Texas Business News

Texas Business News – including entertainment, finance, health and medical, non-profit, public policy and technology news from Texas, U.S.A. (TX), as issued by the Send2Press Newswire service.


40% Jump in Rate-and-Term Refis Drives Overall Lock Growth as Purchase Activity Stalls

PLANO, Texas, March 11, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its February 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showing a 7% month-over-month increase in mortgage lock volume driven primarily by a surge in refinance activity. Rate-and-term refinances saw the biggest jump, rising nearly 40% as homeowners seized the opportunity to lower their monthly payments. Cash-out refinances also edged higher, while purchase lock activity remained subdued for the second consecutive month.

The Mortgage Collaborative 3.16.25 Mortgage Tech Day Presents Five Startups to Compete in Dallas Pitch Event

DALLAS, Texas, March 10, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The future of mortgage technology is set to take the spotlight in Dallas as The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, and the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP present the seventh Mortgage Tech Day (MTD). [UPDATED]

Stack Sports Recognized as a Leader in Sports Technology and Expands Global Impact in 2024

DALLAS, Texas, March 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, the world’s largest provider of sports management solutions, celebrates another year of innovation, growth, and impactful partnerships in 2024. As the trusted partner to over 50 million users worldwide, Stack Sports remains steadfast in its mission to grow participation and transform the sports experience through cutting-edge technology and partner-focused solutions.

ProNotary to Exhibit at American Bar Association Tech Show 2025, Showcasing Cutting-Edge Remote Online Notarization Technology

DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ProNotary, a leader in remote online notarization (RON) technology, is pleased to announce its participation in the ABA Tech Show 2025, taking place April 2-5, 2025, in Chicago. The event, a premier legal technology conference, will bring together industry leaders, law firms, and tech innovators to explore the latest advancements in legal tech.

Zeteo Biomedical Introduces CygnusMR™ and CygnusSDX™ Delivery Devices for Nasal Administration of Dry Powder Drugs and Biologics

CEDAR PARK, Texas, Feb. 19, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Zeteo Biomedical LLC today announced the launch of its ZTech-P CygnusMR™ and CygnusSDX™ delivery devices, designed for precise, metered-unit dosing of dry powder drugs and biologics via systemic nasal and nose-to-brain administration. These innovative needle-free delivery systems provide pharmaceutical and biotech companies with advanced solutions to accelerate the development, clinical evaluation, and commercial deployment of dry powder nasal combination products for a broad range of therapeutic applications.

System4 Expands Further in Texas, Opens Austin Office

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — System4 Facility Services Management (“System4”), a leading company in facility management solutions that specializes in customized commercial cleaning, disinfection and repair and maintenance services announced that a new office has opened in Austin, Texas. System4 of Austin will be servicing Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson Counties.

January Mortgage Lock Data Shows Year-Over-Year Improvement in Refinance Volume Despite Higher Rates

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its January 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, revealing a sharp rise in year-over-year (YoY) refinance activity alongside a drop in purchase lock counts. The decline in purchase lock counts marks the lowest January count since Optimal Blue began tracking this data in 2019. Meanwhile, refinance lock volume surged even though the Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year ticked above 7% for the first time since May.

ProNotary launches comprehensive training program to help businesses seamlessly integrate remote notarization into their operations

DALLAS, Texas, Feb. 12, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ProNotary, a leading provider of remote online notarization (RON) technology, has launched a new comprehensive training program designed to help businesses seamlessly integrate remote notarization into their operations. This initiative aims to streamline onboarding, reduce knowledge loss due to turnover, and make RON adoption more accessible than ever. [UPDATED]

Celebrating Youth Sports Heroes: Stack Sports Names Winners of the 2024 Stack MVP Awards

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, the trusted leader in sports management technology, is honored to share the stories of 27 extraordinary individuals whose dedication and passion for youth sports have left a lasting impact on their communities. The Stack MVP Awards shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of sports-coaches, volunteers, officials, athletes, and leaders.

