Click n’ Close Adds DPA Shared Appreciation Option

Click n’ Close expanded its down payment assistance loan products with a shared appreciation option. The DPA with Shared Appreciation program gives borrowers a low interest rate for first-lien FHA and USDA loans and a repayable second lien in exchange for up to 40% of the home’s appreciation in the first five years. After that period ends, the shared appreciation amount is added to the second lien and amortized over the remaining term. “It’s no secret that the combination of rising interest rates, limited inventory, and growing property appreciation have made it more difficult for potential homebuyers to purchase in today’s market. While existing homeowners have benefitted tremendously from skyrocketing home equity, that same trend has put buyers at a…

Rick Allen Promoted To Optimal Blue COO

Rick Allen has been named Chief Operating Officer at Optimal Blue, the company announced in a press release. In his new position, he will focus on operational oversight across the company and work to enhance efficiencies and execution. “Our clients have long relied on our technology and data to operate profitably and efficiently, and our ability to serve them has always come from our own ability to operate with agility,” said Allen.  “It’s a privilege to step into this role and assume executive oversight of Optimal Blue’s operations so we can continue delivering the highest quality products and services to our customers and partners.” Allen was promoted from his position as Chief Administrative Officer. He brings nearly four decades of…

Matt Kingsborough Joins Planet Home Lending

Matt Kingsborough has joined Planet Home Lending as Regional Sales Manager, the company announced in a press release. Kingsborough brings more than twenty years of industry experience to the position. He will oversee Planet’s expansion in the Western U.S. Kingsborough said he emphasizes personal and professional development among employees, focusing on work-life balance to encourage growth and success in the lending business. “I’m here to build on our presence in the West by fostering an environment where mortgage loan originators and branch managers can truly thrive,” he commented. Prior to Planet, Kingsborough served as National Sales Director for Soar Energy Solutions, a solar provider, where he developed his leadership skills working with high-volume teams. His past mortgage experience includes Northern…

Jeff Fonda Joins Nymbus As CFO

Jeff Fonda is joining financial tech solutions company Nymbus as its new Chief Financial Officer. Fonda brings a deep well of experience to the position, having expertise in fintech, SaaS, and executive-level leadership.  His experience includes VP of Finance at Mortgage Cadence, a cloud-based digital lending platform. He also spent many years in leadership positions for financial planning and analysis across several companies. Prior to Nymbus, Fonda served as CFO of DotCom Therapy, a telehealth therapy company. “Jeff’s proven track record in financial leadership at high-growth companies aligns perfectly with our mission. His expertise will be instrumental as we expand our partnerships with banks and credit unions, providing them with accessible solutions to move beyond the constraints of traditional banking…

Marketing Exec Courtney Dodd Joins Floify

Mortgage POS company Floify hired Courtney Dodd as its head of marketing, the company announced in a press release. In her new role, Dodd will lead Floify’s marketing team to “reinvigorate” the company’s brand and position it as a leading innovator in the field. “I’m very excited about Floify’s mission to simplify and facilitate the point-of-sale processes to help people feel more confident and comfortable with applying for and following up on their loan,” says Dodd. Dodd brings more than a decade of industry experience to the position. She previously served as Director of Integrated Marketing at SimpleNexus, driving business growth through enhanced brand relationships across audiences. Her other experience includes product marketing manager at Ellie Mae (now ICE Mortgage…

Newrez, Keller William Launch NJ Mortgage Company

Newrez announced a new venture mortgage company with Keller William Bergen County Partners. Headquartered in Ridgewood, NJ, Carnegie Mortgage Partners allows homeowners in New Jersey to access a network of real estate agents offering mortgage product suites from Newrez and Newrez Ventures. “We are excited to partner with Newrez because their vision, and more importantly, their values fit nicely with our own,” said Al Donohue, Operating Principal of Keller Williams Bergen County Partners. “We feel that bringing mortgage operations in-house will allow us to provide a one-stop-shop that will provide an enhanced experience for our agents and their clients.” The company specializes in residential purchase mortgage lending and will focus on borrowers in New Jersey. Newrez noted that the partnership…

Guild Acquires Illinois-based First Centennial Mortgage

Guild Mortgage has acquired Illinois-based First Centennial Mortgage, the company announced in a press release. Founded in 1995 by brothers Steven and David McCormick, First Centennial operates predominantly in the Midwest. It recently ranked 64 of 75 in Scotsman Guide’s Top Mortgage Lenders of 2023 list and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine from 2017 to 2022. San Diego-based Guild Mortgage is a nationally recognized independent mortgage lender providing residential mortgage products and local in-house origination and servicing. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. “We continue to effectively execute our strategy to grow and gain market share through acquisitions where there exists a strong cultural match and the potential…

Arrive Home Promotes Two Execs

Arrive Home has promoted two c-suite executives, the company announced in a press release. Matt Pettit, co-founder and president, has been promoted to CEO, while Tai Christensen, co-founder and chief diversity and public relations officer, will replace him as president. Arrive Home is a national affordable housing program that provides down payment assistance offerings and alternative credit solutions to underserved and minority communities. Arrive says the change reflects the company’s growth since debuting in November 2022. “We are thrilled with the progress we’ve made since launching last year, and are excited to introduce other credit solutions to the market in the coming months,” said Pettit. Arrive offers a suite of products geared towards helping new borrowers buy a home, especially…

Open Lending’s Tom Rice Joins Volly

Tom Rice has been named SVP of Sales and Account Management at mortgage tech and marketing company Volly, according to a press release. Rice brings more than two decades of experience to the position, having previously served in leadership roles at Open Lending and CUNA Mutual. “I am thrilled to be a part of the Volly team,” said Rice. “I joined the company at a very exciting time. Volly is an incredibly innovative company with a people- and values-first approach that I greatly admire.” In his new role, he will lead Volly’s sales team while increasing revenue growth through new initiatives and programs. “I am beyond excited to have Tom join us here at Volly,” said CEO Katharine Loveland. “His…

SoFi Acquires Wyndham Capital Mortgage In Cash Deal

Digital financial services company SoFi Technologies has acquired Wyndham Capital Mortgage, the company announced in a press release. SoFi is a financial services company that offers a lending arm, as well as a financial technology stack. SoFi’s acquisition includes both talent and technology, allowing the company to expand the mortgage products available to its members. By integrating Wyndham’s scalable digital mortgage platform, the company is taking on a “full stack” approach that allows it to rely less on third-party partners and processes, according to company leaders. “At SoFi, we’re on a mission to help people get their money right, and purchasing a home is often one of, if not the, biggest financial decisions individuals make in their lives,” said Anthony…