Feb. 4: LO, sales, AE jobs; blockchain, NOO HELOC, RON tools; Better.com CEO's thoughts; IMB conference observations; CFPB update
“I used to brag about how late I stayed up at conferences. Now I brag about how early I went to bed.” Have you ever seen a group of mortgage lenders on the last morning of a 3-day conference? Well, here is the equivalent in the animal kingdom, and it’s not even iguanas plummeting from trees. Besides the end of the quick lived shutdown, and the continued M&A environment (Own Up to be acquired by Experian being the latest example) one of the topics in the hallways at the IMB, especially seeing that it is in Florida, is the increasing importance and quality of manufactured housing. Heck, as a quick example, just check out these photos from Champion Homes. Folks at the IMB are talking about yet another housing story: “Builders Push ‘Trump Homes’ in a Pitch for One Million Homes.” Although the White House denies actively considering it, that denial could change with one tweet. The “rent to own” concept comes and goes and certainly is an option in many places that are trying to improve the supply and affordability. Critics are quick to point out that builders are already sitting on unsold inventory, are offering incentives, the demand has weakened, and the prices are exorbitant given local permitting and utility hook ups. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s are sponsored by Truework, the one verification solution to replace in-house waterfalls. Verify any borrower with a VOIE solution that automates the entire process to quickly deliver the most accurate and complete reports with broad GSE coverage. Today’s features interview with Curinos' Ken Flaherty, Josh Beane, and Rich Martin on key 2025 performance trends across first mortgage, home equity, and unsecured lending, as well as 2026 forecasts and assumptions for each vertical, and the strategic priorities lenders should focus on to grow profitably in the year ahead.)
Jobs and transitions
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Our partners at a well-capitalized, nationally active non-QM lender are expanding and looking to add experienced Non-QM Account Executives to its wholesale sales team. This is a rare opportunity to build real momentum in one of the fastest growing and most profitable niches in mortgage. You’ll join a stable organization with a strong leadership team, low turnover, and a proven culture that resonates with top producers. This team gives AEs the autonomy, tools, and support to stand out and win. Compensation is performance-driven with no cap, meaningful transition support, and upside that top performers are already realizing. The role is fully remote, relationship-driven through calls and email, and supported by a strong CRM and marketing engine. If you’re an experienced non-QM AE looking to separate yourself and build something meaningful, this is the platform to do it. Email confidential resumes to jobs@chrismancommentary.com for forwarding to the principal.
A confidential sales opportunity in the lending industry! A leading service provider to the lending industry is seeking experienced sales professionals with a demonstrated ability to develop and close new business. The ideal candidates have a proven track record selling into banks, credit unions, or mortgage lenders and bring established industry relationships. A minimum of five years of lending industry service sales experience is required. This opportunity is best suited for self-directed professionals who can leverage their network to consistently generate revenue. If interested, please send your resume to Chrisman LLC’s Anjelica Nixt and specify this opportunity.
loanDepot continues to attract top talent with the addition of David Patrick as Retail Branch Manager in Oklahoma City. Patrick brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the real estate, mortgage, and title industries, including senior roles at Titan Title & Closing and Chicago Title Oklahoma. At loanDepot, he’ll focus on driving regional growth and developing talented teams across the OKC market. Patrick is a 2022 graduate of the prestigious Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame Abe Lemons Leadership Award program and was appointed to the organization’s Board of Directors that same year, reflecting his commitment to excellence and community involvement. Sales leaders interested in exploring opportunities with loanDepot are encouraged to contact Shane Stanton.
Primis Mortgage continues to expand its national presence with the addition of Chad Royle as market leader for Colorado and the western region. With more than 25 years of experience in multistate mortgage and retail banking leadership, Royle is recognized for his data‑driven approach, strong recruiting capabilities, and commitment to developing high‑performing teams. Leadership at Primis noted that Royle’s expertise and proven ability to build and grow markets make him well‑positioned to establish a strong footprint in this high‑growth area. Royle was drawn to Primis’ differentiated model, one built on empowering team members, streamlining operations, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. As Primis expands west, it is targeting high‑performing originators and leaders who value a streamlined platform, and a company truly invested in their growth. Mortgage professionals aiming to unlock the next level of their careers are invited to explore what Primis Mortgage has to offer on the Prmis website.
The Chrisman Job Board is the go-to platform for employment opportunities across the mortgage industry. For employers, adding a job listing is easy. Simply create an account and drop in your existing application link, or forward the details to our team and we’ll take care of it for you. For job seekers, joining our Talent Community is completely free. Upload your resume to be visible to hiring companies across the industry and stay connected to new opportunities as they go live.