Click n’ Close’s SmartBuy™ Shared Appreciation Mortgage Program expands to Freddie Mac 30-year conventional loans

ADDISON, Texas, Feb. 6, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close (CNC), a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced its SmartBuy™ Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM) program now features a 30-year, fixed-rate conventional option approved by Freddie Mac.

Mortgage Machine Awarded Its First HousingWire Tech100 Recognition

ADDISON, Texas, Feb. 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine™ Services (Mortgage Machine), an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, announced that it has been selected by HousingWire magazine for its annual TECH100 award, marking Mortgage Machine’s first-ever inclusion on the premier list of mortgage and real estate technology providers. The magazine chose Mortgage Machine for its high efficiency, dedication to security and outstanding client growth outcomes.

NotaryCam honored on HousingWire’s annual Tech100 list of premier technology providers for the 7th time

HOUSTON, Texas, Feb. 4, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its inclusion in the prestigious Tech100 awards program. Now in its 13th year, HousingWire Magazine’s Tech100 program honors the most innovative and impactful organizations in the mortgage and real estate industries.

NotaryCam Drives Digital Transformation with Record Growth in 2024

HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 28, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and leading remote online notarization (RON) provider for real estate and legal transactions, announced a milestone year in 2024, having completed more than 154,000 RON transactions. The company also experienced a 26% increase in loss mitigation-related RON transactions through its real estate vertical, reflecting its ability to address lenders’ needs for efficient borrower support.

Concerned Shareholders of WOW issues the following letter to shareholders of WOW and WOW Management regarding the Unsolicited Non-Binding Proposal

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 23, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Concerned Shareholders of WOW today issued the following letter to the management of WOW. To the Management and Board of Directors of WideOpenWest, Inc. (WOW), We, as concerned stakeholders and shareholders are writing to formally request an update regarding the unsolicited non-binding preliminary proposal submitted on May 3, 2024

DataBahn Launches ‘Cruz,’ industry’s first Agentic AI-based ‘Data-Engineer-in-a-box’

DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 22, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DataBahn.ai (“DataBahn”), a trailblazer in Data Pipeline Management (DPM) and Data Fabric solutions, has unveiled Cruz, a cutting-edge AI agent tailored to revolutionize data engineering and operations. Purpose-built to address the complexities of modern data ecosystems, Cruz is designed to streamline processes, optimize workflows, and empower organizations to harness their data with unmatched efficiency.

Bridging Policy and People: How Nonprofit Story Bank Preserves Stories to Inspire Action

HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 17, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the nation honors the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and anticipates the transition to a new administration, the importance of amplifying the voices of those impacted by policies has never been greater. Nonprofit Story Bank is stepping forward to ensure these voices-the human stories behind the policies-are neither muffled or ignored.

December Mortgage Lock Data Reveals Year-Over-Year Increases Across All Loan Types Despite Seasonal Downturn

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 14, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its December 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showcasing year-over-year (YoY) growth in mortgage activity, even as seasonal trends led to a month-over-month (MoM) decline in rate lock volumes. Overall, December mortgage lock volume was up 26% YoY, driven by an 18% increase in purchase locks, a 43% rise in cash-out refinances, and an 82% jump in rate-and-term refinances.

ProNotary Invites Businesses to Partner for Wildfire Disaster Relief with Remote Online Notarization Solutions

DALLAS, Texas, Jan. 13, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In the wake of devastating wildfires, ProNotary, a leading remote online notarization (RON) software provider, is stepping up to empower businesses with the tools needed to integrate RON into their operations. By partnering with ProNotary, organizations can help communities impacted by these natural disasters access essential services like notarizing insurance claims, property agreements, and legal documents – all from a secure, remote platform.

New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Renews Longstanding Partnership with Sports Connect to Drive Soccer Forward

PLANO, Texas, and ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — New Mexico Youth Soccer Association (NMYSA), the governing body for US Youth Soccer in New Mexico, is proud to announce an extended multi-year partnership with Sports Connect powered by Stack Sports. As the Exclusive Technology, Online Registration, and League Management Provider, Sports Connect will continue delivering innovative solutions for NMYSA, affiliated clubs, and leagues, empowering administrators, coaches, families, and players to thrive on and off the field.

