We’ve been handed the blueprints for a digital mortgage revolution. Last month, we talked about the architectural vision for the future of AI in the mortgage space. But now, we need to look at what’s actually being built in our businesses. Are lenders laying a solid foundation with automation and AI or are they building on shaky ground?
These articles are being released during a time of substantial change in our industry. Rocket is ‘trip downed’ on consolidation with the acquisition of Redfin and Mr. Cooper. They have staggering amounts of data and a history of leveraging data to drive their business. And the regulatory climate seems to be shifting under our feet, making us ask ourselves how we can better use data to design our processes for the future. And finally, meanwhile we have a major change in our geo-political climate, with tariff winners and losers being debated, and financial markets reacting to all the changes. So, we certainly are entering a climate where mortgage bankers will be experiencing a lot of external changes, but we challenge mortgage executives to think about what they can do with their business to respond.
In this month’s InFocus article, Senior Partner Nicole Yung explores how the mortgage industry is in its own version of a “construction phase,” with technology like AI and automation hopefully paving the way for smoother, more efficient processes. The article highlights findings from STRATMOR’s 2024 Technology Insight® Study Digital Innovations module, including the rise of robotic process automation (RPA) and how lenders are using AI to streamline document processing. The key takeaway is clear: Lenders who build a strong tech foundation now will be ready to reap the benefits in the future. Don’t miss “Laying the Foundation for a Seamless Digital Mortgage Experience.”
In a second article this month, Customer Experience Director Mike Seminari shows mortgage professionals how to elevate client interactions by focusing on the small touches that truly make a difference. It’s no longer enough to just provide a service — lenders must create a seamless, transparent, and engaging experience for borrowers so they can stand out in a competitive market. In “Elevate Your Mortgage Journey from a Service to an Experience,” Mike shares actionable strategies for transforming your mortgage process into something that will leave a lasting impression and provide borrowers with an experience they’ll want to return to.
Thank you for joining us for the April Insights Report. Your success remains our top priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. STRATMOR provides a wide range of advisory services to facilitate, optimize and address the challenges lenders are facing today, including strategy design and implementation, financial benchmarking and performance, process review and improvement, maximizing servicing assets, optimizing your customer experience initiatives to get more business, technology procurement and implementation, M&A and strategic options, and much more. STRATMOR’s advisory team is available now to discuss these services. Please contact us to learn more.
The results from the Digital Innovations module of STRATMOR’s 2024 Technology Insight® Study offer a clear-eyed look at the state of digital adoption across the industry. Think of it as an on-site inspection of the mortgage tech foundation, highlighting the real progress being made—and the barriers that still need to be addressed.
I was in Las Vegas recently and had the pleasure of dining at Delilah, a swanky eatery inside the Wynn Resort. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it (and with that, I’m a bona fide “Promoter”), not just because of the great food, or the great décor, or the great service, or the live entertainment, but because ALL of these things came together to create an “experience” that I won’t soon forget. Imagine if our borrowers could say that about their loan experience.
Join us in Chicago, May 21 and 22, 2025, for the STRATMOR Consumer Direct Workshop, designed specifically for CD lenders looking to remain competitive and grow their revenue in 2025.
Origination costs are at an all-time high. Given that sales costs will continue to be the largest component of retail origination costs, what can be done to manage this beast?
Understanding the key characteristics of the Expense Management Branch (EMB) and comparing the key performance metrics between it and the corporate branch model is essential to identifying which is best for your organization.
Secret shopping is the best way for lenders to remove the disconnection between perception and reality and pave the way for meaningful improvements in customer experience.
The mortgage industry stands at the threshold of unprecedented transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) as the catalyst for change. Just as modern railways revolutionized transportation, AI is reshaping lending operations with promises of enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to navigate new routes.
AI serves as the powerful engine propelling our industry forward by:
Despite the clear potential, many lenders remain uncertain about selecting the right technology partners and implementing AI solutions while maintaining regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide, offering mortgage professionals a practical blueprint for leveraging AI in their operations. You’ll discover proven AI applications already delivering results, explore emerging technologies poised to reshape lending practices, and learn actionable implementation strategies that can position your organization at the forefront of this technological revolution.
To start the new year, we asked STRATMOR advisors: “What is the one thing you would tell your clients to focus on as we start 2025?” A clear takeaway emerged: adaptation is essential. Companies that resist change risk falling behind, while those that evolve with the market will maintain their competitive edge.
As we step into 2025, now is an ideal time to set resolutions that will guide your business toward continued growth and innovation. Whether it’s improving operational efficiencies, embracing new technology, or refining your customer experience, this year presents a unique opportunity to take practical steps that will pay dividends in the long run.
In this article, STRATMOR advisors offer practical recommendations to help you:
Read on so you can hit the ground running and make 2025 your best year yet.
As we approach the end of 2024, we’re excited to share our “Greatest Hits” compilation. This recap highlights the thought-provoking and impactful articles we published, showcasing the key insights, trends and discussions that defined our year.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or needs we might be able to help with.
