LOS to G/L Automation, MERS Audit, Broker Pricing, VOI/E, Serv. Retention Tools; Conventional Changes; Signing Bonus Drama

“Hey, just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right.” Lenders, who paid out bucks, believe that they are right and within their rights in “clawing back” bonuses paid to employees, namely producers, when production didn’t pan out. (Let me know if you need it sent to you.) Is the bond market “right” pegging Treasury and mortgage-backed security prices and therefore mortgage rates? The traditional “flight to quality” during international conflict hasn’t materialized for a variety of reasons including currency valuations, traditionally riskier assets such as equities or bitcoin becoming increasingly accepted as safe-haven investments, and the Federal Reserve currently acting as a net seller while the U.S. government is set to issue even more bonds. And despite years of predictions of a recession, the first reading of U.S. GDP for Q3 blew every analyst estimate out of the water: The American economy expanded at an annualized rate of 4.9 percent to reflect the strongest quarter since Q4 2021 and driven by strong consumer spending. Sure, we’re tapping into savings, but we’re still buying! (Today’s podcast can be found here, sponsored by Richey May, a recognized leader in providing specialized advisory, audit, tax, technology and other services to the mortgage industry for almost four decades. Hear an interview with Canopy Mortgage’s Jeff Reeves on how companies are driving down origination costs.) Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services