In this episode, the Optimal Insights team delivers a timely market update and welcomes Greg Sher, a leading voice in mortgage advocacy and digital influence. The conversation covers inflation trends, tariff impacts, housing affordability, and the evolving role of credit scoring. Greg shares the story behind the “All of Us” movement, his push for VantageScore adoption, and his commitment to elevating women in mortgage leadership. He also offers a roadmap for professionals looking to build influence and drive change through authenticity and consistency.

Key Topics:

• Market update: CPI/PPI trends, tariff deadlines, and housing price shifts
• VantageScore vs. FICO: Credit scoring reform and competition
• The “All of Us” movement: Uniting the industry for consumer-first advocacy
• Elevating women in mortgage leadership
• Mentorship, legacy, and using social media for impact

🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• Kevin Foley, Director of Product Management, Optimal Blue

Special Guest:

• Greg Sher, Managing Director, NFM Lending

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Roise

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

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Keywords: Real-time data insights, Capital markets commentary, Mortgage industry, Profitability, Lenders, Investors, Rate fluctuations, Mortgage landscape, Expert advice, Optimal Blue, Secondary marketing automation, Pricing accuracy, Margin protection, Risk management, Originators, Originations

Mentioned in this episode:

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

In the July 14 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest market dynamics, including inflation expectations, tariff impacts, and the Fed’s rate trajectory. Jim and Alex unpack the administration’s pressure on the Fed, the resilience of jobless claims, and the looming August 1 tariff deadline. Later, Jim and Vimi sit down with Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell for a wide-ranging conversation on AI’s role in mortgage tech, the future of automation, and how lenders can evaluate innovation in a tight-margin environment.

Notable Insights:

• Jobless claims remain resilient; inflation data is in focus this week.
• Tariffs on major trading partners (Canada, Mexico, EU) could reshape global trade flows.
• Joe Tyrrell emphasizes AI’s potential to reduce bias, improve efficiency, and scale operations.
• Lenders should prioritize real, production-ready tech with measurable ROI and domain expertise.

Tune in for expert commentary and strategic insights to help you navigate today’s mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager
• Vimi Vasudeva, Managing Director

Special Guest:

• Joe Tyrrell, CEO, Optimal Blue

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Røise

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

--

Keywords: Real-time data insights, Capital markets commentary, Mortgage industry, Profitability, Lenders, Investors, Rate fluctuations, Mortgage landscape, Expert advice, Optimal Blue, Secondary marketing automation, Pricing accuracy, Margin protection, Risk management, Originators, Originations

Mentioned in this episode:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey and Mike Vough discuss the June 2025 Market Advantage report, including notable shifts in loan sale execution and pull-through trends. They’re joined by Rob Kessel, founder of Panoramic Capital Advisory and Consulting, who brings decades of capital markets expertise to the conversation.

Rob shares insights on capital markets training and secondary marketing strategy, covering foundational concepts like the best efforts versus mandatory spread, pull-through modeling, and loan sale execution. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, data-driven decision-making, and continuous education in maximizing lender profitability. The conversation also explores how AI and evolving technologies are reshaping the mortgage landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Loans sold to aggregators dropped from 38% to 35%, while agency-backed executions rose, highlighting a shift in lender strategy amid changing market conditions.
• Purchase pull-through rates climbed to nearly 85%, suggesting stronger borrower commitment even as rate volatility introduces new hedging complexities.
• Understanding the best efforts versus mandatory spread is crucial for lenders deciding when to take on risk and how to price loans effectively.

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe to the Market Advantage data report: https://engage.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 Rob Kessel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kessel-66776a6/
• Learn more about Panoramic Capital Advisory and Consulting: https://panoramiccap.com/
• Follow Mike Vough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vough-60467826/  
• Follow Olivia DeLancey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-delancey/

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

In the July 7 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest economic indicators and their implications for mortgage rates and the broader financial landscape. They analyze the recent jobs report, which showed strong headline numbers but revealed underlying weaknesses in private sector hiring.

The discussion also covers the delayed implementation of reciprocal tariffs, the evolving landscape of global trade negotiations, and the implications of the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” which extends tax cuts and introduces new housing incentives.

Notable Insights:

• Mortgage rates remain stubbornly above 6.5%, with little near-term relief expected.
• The Fed is unlikely to cut rates in July; September remains uncertain.
• Global trade frameworks are accelerating, but loopholes like trans-shipping remain a concern.
• The U.S. dollar’s devaluation is reshaping international economic dynamics.
• Long-term bond yields may remain elevated due to rising global debt supply.

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• Kevin Foley, Director of Product Management, Optimal Blue

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team explores the current state of the mortgage market during a short holiday week, discussing economic indicators, consumer sentiment, and the Fed’s stance on rate cuts. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) – what they are, how they work, and their potential resurgence in today’s high-rate environment. The discussion includes historical comparisons, affordability scenarios, and international mortgage structures, ultimately addressing whether ARMs have a place in the current market.

Key Topics Covered:

• Market update: consumer confidence, inflation, unemployment, and Fed policy
• ARM fundamentals: structure, indexing, caps, and borrower scenarios
• Historical and international comparisons of mortgage structures
• Strategic use of ARMs in today’s economic climate

Notable Insights:

• ARMs may offer affordability advantages in a high-rate environment, especially for short-term homeowners.
• The U.S. mortgage system is uniquely borrower-friendly compared to other developed nations.
• A steepening yield curve could make ARMs more attractive if short-term rates fall while long-term rates remain high.

