AI Strategy, SaaS, HELOC, Non-QM Products; Webinars; Capital Markets React to Election Results

Yes, there was/is an election which is certainly a discussion topic here in Dallas, but regardless of the results, many people who don’t own homes want to buy one, and people who do may be facing life changes and could use personal advice. Here’s a trend: Homeowners who won’t give up a 3 percent mortgage are becoming landlords instead. Do you have a product (and underwriting) to help them at every stage? Another reason for personal consulting with borrowers: A fixed-rate mortgage may remain stable for thirty years, but the cost of owning that home does not. Property taxes continue to rise, insurance premiums are increasing across much of the country, utility costs are climbing, and climate-related risks are beginning to reshape both local markets and the availability of coverage. Those expenses are becoming a larger driver of affordability than interest rates alone, yet they remain secondary considerations in many lending, servicing, and valuation models. The result is a growing disconnect between qualifying someone to purchase a home and preparing them to successfully own it over the long term. Homeownership should not be evaluated solely at origination, but rather over the full life of the loan. (Today’s podcast can be found here. This week’s ‘casts are presented by FirstClose, which helps financial institutions grow a successful home equity business with innovative solutions that minimize application drop-off, automate time-consuming processes, and reduce time to close from weeks to days. Today’s has an interview with FirstClose’s John Aslanian on home equity lending trends and how their platform aims to improve lenders’ efficiency and borrower experience.)

Lender and Broker Products, Services, and Software

Automating individual tasks isn't the same as transforming mortgage operations. Real efficiency comes from connecting people, policies, systems, and decisions across the entire loan lifecycle. JazzX AI creates a governed intelligence layer that orchestrates work from application through post-close, without replacing your LOS. See how leading lenders are reducing cost per loan and increasing throughput. Book a demo with our team to see JazzX in action.

2 AI WAYS TO CUT LENDER SaaS FEES. There are 2 main tech strategy paths lenders talk about most right now. (1) AI-enhance your chosen tech stack – no disruption, no rip and replace, or (2) build a proprietary AI-native system of record you actually own. CI&T does both. For lenders who want to keep their stack, CI&T mortgage specialists custom build an AI-powered UX layer over a lender’s existing stack, delivering results within 60-90 days, then the lender owns it – no SaaS fees. For lenders who want to go proprietary LOS, CI&T builds full custom origination platforms, starting with a 3–6-month proof of concept, then a fast full-tilt build… also no SaaS fees. CI&T was accepted into Anthropic’s Claude Partner Network to get 1,000+ engineers Claude-certified, so both paths get built and deployed faster for lenders (and not just with Claude either). Reach out to Tim Von Kaenel and Dawn Svedberg to discuss details.

“Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have issued AI governance requirements for sellers and servicers. ICE is helping servicers address this concern through its commitment that our AI capabilities are governable, auditable, and explainable. For example: configurable guardrails keep AI within the topics you allow. Transcripts, summaries, sentiment analysis and agent scorecards give you a clear record of each interaction. Learn how to move forward with AI safely and keep the trust of borrowers, employees, and regulators.”

AI has moved past the demo stage. Lenders no longer ask what AI can do; they ask vendors to show their work, then prove it on every loan. In a new blog, Blue Sage Solutions explains what that shift means for lenders and their technology partners. With Fannie Mae’s updated Information Security and Business Resiliency Supplement taking effect January 18, seller-servicers must maintain AI use-case inventories, continuous model monitoring, change management controls, and real oversight of the vendors whose AI touches their loans. In short, your vendor’s AI is your regulatory responsibility. Before any tool clears a risk committee, lenders need clear answers: Is borrower data training someone else’s model? Where does that data travel? Can the system explain how it reached every conclusion? Blue Sage covers what lenders are asking today, the three architectural standards to demand from technology partners, and a phased approach to adopting AI that starts small and scales with control. Read more.

