Plano Business News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PLANO, Texas, Aug. 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its July 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which revealed that mortgage refinance demand surged to levels not seen since September 2022 amid softening interest rates. The lower interest rates seen in July also coaxed increased purchase activity, which, combined with greater refi activity, drove a 3.5% month-over-month (MoM) increase in mortgage rate lock volumes.

PLANO, Texas, July 23, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced the delivery of generative AI capabilities centered on helping lenders maximize profitability on every loan transaction. Through direct engagement with its thousands of clients, the company has begun delivering generative AI capabilities built for secondary-market-specific use cases and purposefully designed to solve the real-world challenges that mortgage lenders face.

PLANO, Texas, July 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, the leading provider of sports management solutions, is excited to announce the signing of its new strategic partnership with The Miracle League, an organization focused on providing opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball.

PLANO, Texas, July 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its June 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which revealed a stagnant late-spring housing market as home prices dropped for the first time in 2024 and purchase lock counts fell 8% over the previous year. All mortgage lock figures in this news release have been controlled for fewer market days in June.

PLANO, Texas, June 25, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue announced the release of Competitive Data License, a collection of key national mortgage pricing data that enables lenders to price products competitively, operate more profitably, and react swiftly to changing market conditions. Competitive Data License draws upon direct-source loan data from the Optimal Blue PPE, which is used to price and lock over 35% of loans in the United States.

PLANO, Texas, June 19, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, the leading provider of sports management solutions, announced the renewal of its multi-year partnership with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Sports, an interdenominational Christian sports ministry working to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

PLANO, Texas, June 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its May 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which revealed a 25.6% month-over-month (MoM) spike in rate-and-term mortgage refinances. The spike was a response to a modest drop in the Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming rate, which ended the month at 7.02%.

PLANO, Texas, June 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced the appointment of Joe Tyrrell as CEO. Tyrrell succeeds interim CEO Scott Smith of Optimal Blue’s parent company, Constellation Software Inc. Tyrrell brings over 25 years of experience in the mortgage, finance, and technology industries to Optimal Blue.

PLANO, Texas, May 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue announced the launch of its Optimize Your Advantage campaign in advance of the MBA Secondary and Capital Markets Conference. This comprehensive brand initiative highlights the value and innovation the company delivers to clients. Through Optimal Blue’s position as the housing industry’s only end-to-end capital markets platform, lenders and other market participants have greater control of their profit margins, giving them distinct advantages, regardless of market conditions.

PLANO, Texas, May 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its April 2024 Originations Market Monitor report, which reveals the first year-over-year increase in purchase mortgage lock counts since the Federal Reserve initiated rate hikes in March 2022.

DALLAS, Texas, May 6, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, the leading provider of youth sports software has launched a new rewards program delivering significant savings to youth sports families in the United States and North America. With Stack Rewards, families can earn cashback on everyday shopping and access special offers and deals to help pay for sports, resulting in projected savings of $100 million annually.

PLANO, Texas, April 24, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced that Brennan O’Connell, director of data solutions, has been honored with the 2024 HousingWire Rising Stars award. The award program celebrates emerging leaders in real estate and mortgage who have demonstrated rapid career growth and an ability to lead, achieving remarkable milestones before the age of 40.

PLANO, Texas, April 9, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced that it has elevated Rick Allen to chief operating officer (COO). Most recently serving as Optimal Blue’s chief administrative officer, Allen brings more than 35 years of experience in the housing industry to his senior leadership role. Throughout his tenure at Optimal Blue, Allen has played an integral role in the enhancement and delivery of products to add exceptional value to the company’s clients.

PLANO, Texas, April 8, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue released its March 2024 Originations Market Monitor report, which reveals the average homebuyer credit score has reached 737 – an all-time high since the company began tracking this data in January 2018. Despite the potential buyer pool being somewhat limited to borrowers with higher credit, rate lock volume showed steady month-over-month growth of 17% in March as the spring buying season got underway.

PLANO, Texas, March 25, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports, the leading provider of sports technology solutions, proudly announces the renewal of its partnership with USA Lacrosse, the governing body for the sport in the United States and a Recognized Sports Organization by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, for an additional two years. As part of this continued collaboration, Sports Connect will serve as an Official League Registration Partner of USA Lacrosse.

