Optimal Blue Podcasts – Optimal Insights & Market Advantage

The Role of Tech Innovation in Mortgage Lending With Optimal Blue CPO Erin Wester | April 2025 Data


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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:

Capture for Originators

Reengage Past Clients Without the Spreadsheet Headache

Tired of manually hunting for refinance opportunities? Capture for Originators does the heavy lifting for you. It automatically scans your closed loan portfolio and flags recapture opportunities – no spreadsheets, no manual work. Just actionable recapture opportunities delivered straight to you.
Learn more: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-launches-new-lead-generation-tool-for-originators or reach out to your Optimal Blue Client service representative for more information.

Market Advantage – Newly Enhanced With New Originator and Secondary Markets Data Points

Smarter Lending Starts with Smarter Data

The newly enhanced Market Advantage report from Optimal Blue delivers unmatched insights across both origination and secondary markets, including property type, debt-to-income ratio, first-time homebuyer status, servicing rights, market rate indices, and investor count at loan sale.
📊 Get the data from the engine that powers your profitability. https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage

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Optimal Blue Podcasts – Optimal Insights & Market AdvantageBy Optimal Blue