Products, services, and software for brokers and lenders
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Can AI help you spot the lending bias you can’t see? In his CEO Magazine Podcast interview, Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell shares the company’s platform-wide AI strategy to help reduce human bias in lending decisions. Instead of replacing lending teams, AI at Optimal Blue is built as a suite of assistants, including Originator Assistant in the Optimal Blue® PPE, which reviews a wide range of loan programs and surfaces options a human might not typically consider. Grounded in clearly defined use cases, transparent prompts, extensive customer testing, and human oversight, Optimal Blue deploys AI solutions designed to deliver value while helping to mitigate forms of human bias. Curious what a modern, proven AI strategy looks like? Check out the video of Optimal Blue CEO Joe Tyrrell on the CEO Magazine Podcast today.
In a fluctuating market, efficient servicing is vital, especially with foreclosure rates up 14 percent since 2024 and serious delinquencies in the FHA sector accounting for more than twice the amount of any other loan type. To effectively manage this critical revenue stream, more servicers are streamlining loss mitigation through remote online notarization (RON). By integrating NotaryCam and RON into its workflow, one servicer cut notarization errors by 50 percent, resulting in fewer document exceptions, faster turnaround, and better borrower experiences. A large subservicer cited significantly reduced turn times and warehouse line carrying costs, thus delivering wins for clients and borrowers, through its partnership with NotaryCam. NotaryCam delivers secure, compliant notarization for loan modifications and loss mitigation packages. Its flexible integrations and experienced in-house notaries support operational efficiency and borrower retention everywhere RON is permitted. Visit Booth 610 or schedule a meeting at MBA Servicing to explore how NotaryCam powers modern servicing workflows.
“Yes, Symmetry offers NOO HELOCs! We offer HELOCs on investment properties in both first and second lien positions, providing a powerful alternative to traditional loans. This solution works especially well for investors because it offers the flexibility needed to manage multiple properties, access available equity when needed, and maintain control through additional repayment options. During the draw period, borrowers can take advantage of interest-only payments plus an annual fee, along with an open-ended line of credit structure that allows them to reuse available funds as needed. The product is ideal for cash-flowing rental portfolios and features simple draw access and competitive rates. Whether your client is expanding their rental portfolio or looking for a smarter way to tap into existing equity, our HELOC gives them control with speed and ease. Let’s talk about how this can fit into your borrowers’ investment strategy. Symmetry Lending.”
“Have you heard about eRESI’s Non-QM Heroes campaign? We’re celebrating the non-QM professionals who are driving change and leading innovation across the industry. Know a non-QM Hero on your team? Nominate them using this form and highlight their impact. You’ll both receive exclusive non-QM Hero swag, plus a chance to win Meta Glasses and be featured in our Non-QM Hall of Fame. eRESI is proud to sponsor the HousingWire Housing Economic Summit (Feb 10, Dallas) and MCT Exchange 2026 (Feb 12–13, San Diego), where Lisa Schreiber will speak on the “Expand Beyond Agency Production” panel. Connect with our team on-site to learn how our best-in-class execution helps lenders drive reliable, scalable growth. Can’t attend in person? Join our February 18 webinar: our credit team will explore key non-QM scenarios that help lenders deliver the best solutions to their borrowers. Contact us to learn more.”
When it comes to mortgage loan registration, accuracy, speed, and compliance remain essential. While blockchain technology continues to generate interest, proven platforms like the MERS® System have built a strong track record for reliable performance. In this recent blog, Harry Gardner, Director of Digital Services at ICE Mortgage Technology, explores the realities of blockchain in mortgage registration and provides insight into balancing innovation with the practical needs of today's mortgage professionals. Click here to read more.
As part of the Foundation Fridays broker education series, join Foundation Mortgage Corp. on February 6 at 2 PM ET for Turning Challenges into Closings: Non-QM Opportunities in Today’s Market. Featuring Sam Bjelac, Alexander Inda, and Joseph Inda, this session is built for brokers navigating tighter underwriting and more complex borrower profiles. The team will walk through real-world case studies, highlight high-demand programs such as DSCR, Bank Statement, and Foreign National loans, and share practical, compliance-friendly talking points you can use immediately. Designed for today’s market, this webinar shows how to turn stalled files into funded deals using a common-sense approach.
The Chrisman Marketplace is a centralized hub for vendors and service providers across the mortgage industry to be viewed by lenders in a very cost-effective manner. We’re adding new providers daily, so check back often to see what’s new. To reserve your place or learn more, contact us at info@chrismancommentary.com.
Thought Leadership from Better.com’s CEO
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Thought Leadership: Vishal Garg explores how mortgage systems shape access to homeownership and why technology must be designed to remove friction without removing humanity. From AI native underwriting to rethinking how consumers actually experience the process, he argues that simplicity, trust, and human judgment are the real unlocks. The goal is not a faster mortgage, but a better one that expands access and keeps the American dream within reach.
If you’re not at the MBA’s IMB
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You should be! How’s your company’s adjustable-rate product lineup? ARMs are back in vogue: why not obtain a .5 percent lower rate if the borrower won’t be in the home for more than five years, or is open to a refinance later? Are you excited about artificial intelligence? AI is all the rage, but it should be implemented in measured steps in certain departments, not companywide. Guardrails! And your company should have an AI task force since it does impact other groups.
