NEWS & INSIGHTS

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: lenders are entering a year defined not by rapid market swings, but by a steady push toward smarter operations, better workflows, and more intentional relationships. From conversations with credit unions, banks, and industry partners, five themes consistently rise to the top, and they reflect where the industry is truly heading. Here are the five trends we believe will shape lending in 2026, and how they are already influencing pl

As we head into the final quarter of 2025, mortgage rates and home-buying affordability continue to be a major challenge — for lenders, borrowers, and vendors alike. We’re not back to the sub-3% rates seen in early 2021, but rates have settled into what may become a “new normal” for now. Current Rate Landscape According to the most recent survey from Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 6.26%  for the week ending November 20, 2025. FRED+1 Mortgage-rate trackers li

By: Chuck Mureddu, Chief Valuations and Compliance Officer Artificial intelligence is no longer an experiment in the mortgage space, it’s reshaping how lenders, servicers, and valuation providers operate. From portfolio risk monitoring to borrower communication, AI is being integrated into processes that were once entirely manual, introducing new efficiencies and new responsibilities. In valuation specifically, AI is being layered into long-established technologies like Autom

Mortgage markets move in cycles, and right now we’re seeing a shift that has everyone talking. Reuters reported that Interest rates have...

The world of real estate valuation is about to get a serious upgrade. Starting September 2025 , Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will begin...

How Lenders Can Adapt in a Shifting Economic Landscape Interest rates are one of the most powerful levers in the U.S. economy, especially...

The mortgage industry has long embraced technology—but now, the focus is shifting toward speed, integration, and borrower experience. As...

In lending, compliance isn’t just about regulation; it’s about building trust, reducing risk, and enabling sustainable growth. Whether...