What Does It Really Take to Make AI Work in Mortgage Lending? AI is reshaping mortgage operations, but turning that into measurable results requires more than just choosing the right vendor. To understand what separates successful implementations from stalled initiatives, TRUE gathered insights from some of the top respected industry voices spanning lending, technology, and AI innovation. True’s newest whitepaper examines the operational, organizational, and strategic decisions lenders need to get right before AI can deliver lasting value. Six Principles for Moving AI from Pilot to Production offers an industry-informed framework for moving forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. Explore the Six Principles.

The next Chrisman Demo Day is November 19 and is a free perk for all Chrisman Marketplace members. If you're a technology or service provider and haven't joined the Marketplace yet, reach out to Chloe Murray at info@chrismancommentary.com to learn more.

The Chrisman Marketplace is a centralized hub for vendors and service providers across the 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.

Correspondent and Broker Products

“Don’t let the current interest rate environment or winter slowdown put your business on ice. Brokers Advantage Mortgage has your strategy for uncovering new opportunities today and building momentum for 2027: Closed-End Second (CES). Help qualified borrowers access their home equity while keeping their existing first mortgage intact. From homeowners with changing financial needs to real estate investors seeking additional capital, our CES programs give you more ways to serve your clients. Put these advantages to work: Loan amounts up to $1 million; DSCR CES options for eligible real estate investors; Flexible income documentation options for self-employed borrowers; Dedicated Account Executive support to help you navigate opportunities. Start with your database. Reconnect with past clients, identify new equity needs, and turn established relationships into your next loan opportunity. Connect with your Brokers Advantage Account Executive and build your winning strategy for the year ahead.”

Is your HELOC business missing self-employed borrowers? Traditional HELOC requirements can make it difficult for these homeowners to qualify. eRESI’s Bank Statement HELOC gives you another way to serve self-employed borrowers, and capture production you might otherwise miss. Whether you’re growing an established HELOC business or adding it to your offering, eRESI’s HELOC program helps you capitalize on today’s equity opportunity. Available to Delegated and Non-Delegated sellers, the program offers loan amounts up to $500,000, Full Doc and Bank Statement options, and first- or second-lien options. Make self-employed borrowers part of your HELOC growth strategy. Explore HELOC Opportunities with eRESI.

Make second liens part of your 2027 growth plan. Arc Home offers Closed-End Seconds and HELOCs across wholesale, delegated, and non-delegated correspondent channels, giving you more ways to help clients and grow repeat business. Closed-End Seconds offer up to $500,000 with fixed-rate terms and Full Doc or bank statement options. Primary residences, second homes, and investment properties are eligible. Correspondent HELOCs offer lines up to $350,000 with interest-only options. For brokers, HomeEQ pairs a digital HELOC experience with dedicated personal support, lines up to $500,000, 2 percent broker compensation, and funding in as few as five days. Whether clients are planning renovations, consolidating debt, or preparing for a major expense, you have a reason to reach out and a range of options to discuss. Start with the homeowners you already know. Contact your Arc Home account executive to review a scenario and put our second lien options to work for your business.

Webinars Coming Up

“What do the best credit union members and the best friendships have in common? The longer the relationship lasts, the better you understand what matters to them. In mortgage lending, data can help build that understanding from the very first interaction through the life of the member relationship. Join Optimal Blue on November 17 at 1 p.m. CT to see how mortgage market intelligence can help credit unions make smarter decisions, drive growth, and deepen member relationships. We’ll explore how connecting insights across marketing, pricing, origination, servicing, and retention can help turn everyday data into smarter decisions and more personalized member experiences. Whether you're looking to grow, improve performance, or deepen member relationships, you'll leave with actionable ideas you can put to work right away. Turn market insight into member impact. Register now.”