Cyber security is on the mind of IT staff at vendors and lenders and trying to stay one step ahead of hackers intent on accessing systems and finances. The merger and acquisition activity is as busy as ever, especially given the upward trend in profitability… some company owners aren’t interested in going through another business cycle and would rather play with their grandkids. Politics and lending are more intertwined than ever, with the Trump Administration interested in headline-grabbing announcements with follow-through sporadic. Fannie and Freddie being released from conservatorship? Don’t hold your breath.
CFPB update
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The industry hopes that someone, anyone, can reign in LO comp regulation violations. Will it be the CFPB? Bloomberg reports that, “Consumer Financial Protection Bureau examiners sidelined by the Trump administration will be back on the job as early as April, but the number of exams they conduct, and the scope of their supervision will be cut back dramatically.
“CFPB supervisors will begin developing the scope of their exams next week, setting the stage to review companies’ books and records starting in the second quarter, top agency officials said at a Thursday virtual meeting with examiners, according to multiple people familiar with the situation who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
“The CFPB is expected to carry out fewer than 70 exams over the course of 2026, a steep drop from the past. The agency oversees banks, financial technology companies, debt collectors, consumer credit reporting companies, and others. “The CFPB averaged more than 600 “supervisory events” a year from fiscal 2020 through 2024, according to its most recent performance report.
“And all exams will be conducted virtually, rather than having examination teams travel to review company records and speak with employees in person, the people said. That’s a stark change from previous agency practice.”
Capital markets: big drop in new mortgage apps
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Overall trading yesterday was quiet, with small price moves across Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities rather than any major shift in market direction. There were some weak overseas signals, including a soft Japanese bond auction and a rate hike from the Reserve Bank of Australia. A brief government shutdown delayed the JOLTS release, while struggling equities later in the day helped Treasuries stabilize and edge slightly higher within a narrow trading range. In the mortgage market, most 30-year mortgage bonds edged slightly lower in price, underperforming Treasuries, which pushed mortgage yields higher relative to government bonds. Attention now turns to Wednesday’s ISM services data and the Treasury’s quarterly refunding announcement, with limited expectations for any surprises.
Today’s economic calendar kicked off with mortgage applications from MBA, which fell 8.9 percent for the week ending January 30, driven by a sharp 14 percent drop in purchase activity, likely reflecting disruptions from Winter Storm Fern. Refinance applications also declined 5 percent on the week despite mortgage rates edging down, though refi volume remains more than double year-ago levels. With the 30-year fixed rate only slightly lower at 6.21 percent, rate relief was insufficient to offset weather impacts or meaningfully boost borrower demand.
ADP employment for January (+22k, service jobs +21k, lower than expected) and the quarterly refunding announcement is ahead, as well as January services PMIs from S&P Global and ISM, remarks from Richmond Fed President Barkin and Fed Governor Cook, and continued quarterly earnings from Wall Street. We begin Wednesday with Agency MBS prices unchanged from Tuesday’s close, the 2-year yielding 3.57, and the 10-year unchanged from Tuesday’s 4.27 yield close.
As the MBA’s event wraps up, and while a chunk of the nation dreams of warmer climes, the subject comes up about retiring in Florida. You can retire to Florida, aka “God’s waiting room,” where…
1. You eat dinner at 3:15 in the afternoon.
2. All purchases include a coupon of some kind… even houses and cars.
3. Everyone can recommend an excellent dermatologist.
4. Road construction never ends anywhere in the state.
5. Cars in front of you often appear to be driven by headless people.
6. You can go to a Walmart at 2 a.m. and see someone in flip-flops, a bathrobe, and a live parrot on their shoulder, and no one bats an eye.
Visit www.ChrismanCommentary.com for more information on our industry partners, access archived commentaries, or subscribe to the Daily Mortgage News and Commentary. You can also explore the Chrisman Marketplace, a centralized hub connecting mortgage professionals with trusted vendors and solutions. If you’re interested, check out my periodic blog on the STRATMOR Group website. This month’s piece is titled, “Helping Borrowers in a Market Defined by Complexity and Change.” The Commentary’s podcast is available on all major platforms, including Apple and Spotify.
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(Market data provided in partnership with MBS Live. For free job postings and to view candidate resumes, visit the Chrisman Job Board. This newsletter is intended for sophisticated mortgage professionals only. There are no paid endorsements by me. For the latest mortgage news, visit Mortgage News Daily. For archived commentaries, or to subscribe, go to www.ChrismanCommentary.com. Copyright 2026 Chrisman LLC. All rights reserved. Paid job & product listings do appear. This report or any portion hereof may not be reprinted, sold, or redistributed without the written consent of Rob Chrisman. The views and opinions in this newsletter are mine alone unless otherwise specifically stated herein.)