Pricing Engines Enhanced, Integrated
Integration is the name of the game lately when it comes to loan product and pricing engines. Recent alliances with loan search services involved providers of loan origination systems, mortgage compliance services and appraisal management software.

Net Branch Update
In addition to the stability afforded by bigger organizations -- net branch recruiters are promoting search engine help, government loan programs and high commission rates for prospective branches. Attendees to a recent net branch conference were highly optimistic about originations because of reduced competition.

Mobile Phone Technology Accelerates
A new iPhone application provides a powerful financial calculator that had previously been widely used as an independent electronic device. Other new phone applications include programs that generate mortgage leads, determine home values and manage loan documents. Several banks announced new mobile capabilities.

Appraisal Insider
A national coalition of appraisal trade groups has called on the government to fill a key appraisal post, while two associations have issued publications with detailed information about the appraisal process. In other activity -- appraisal management companies, management software providers and valuation technology firms are touting how they can help mortgage businesses improve their real estate valuation processes while maintaining compliance with government lending requirements.

The Mortgage Leads Ledger
Tree.com is attacking an anticipated decline in refinance volume with an increase in originator capacity. Two more firms announced their participation in Google's mortgage lead service, and lead companies are fine-tuning their Internet technology for maximum traffic and conversion rates -- while others are offering free resources to generate prospects.

3 DC-Area Organizations Add Executives A mortgage technology group that operates near the nation's capitol named several executives to various posts, while new executives were hired at a public relations firm and a law firm both based in Washington, D.C. Three former agency executives landed in senior posts at service providers, and a company that fixes loan problems has a new technology chief.

LOS Providers Go Compliant
Developers of loan origination systems have loaded their offerings with technology that helps mortgage originators stay compliant with agency guidelines, government lending requirements and mortgage regulations.

AMCs Versus In-House
An appraiser for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a trade group representing appraisers and another trade group representing appraisal management companies recently weighed in about the merits of using AMCs, appraisal management technology and in-house appraisal management.

Reverse Mortgage Help
The latest version of one loan origination system helps reverse mortgage originators meet new disclosure requirements, while setup fees are being waived by a provider of reverse mortgage Web sites. The biggest reverse mortgage lender has nailed another deal with a group of companies.