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/

Effortless Best Efforts Locking with Optimal Blue

Manual locking just got an upgrade. With Optimal Blue’s latest enhancement to the Optimal Blue® PPE platform, lock desk users can now complete the entire locking process – start to finish – with a single click. No system toggling. No rekeying. Lock requests are sent directly to investors via API, reducing processing time from minutes to seconds. Secure data flow and real-time updates ensure transparency, speed, and confidence for both originators and investors. Learn more at https://www.optimalblue.com or in the press release: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-fully-automates-best-efforts-locking-directly-with-investors

Smarter Hedging Starts with the Right Team

Innovative technology is only as powerful as the people behind it. At Optimal Blue, our hedging client services team partners with you to navigate risk, act decisively, and stay ahead of market shifts. Combine that expertise with CompassEdge – our hedging and loan trading platform – and you gain real-time insights, faster execution, and a strategy that adapts with the market. Whether you need full-service support or just another set of eyes, Optimal Blue delivers a high-performance engine built on people, powered by technology, and focused on your bottom line. 📅 Join our webinar: Maximize Profitability With a Smarter Hedging & Trading Strategy 🕛 August 20 at 12 p.m. CT 🔗 https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2676301910911287388?source=podcast