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Jeff McCarty, VP of Hedging & Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• Kevin Foley, Director of Product Management, Optimal Blue

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

--

Keywords: Real-time data insights, Capital markets commentary, Mortgage industry, Profitability, Lenders, Investors, Rate fluctuations, Mortgage landscape, Expert advice, Optimal Blue, Secondary marketing automation, Pricing accuracy, Margin protection, Risk management, Originators, Originations

Mentioned in this episode:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

The Fed, Iran, and... wait, what's a hackathon?

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley discuss the Fed’s cautious stance on interest rates, labor market signals, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Later in the episode, Jim Glennon and Kevin Foley explore the outcomes of Optimal Blue’s recent hackathon with special guest, Optimal Blue CTO Seever Sulaiman, highlighting how innovation and AI are shaping the company’s future.

Notable Insights:

• The Fed remains in “wait and see” mode, with cautious language around tariffs and inflation.
• Despite high rates, mortgage volume remains strong, even for refis.
• The hackathon showcased Optimal Blue’s top-tier AI adoption, tech innovation, and deep partnership with Microsoft.
• Ideas ranged from internal process automation to revolutionary product concepts.

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, VP of Hedging & Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Jeff McCarty, VP of Hedging & Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• Kevin Foley, Director of Product Management, Optimal Blue

Special Guest:

• Seever Sulaiman, CTO, Optimal Blue

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team explores how rising personal and public debt levels are influencing interest rates and shaping the broader economic landscape. The discussion covers inflation trends, the Fed’s upcoming decisions, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy prices. The team also examines AI’s effect on electricity demand and infrastructure, and how consumer behavior is shifting in response to tariffs and credit stress.

Key Topics Covered:

• Market update and inflation metrics
• Middle East conflict and energy market implications
• AI-driven energy consumption and nuclear energy resurgence
• Personal debt, student loans, and buy-now-pay-later trends
• National debt, deficit spending, and long-term interest rate outlook

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Jeff McCarty, VP of Hedging & Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• James Cahill, MSR Account Manager, Optimal Blue

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Brennan O'Connell and Olivia DeLancey share an overview of exciting new additions to Optimal Blue's Market Advantage report. The monthly mortgage data report now includes a range of new data points, including property type and debt-to-income ratio, to provide a more comprehensive view of the industry.

Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell joins to discuss AI development, exploring how tailored AI solutions like Originator Assistant are revolutionizing the lending process and eliminating human bias. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping lending operations and borrower experiences in the mortgage industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Market Performance in May: Overall rate lock volume declined 5.9% MoM. Purchase volumes were flat, and purchase counts dropped 10% YoY, signaling continued affordability challenges.
• Refinance Activity: Rate-and-term refinances fell 40%, and cash-out refinances dropped 10%, with refi share declining from 21% to 16%.
• Product Mix Shifts: Declines in ARM, FHA, and VA volumes suggest first-time homebuyers are possibly sitting out due to affordability pressures.
• AI Innovations & Strategic Outlook: Joe Tyrrell emphasizes the importance of adopting AI now to scale efficiently and profitably as volume returns.

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe to the 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
• Joe Tyrrell’s recent appearance on REALFridays VideoCast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhr2Sco9HHE
• Follow Joe Tyrrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetyrrell4/
• 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:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the latest economic indicators, including employment data, inflation expectations, and treasury auctions. They explore the implications of recent job market trends, AI’s impact on entry-level employment, and the broader economic sentiment.

A major focus is the growing momentum in the non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) space, with special guest, Vince Zenner, offering expert insights into risk management, hedging strategies, and the role of technology in streamlining complex loan products. The discussion emphasizes the shift from passive to active management across the mortgage industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• Employment data and its mixed signals
• Inflation expectations and upcoming CPI/PPI reports
• Treasury auctions and foreign investor sentiment
• GSE privatization debate
• Non-QM market growth, technology adoption, and hedging strategies
• Portfolio management and risk-adjusted returns

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jeff McCarty, VP of Hedging & Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue
• Vimi Vasudeva, Managing Director, Optimal Blue

Special Guest:

• Vince Zenner, Managing Director of Portfolio Management, Rate

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon is joined by Jeff McCarty and Alex Hebner to discuss why interest rates remain stubbornly high and what it means for the mortgage industry. The team explores inflation trends, global debt pressures, and the structural shifts reshaping the long-term rate environment.

Key Topics:

• Market Snapshot: OBMMI at 6.84%, with strong purchase and refi volume.
• Inflation & Labor: PCE shows progress, but jobless claims and construction employment hint at softening.
• Global Debt & Deficit Spending: U.S. and European nations are flooding markets with debt, pushing long-term yields higher.
• Tariffs & Tax Policy: Section 301 and 899 policies could reduce demand for U.S. debt, raising borrowing costs.
• Energy & Inflation Relief: OPEC’s increased supply is helping ease inflation, but geopolitical dynamics remain in play.

Tune in to gain valuable insights to help you stay ahead and maximize your profitability in the ever-evolving mortgage landscape.

#OptimizeYourAdvantage #MaximizeProfitability

Optimal Insights Team:

• Jim Glennon, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Client Services, Optimal Blue
• Jeff McCarty, Vice President of Hedging and Trading Product, Optimal Blue
• Alex Hebner, Hedge Account Manager, Optimal Blue

Production Team:

• Executive Producer: Sara Holtz
• Producers: Matt Gilhooly & Hailey Boyer

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Market Advantage Report – Newly Expanded With New Origination and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache