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:

Optimal Blue Summit 2026 | February 23-25 | Scottsdale, Arizona

In case you missed it – Optimal Blue has announced the dates for its 2026 Summit! Join us February 23 – 25 at Talking Stick Resort and Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a client-exclusive event packed with strategic insight and innovation. Attendees will gain early access to Optimal Blue’s latest generative AI and automation tools, dive into expert-led sessions on pricing, compliance and more, and experience hands-on demos of new capabilities. Plus, it’s a chance to connect with capital markets pros, integration partners, and mortgage insiders—all while gaining actionable strategies to maximize profitability and sharpen your competitive edge. The Optimal Blue Summit: where proven mortgage expertise meets modern innovation to shape what's next. Early bird registration is now open at Summit.OptimalBlue.com – space is limited, so register today! News release:...