Mortgage Machine Services Fully Integrates AI-Powered Pricing Engine into Proprietary LOS

ADDISON, Texas, Jan. 8, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine Services (Mortgage Machine), an industry leader in digital origination technology to residential mortgage lenders, announced that it now offers an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered pricing engine. The pricing engine ingests and updates pricing for a lender’s investors and aggregators automatically.

Healthcare Insurance Policies Fuel Crisis: The Silent Killer of Home Care Agencies

HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 30, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A troubling reality in the healthcare industry has come to light: health care insurance companies are being allowed to prioritize profits over people, causing a devastating ripple effect that results in nearly 50% of home care agencies closing their doors within five years, says Ace Compliance Consulting. As the baby boomers retire, this systemic failure threatens the very fabric of our healthcare ecosystem and leaves vulnerable populations without essential care.

Stack Sports Teams Up with Gridiron Football to Drive the Sport of Flag Football Forward

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, the leading provider of sports management solutions, is excited to announce its renewed partnership with Gridiron Football, a national leader in youth non-contact football. As part of our partnership, Sports Connect will continue to serve as a preferred registration and website provider of Gridiron Football leagues across the United States.

Click n’ Close welcomes Jeff Raich to its National Sales bench

ADDISON, Texas, Dec. 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close (CNC), a multi-state mortgage lender serving consumers and mortgage originators through its wholesale and correspondent channels, today announced Jeff Raich has joined the organization as a national sales director in correspondent lending.

Skyhawks Sports Announces 2024 Coach of the Year Winner and Finalists

DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Skyhawks Sports, a Stack Sports company, is proud to announce the winner and finalists of the 2024 Coach of the Year Award. This annual accolade honors coaches who exemplify exceptional dedication, leadership, and a commitment to fostering positive sports experiences for young athletes.

Empowering Businesses and Notaries to Expand Their Reach with Cutting-Edge RON Technology

DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ProNotary, a pioneering force in the remote online notarization (RON) industry, today announced its expansion into Montana, Iowa, and Missouri. This milestone marks a significant step in ProNotary’s mission to provide seamless and secure notarization solutions across the United States, enabling notaries and businesses in these states to connect with clients anywhere in the world.

Mortgage Lock Activity Fell in November as Interest Rates Hit Their Highest Levels Since July

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its November 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, highlighting a 25% decrease in month-over-month (MoM) lock volume as interest rates hit their highest levels since early July, creating headwinds for affordability. Purchase lock volume was down 21% MoM, while cash-out and rate-and-term refinance volumes fell 20% and 50%, respectively.

Optimal Blue Announces Tony Hawk, Housing Industry Leaders to Headline Inaugural User Conference

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 5, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced the speaker lineup for its inaugural user conference, the Optimal Blue Summit 2025. Legendary skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk will headline the event. The conference will also feature sessions led by Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research and Business Development Michael Fratantoni, Ph.D., MBA Associate Vice President of Secondary and Capital Markets Sasha Hewlett, AMP, HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler, and representatives from Microsoft.

UTR Sports Partners with Stack Sports to Launch TeamInn Travel Services for Tennis and Pickleball

DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 25, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — UTR Sports, a global leader in tennis and pickleball player ratings and event management, today announced an expansion of its partnership with Stack Sports to incorporate TeamInn travel services. TeamInn, Stack Sports’ dedicated travel service platform, will now provide travel accommodations for UTR Sports tournaments and events, simplifying travel planning for players, coaches, officials, and fans.

Mortgage Machine awarded SOC 2 Compliance Status – AICPA-guided examination shows LOS operates as promised

ADDISON, Texas, Nov. 14, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mortgage Machine™ (MMS), the loan origination system of record for digital mortgage pioneer Click n’ Close (formerly known as Mid America Mortgage), has achieved SOC 2® compliance. Independent auditor Sensiba LLP (Sensiba) announced MMS’s successful completion of its System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II audit in early November.