PLANO, Texas, March 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The GOALS Council, a strategic advisory body formed by Stack Sports and influential youth soccer leaders in 2021, will host their second virtual roundtable tailored for youth sports enthusiasts on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, featuring a distinguished panel of industry leaders discussing pressing topics identified by the GOALS Council.

PLANO, Texas, March 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Skyhawks powered by Stack Sports has signed a two-year agreement with Imagine Rugby and Major League Rugby (MLR) to be their Official Youth Flag Rugby Partner. This will provide access to the Skyhawks’ extensive network with programming slated to launch this summer.

PLANO, Texas, March 11, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue released its February 2024 Originations Market Monitor report, which reveals that the spring homebuying season has kicked off with a jump in monthly purchase mortgage locks. The seasonal spike in purchase locks propelled a net increase in origination activity, even as higher interest rates led to steep declines in mortgage refinances.

PLANO, Texas, March 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced its vice president of finance, Mike Schommer, has been honored as a 2024 HousingWire Finance Leader. The award program celebrates senior finance executives who have exhibited exceptional leadership in corporate finance, capital markets, and accounting within the mortgage and real estate sectors.

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 28, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Six months ago iSport360 partnered with Stack Sports to launch a free weekly newsletter which has now become the largest sports parenting newsletter in youth sports today. With 3.5 million sports parent readers, many of whom are also coaches and sports organizers, the newsletter focuses on helping families play more and worry less. The curated newsletter includes stories about understanding the sports parent psyche, helping coaches and parents work together, nurturing empowered young athletes, nutrition and hydration for a healthy athlete, supporting players’ physical and mental health, and so much more.

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 12, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced the release of its Originations Market Monitor report, looking at mortgage origination data through January month-end. Leveraging daily rate lock data from the Optimal Blue PPE – the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine – the Originations Market Monitor provides a comprehensive and timely view into origination activity.

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 2, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced its selection by HousingWire as a Tech100 Mortgage award winner. Now in its 12th year, HousingWire’s Tech100 award program spotlights the most innovative and impactful tech organizations in housing.

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 1, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A game-changing collaboration has emerged between Stack Sports, a leading sports technology provider, and Expedia Group, the world’s leading traveler technology platform. Together, they’re set to redefine the way sports families plan their travel, offering substantial savings to make supporting athletes at various events more accessible and affordable.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — USA Field Hockey, the national governing body for the sport of field hockey in the United States, is excited to announce a landmark partnership with Skyhawks powered by Stack Sports. This strategic collaboration aims to introduce field hockey to young athletes across the country and foster the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 16, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced releases related to its publicly listed, native mobile app for the Optimal Blue PPE – the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine. The releases consist of a new mobile app for Android, as well as enhancements to the company’s mobile offering for iOS.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 15, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Today, Optimal Blue announced the release of its Originations Market Monitor report, looking at mortgage origination data through December month-end. Leveraging daily rate lock data from the Optimal Blue PPE – the industry’s most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine – the Originations Market Monitor provides a comprehensive and timely view into origination activity.

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 10, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The GOALS Council, a strategic advisory body formed by Stack Sports and influential youth soccer leaders in 2021, has announced the appointment of three new members: Martin Fox, Program Manager for the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, Chris Solomons, National Director, Community Engagement and Business Development at AYSO, and Dr. Jené Baclawski, Senior Coach Educator at U.S. Soccer.

PLANO, Texas, Dec 6, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Texas Rangers, an iconic Major League Baseball team based in Arlington, TX, have secured their first World Series Championship. Behind the scenes, the Texas Rangers employed GamePlan, a cutting-edge mobile game preparation tool, to navigate their journey to clinch the championship.

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 17, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Sports and TrackMan Baseball are thrilled to unveil an exclusive partnership that solidifies TrackMan as the official tracking technology for Area Code Baseball. This collaboration will usher in cutting-edge technology for high school baseball players participating in the premier showcase events.

PLANO, Texas, June 28, 2023 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Stack Tourney, powered by Stack Sports, is a leading provider of youth sports tournaments and thrilled to announce its partnership with Baseball New South Wales (Baseball NSW), the governing body for baseball in the state. This collaboration aims to advance the growth and development of youth baseball across New South Wales, fostering a stronger foundation for the sport’s future.