Market Advantage - Mortgage Trends and Expert Insights - Optimal Blue

Optimal Blue
Market Advantage - Mortgage Trends and Expert Insights - Optimal Blue

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

Episodes

  1. Insights From CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp on the Housing Market, Affordability Challenges | February 2025 Data

    2D AGO

    Insights From CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp on the Housing Market, Affordability Challenges | February 2025 Data

    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/

    35 min
  2. 20 Questions With HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler | Optimal Blue Summit | January 2025 Data

    FEB 13

    20 Questions With HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler | Optimal Blue Summit | January 2025 Data

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

    36 min
  3. Mastering the Market With America’s #1 Loan Originator Shant Banosian | December 2024 Data

    JAN 14

    Mastering the Market With America’s #1 Loan Originator Shant Banosian | December 2024 Data

    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=enFollow Shant Banosian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantbanosian/

    39 min
  4. CME Group’s Agha Mirza Talks Mortgage Rate Futures, Trading on an Exchange, Cross-Margining | November 2024 Data

    12/10/2024

    CME Group’s Agha Mirza Talks Mortgage Rate Futures, Trading on an Exchange, Cross-Margining | November 2024 Data

    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: November mortgage rate lock activity: Overall lock volume fell 25% MoM, yet stood 12% higher YoY, providing some reason for optimism.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.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.pdfPress 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.comFollow Optimal Blue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimal-blue/

    36 min
  5. The Evolution of the Loan Officer With Dave Savage | October 2024 Data

    11/12/2024

    The Evolution of the Loan Officer With Dave Savage | October 2024 Data

    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: October mortgage rate lock activity: Rates rose, yet purchase lock volume showed resilience.“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.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.pdfSubscribe to the Market Advantage mortgage data report: https://www2.optimalblue.com/market-advantage/Optimal Blue Summit: summit.optimalblue.comFollow 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/@mortgagecoacheBook – Art of Referral by Dave Savage: https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/art-of-referrals-by-dave-savage/85720814Modern Mortgage IQ – Assessment: https://modernmortgageiq.com/TrustEngine website: mortgagecoach.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetrustengineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrustengine?igsh=MWRrcXU3ZWlmNGM5Zw== The views and opinions expressed in this...

    35 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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

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