October Mortgage Lock Data Shows Resilience and Cracks in the Mortgage Market as Interest Rates Tick up 65 Basis Points

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its October 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, highlighting resilient purchase activity in the face of rising interest rates and affordability challenges. Despite a 65-basis-point (bps) increase in the Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming rate, purchase lock volume grew by 12% month over month (MoM), signaling strong demand among homebuyers.

Optimal Blue Promotes Industry Experts to New Executive Roles to Accelerate Innovation and Prioritize Partnerships

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 11, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced two key executive promotions that will position the company to deliver innovation faster across the company’s entire capital markets platform, and to further expand the company’s network of partners. Erin Wester has been promoted to chief product officer and Mike Vough has been promoted to head of corporate strategy.

Click n’ Close Introduces New Down Payment Assistance Options for Shared Appreciation Mortgage Program

ADDISON, Texas, Oct. 24, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced two significant enhancements to its Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM) program. These updates will help make homeownership more accessible and financially advantageous for a broader range of buyers in today’s competitive housing market.

Autocraft Bodywerks Is Certified For Mercedes-Benz Collision Repair!

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Autocraft Bodywerks, now celebrating 40 years of excellence in automotive collision repair, located at 5411 Wasson Rd, Austin, Texas, has met all the program standards in the certification process for the Mercedes-Benz Elite Certified Collision Program, Autocraft Principal Chris Raeder announced today. Completion of the Mercedes-Benz certification program confirms Autocraft Bodywerks’ commitment to restoring Mercedes-Benz vehicles back to original factory specifications and showroom condition.

Rate-and-Term Refinance Locks Surge 700% Over Previous Year Following the FOMC’s September Interest Rate Reduction

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 8, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its September 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found a 50% month-over-month (MoM) increase in rate-and-term refinance activity as people who purchased homes in recent years jumped at the opportunity to lower their interest rates and mortgage payments. While the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered its target federal funds rate by 50 bps on Sept. 18, the market had already priced in a portion of the rate reduction, leading to a full month of increased refinance activity in September.

Optimal Blue Expands Expertise, Market Leadership With Launch of Two In-House Podcasts

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue announced the release of two in-house podcasts that extend the reach of the company’s capital markets experience and expertise built over its decades as the technology leader in its space. The Optimal Insights podcast and video, which will be released weekly, will provide timely analyses of market factors impacting loan originators and capital markets professionals.

Eagle Ventures Partners with Keel Point to Combat Human Trafficking Through Technology Investments

DALLAS, Texas, Sept. 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Eagle Ventures, through its Eagle Freedom Fund, a leading impact investment vehicle focused on combating human trafficking, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Keel Point, a national private wealth management, family office services, and institutional asset management firm. Keel Point will serve as a Sub-Advisor to the Eagle Freedom Fund, bringing its financial expertise to amplify the Fund’s efforts to invest in innovative technologies designed to combat human trafficking globally.

Optimal Blue Rolls Out Innovations in New UI, Gen AI, Originator Capabilities and New No-Cost Solutions

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced its extensive plans for innovation across its complete capital markets technology ecosystem leading up to its Optimal Blue Summit, where innovations will be unveiled live. New capabilities will be introduced into the core platform beginning in mid-September and continuing through the Optimal Blue Summit, a national user conference being held in San Diego in February.

NotaryCam hires Sam McPherson as new Head of Customer Success

HOUSTON, Texas, Sept. 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced the appointment of Sam McPherson as the new Head of Customer Success. In this role, McPherson will oversee customer relationships, focusing on delivering an exceptional client experience while driving retention and advocacy.

Rate-and-Term Refinances Surge 109% MoM in August as Mortgage Rates Decline

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its August 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which reveals an overall 1% rise in rate lock volume despite the typical seasonal slowdown in purchase lending. Lock volume growth was driven by a surge in refinance activity as homeowners reacted to declining mortgage rates.

Optimal Blue to Host Inaugural Industry Summit February 3-5, 2025

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced it will host its inaugural Optimal Blue Summit from February 3-5, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Set against the scenic backdrop of San Diego Bay, the Optimal Blue Summit 2025 will bring together clients from across primary and secondary mortgage networks to connect, learn, and share best practices for pricing and profitability.