Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough kick off the show with a review of August 2025 mortgage data, covering rate lock and secondary market activity.

The hosts then sit down with Optimal Blue Chief Technology Officer Seever Sulaiman to unpack a recent presentation he delivered on maximizing and measuring ROI on AI investments. The conversation explores the components that go into an AI investment, the role of small vs. large language models, and the importance of building a “center of excellence” to drive innovation within an organization.

Key Takeaways:

• August saw a 2% decline in overall rate lock volume, with purchase activity down 10% and rate-term refinances surging 70%.
• Non-QM lending rose to 8.34% of total production in August, hitting a new record high.
• An AI “center of excellence” can help an organization foster internal expertise necessary for a foundation of success.
• Not all AI use cases require large language models; small language models can be more cost-effective, easier to deploy, and sufficient for many tasks.
• To measure AI, organizations should identify high-impact use cases, benchmark current performance, and track improvements.

Links and Resources:

• Follow Seever Sulaiman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seeversulaiman/
• The AI Hype Cycle – Clip from Seever’s Presentation: https://youtu.be/lmPJDJ9Mnr8
• 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
• Follow Mike Vough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vough-60467826/
• 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/

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

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...

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough open the show with a discussion on July 2025 mortgage data, highlighting trends in rate lock volumes, refinance activity, and non-agency lending. Later in the episode, Olivia and Mike sit down with Julian Hebron, founder of The Basis Point, to explore rate outlooks, lending trends, and the evolving role of technology in the mortgage industry.

Julian shares The Basis Point’s view that mortgage rates could fall faster than current forecasts suggest, driven by political pressure and potential leadership changes at the Fed. He also discusses the rise of non-QM, HELOCs, and bridge loans as permanent credit tools, and introduces a bold take on the one-stop-shop ownership model – where real estate brokerage becomes a customer acquisition strategy rather than a profit center.

Key Takeaways:

• July saw a 3% decline in rate lock volumes and a 5% drop in purchase activity, offset by increases in cash-out and rate-term refinances.
• Non-agency and non-QM lending continue to grow, driven by investor demand and gig economy borrowers.
• The CME Mortgage Rate future is gaining traction as a hedging tool for MSR and non-agency loan risk.
• The Basis Point forecasts lower mortgage rates by late 2025, citing political pressure and potential Fed leadership changes.
• HELOCs and bridge loans are gaining popularity due to record tappable equity and evolving borrower needs.

Links and Resources:

• Follow Julian Hebron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhebron/
• Learn more about The Basis Point: https://thebasispoint.com/
• 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
• Follow Mike Vough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vough-60467826/
• 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/

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

AI at Optimal Blue – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line

Is your technology vendor selling real solutions – or just the idea of them? Too often, companies pitch big returns, offer free trials, and promise seamless automation, only to reveal during implementation that the tech doesn’t actually exist. At Optimal Blue, we take a different approach. Our AI-powered automation is already live, already delivering, and already saving lenders real dollars. We show you exactly where the ROI comes from

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey and Mike Vough discuss the June 2025 Market Advantage report, including notable shifts in loan sale execution and pull-through trends. They’re joined by Rob Kessel, founder of Panoramic Capital Advisory and Consulting, who brings decades of capital markets expertise to the conversation.

Rob shares insights on capital markets training and secondary marketing strategy, covering foundational concepts like the best efforts versus mandatory spread, pull-through modeling, and loan sale execution. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, data-driven decision-making, and continuous education in maximizing lender profitability. The conversation also explores how AI and evolving technologies are reshaping the mortgage landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Loans sold to aggregators dropped from 38% to 35%, while agency-backed executions rose, highlighting a shift in lender strategy amid changing market conditions.
• Purchase pull-through rates climbed to nearly 85%, suggesting stronger borrower commitment even as rate volatility introduces new hedging complexities.
• Understanding the best efforts versus mandatory spread is crucial for lenders deciding when to take on risk and how to price loans effectively.

Links and Resources:

• Subscribe to the Market Advantage data report: https://engage.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 Rob Kessel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kessel-66776a6/
• Learn more about Panoramic Capital Advisory and Consulting: https://panoramiccap.com/
• Follow Mike Vough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vough-60467826/
• Follow Olivia DeLancey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-delancey/

Commentary included in the podcast shall not be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

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:...

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:...

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:

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

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey and Brennan O'Connell are joined by Mike Vough, Optimal Blue’s head of corporate strategy, to discuss March 2025 mortgage rate lock data, the latest market trends, and the impact of technological innovations on driving profitability in the mortgage industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Positive Market Trends: March saw a 24% increase in rate lock volumes MoM and a 21% rise in purchase volumes MoM, indicating a strong market performance.
• Refinance Activity: Significant increases in rate-and-term refinances (up 52%) and cash-out refinances (up 20%) MoM due to a better rate environment.
• Purchase Market Challenges: Despite positive MoM numbers, YoY purchase volumes declined by 2%, with lock counts down 6%.
• Shift Toward Non-Agency Loans: Decrease in GSE-eligible production and an increase in non-agency and jumbo loans, driven by high investor demand.
• Technological Innovations: Introduction of AI tools like Ask Obi for real-time data access and automated hedging insights, helping lenders save time and maximize profitability.
• Strategic Recommendations: Emphasis on creating proprietary rate sheets and adopting dynamic, cashflow-based servicing valuations to stay competitive.

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
• Mike Vough’s recent opinion piece in MBA NewsLink: https://newslink.mba.org/mba-newslinks/2025/march/tech-and-ai-are-advancing-so-whats-next-for-mortgage-pricing/
• Follow Mike Vough on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vough-60467826/
• 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...

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/

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: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-to-host-its-2026-summit-february-23-25-in-scottsdale Registration: Summit.OptimalBlue.com...

At the first annual Optimal Blue Summit, Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue, reflects on past industry challenges, the importance of preparation, and the rapid advancements in technology.

He shares insights on Optimal Blue's new core competencies, including flexibility, transparency, innovation, value, and control, all aimed at increasing profitability for their partners.

Discover how Optimal Blue is leading the way with innovative AI solutions that solve lenders’ real-world challenges and a commitment to delivering unparalleled value at no additional cost.

Learn more about our new product innovations: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-introduces-seven-major-innovations-at-its-inaugural-user-summit-in-san-diego/

Mentioned in this episode:

AI at Optimal Blue – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line

Is your technology vendor selling real solutions – or just the idea of them? Too often, companies pitch big returns, offer free trials, and promise seamless automation, only to reveal during implementation that the tech doesn’t actually exist. At Optimal Blue, we take a different approach. Our AI-powered automation is already live, already delivering, and already saving lenders real dollars. We show you exactly where the ROI comes from and how it reduces risk – no vague timelines, just proven technology that’s working in production today. AI at Optimal Blue isn’t just about delivering software; it’s about empowering lenders to make smarter decisions, operate more efficiently, and stay ahead of the curve. Built around real capital markets challenges, informed by direct engagement with thousands of clients, and focused on delivering measurable value at no additional cost to clients, while others talk about AI, we’re delivering it – Innovation That Delivers for Your Bottom Line.

AI at Optimal Blue - MA

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: https://www2.optimalblue.com/optimal-blue-to-host-its-2026-summit-february-23-25-in-scottsdale Registration: Summit.OptimalBlue.com

Summit - MA