilhooly

Resources:

Market Advantage data report | September 2024

Subscribe to the Market Advantage mortgage data report: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/

Follow Optimal Blue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimal-blue/

The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Optimal Blue, LLC.

Mentioned in this episode:

Innovation That Delivers For Your Bottom Line – Optimal Blue

At Optimal Blue, we’re continuing to raise the bar for mortgage technology. We’re delivering innovation that solves real-world challenges and drives measurable results.

Digital Hub - MA

The multi-trillion-dollar housing market is a centerpiece of the U.S. economy. Whether you’re a mortgage lender, real estate professional, or anyone simply interested in staying informed – understanding housing finance starts with data-driven insights and analysis.  

The Market Advantage is your source for timely mortgage origination data and trusted commentary. Produced by Optimal Blue – the industry’s only end-to-end capital markets technology provider – the Market Advantage podcast and complementary data report examine lender rate lock data representative of over one-third of mortgages processed nationwide.  

Unlike self-reported survey data, Optimal Blue’s direct-source mortgage lock data accurately reflects the in-process loans in lenders’ pipelines – giving you a line of sight into early-stage origination activity for a true market advantage.  

Each month, we unpack the latest data and trends while engaging in timely and relevant discussions with special guests – so you have the advantage you need to stay informed in any market.  

Tune in and subscribe today. 

Hosted by: 

• Olivia DeLancey 
• Brennan O’Connell  

Executive Producer: Sara Holtz 

Producer: Matt Gilhooly