**Mortgage Tech, Tools, and Market Updates You Should Know**

**Sagent’s Game-Changing Servicing Platform at MBA Servicing ’26**

If you’re heading to MBA Servicing ’26 in Dallas, make sure to check out Sagent at booth #606. They’re showcasing “Dara” – their cutting-edge mortgage servicing platform that’s helping lenders simplify complex processes, cut costs, and improve the experience for homeowners. Dara brings everything together into one cloud-native system: real-time data, faster decision-making, built-in compliance, and automated workflows. It’s designed to help you save time and resources while staying ahead in today’s fast-changing market. Stop by the booth to see it in action and talk with Sagent experts about how it could benefit your servicing strategy.

**2026 Housing Market Outlook: Insights from First American**

First American’s 2026 Housing Market Outlook webinar is now available on-demand. Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi breaks down what’s ahead for the housing market, covering interest rates, home prices, inventory shortages, and affordability. This session offers expert analysis and data-backed forecasts to help you understand what’s driving today’s housing trends and what to expect in the coming months. A must-watch for anyone planning ahead or trying to navigate today’s challenges.

**Wire Fraud Warning: Secure Insight Calls for Better Vetting**

Secure Insight, a top name in fraud prevention for mortgage closings, is sounding the alarm after two recent wire fraud incidents. The problem? Title companies didn’t follow proper protocols. CRO Amanda Padd stressed the importance of working only with vetted settlement professionals to avoid costly mistakes. Secure Insight’s live monitoring database helps lenders stay protected by keeping tabs on verified agents. Learn more at their website if you’re looking to tighten your fraud prevention game.

**Chrisman Marketplace: Your Go-To Hub for Mortgage Vendors**

Looking for new tools or services? The Chrisman Marketplace brings mortgage industry vendors into one easy-to-navigate platform for lenders. It’s an affordable way to explore what’s out there—from tech providers to niche service firms. New listings are added regularly, so check back often to stay updated or reach out directly to reserve your spot.

**STRATMOR Opens 2026 Digital Mortgage Survey**

STRATMOR Group has launched its annual Technology Insight® Study – Digital Innovations module. This survey helps lenders understand how their tech stack compares with others in the industry. Topics include automation, AI use, digital mortgage adoption, and the expected benefits of tech investment. Lenders who participate get a summary report in Q1 2026 with insights and benchmarking data. It’s a great way to evaluate your digital strategy against industry standards.

**Non-QM Loans, Crypto & DSCR Updates**

The Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) space is gaining steam, offering more flexible loan options outside of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. Here’s what’s new:

– **Radian Mortgage Capital** has expanded its offerings to include non-QM products that support self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and those needing unique terms like interest-only payments or financing for non-warrantable condos.

– **Newrez** is making waves by accepting crypto assets as part of mortgage applications starting February. They’ve also teamed up with HomeVision to build an AI-powered underwriting system that delivers real-time loan decisions.

– **Newfi Correspondent** has rolled out easier bank statement qualifying for self-employed borrowers and expanded their DSCR loan options—including using crypto assets (like Bitcoin and Ethereum) held in accounts such as Coinbase or Fidelity as reserves without requiring liquidation.

– **American Pride Bank (APB)** has added new One-Time Close Construction Loan options through its wholesale division, tailored for entrepreneurs and self-employed clients.

– **Pennymac** released several updates affecting their Jumbo loan pricing and eligibility. Notably, they’ve lowered the minimum loan amount for ARM loans under their AUS Jumbo program.

– **LoanStream Wholesale** introduced a Foreign National DSCR program with flexible terms—loan amounts up to $2 million, LTVs up to 75%, and credit score options starting at 680 (or no FICO).

– **JMAC Lending** is offering a new Non-QM product called Newport, designed for borrowers who don’t fit traditional lending criteria.

– **United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM)** is celebrating 40 years in business with a special offer: brokers get 40 basis points on all new loans locked through February 27. This includes both conventional and government loans and can be combined with other pricing incentives.

**Capital Markets Update: Rates, Bonds, and Economic Trends**

President Trump’s softer tone on tariffs helped ease some market tension recently, but investors remain cautious due to ongoing uncertainty in U.S.-Europe trade relations. On the economic front:

– Jobless claims remain steady at 200,000.
– GDP was revised up slightly to 4.4%.
– Inflation (PCE) held steady at 2.8% for November.

These indicators suggest a stable labor market with moderate inflation—not enough yet to trigger interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Lisa Cook appears likely to remain in place following Supreme Court commentary, which supports Federal Reserve continuity.

The Biden administration’s plan to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities is unlikely to significantly reduce housing costs. Experts agree that boosting housing supply—not financing—is the key to affordability. Current bond-buying efforts may help narrow spreads temporarily but won’t solve the core issue.

Mortgage rates are creeping up again. According to Freddie Mac:

– 30-year fixed rates rose to 6.09%
– 15-year fixed rates increased to 5.44%

Despite this week’s uptick, rates are still lower than they were a year ago by about 80 basis points.

Looking ahead, market watchers are keeping an eye on S&P Global PMIs and consumer sentiment data due today. The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate steady at 0.75% while raising inflation and growth forecasts. As of this morning, bond yields are holding steady: the 10-year Treasury sits at 4.23%, just below yesterday’s close.

Stay tuned for more updates as the lending landscape continues to shift with tech innovations, economic policies, and evolving borrower needs.