You can help turn a veteran’s service into their chance at generational wealth. Veterans and military families represent one of the most resilient and qualified buyer segments in today’s housing market, yet misperceptions surrounding VA financing continue to create friction and leave deals on the table. On November 18 at 11AM PT, join Cotality and a panel of VA lending experts for a tactical panel discussion exploring how leading lenders win more VA volume by navigating guidelines, eliminating overlays, busting listing agent myths and helping servicemembers build wealth through homeownership. Experts from Navy Federal, First American Title and Edge Home Finance will be participating in the discussion.

2 p.m. Sales Espresso LIVE at Falcon: Would You Bet Your Next Commission Check on That Advice? Sales advice is everywhere. Proof that it works for your business? That takes more than a confident speaker or a catchy social post. Join Skip Willcox, CMB, AMP, founder of Kairos Sales Group, for a live, 15-minute Sales Espresso at Falcon, Wednesday, Nov 4 at 2pm ET. Learn a practical way to evaluate sales advice, test an idea before going all in, and measure whether it earns more conversations, appointments, and business. Leave with a simple plan for putting your next great idea to the test.

Join the Minnesota Mortgage Association’s panel of builders, a loan officer, and a realtor, on November 4 at 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, as they lay the foundation for success in the builder channel, sharing insights, terminology, and strategies for Loan Officers to break into the builder business.

Mortgage Matters is tomorrow at 11AM PT. Presented by Lenders One, Matt Von Fossen never disappoints!

The Big Picture is tomorrow, November 5, at noon PT. Doug Long of Crittora joins Mitch Kider and Rob Chrisman for a conversation on technology, innovation, and the forces shaping the mortgage industry. The discussion explores emerging industry challenges, evolving lender needs, and how new solutions could influence the future of mortgage lending.

Loan Vision offers up, “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” on Thursday, November 10, at 1PM ET. “Rates aren’t coming down. Lenders aren’t waiting. Are they heading to sharper products, better service, leaner costs, or all of the above? Join Loan Vision’s Brian Friedman, Robbie Chrisman, and Rob Chrisman in discussing what they’re seeing lenders and clients do in this environment to help head into 2027.

Capital Markets

Markets view the Democratic sweep of Congress as limiting the likelihood of additional tax cuts and deficit-financed spending that could push Treasury yields higher. We can look for a halter on AI. But put another way, a divided government is potentially good for mortgage rates. Historically, Trump's election victories were followed by sharp increases in the 10-year Treasury yield, as markets priced in tax cuts and pro-growth policies. With inflation, Fed policy, and deficit expectations ultimately determining how much relief borrowers see, capital markets desks should favor light, flexible positioning as liquidity tightens and year-end approaches.

Although it takes a backseat to the election, economic data yesterday came in stronger than expected: September factory orders rose 1.8 percent versus the 1.2 percent consensus estimate, while shipments climbed 1.3 percent, which bodes well for manufacturing. Adding to the positivity, job openings increased to 7.52 million from 7.19 million, marking their first gain in five months and comfortably exceeding expectations of 7.1 million. Optimistically, the reports suggest resilient business activity and a labor market that may be regaining momentum, potentially tempering expectations for near-term Fed rate cuts and putting some upward pressure on Treasury yields and mortgage rates.

Today’s economic calendar kicked off with mortgage applications falling 1.2 percent for the week ending October 30, as purchase activity weakened 2 percent and remained 19 percent below year-ago levels, while refinance applications were essentially flat week over week and down 60 percent annually. Despite mortgage rates easing to their lowest level since September following the Fed's decision to hold rates steady, the decline in purchase activity suggests lower borrowing costs have yet to meaningfully revive housing demand.

We’ve also received October ADP Employment (+86k versus 75k estimates), the September Trade Balance, and the U.S. Treasury quarterly refunding announcement. Later today brings Final October S&P Global U.S. Services PMI, October ISM Non-Manufacturing Index, weekly crude oil inventories. With the media consumed with the election results, we begin the day with Agency MBS prices are slightly improved from Tuesday’s close, the 2-year yielding 4.60, and the 10-year yielding 4.92 after closing yesterday at 4.95 percent.