Technology

Default servicing software provider Equator will announce Monday the launch of a new short sale certification program for real agents using its EQ Marketplace online platform. Since January of this year, Equator says it has seen short sale volumes nearly double those of REO properties on its platform, and the new certification program will ensure agents are equipped to handle the growing number of short sale transactions already coming in.

Interthinx says its loan-level fraud risk tool, FraudGUARD, can assist lenders in complying with Fannie Mae's new Loan Quality Initiative (LQI). According to Interthinx, the additional rules under the LQI will require lenders to meet stringent new guidelines. And the company says FraudGAUARD can automate much of this process.

NeighborWorks America and the Ad Council have announced the launch of new national public service announcements (PSA) as part of an ongoing foreclosure prevention campaign. The PSAs are designed to educate homeowners about where they can turn for help if they are at risk of foreclosure.

A new technology partnership between DocuSign and PropertyInfo, a Stewart subsidiary, was announced Wednesday. The two companies said they are joining forces to accelerate online transactions for real estate closings by integrating DocuSign's eSignature service with PropertyInfo's SureClose management system.

HOPE LoanPort announced Wednesday that Citi has committed to use its proprietary technology to assist troubled homeowners. HOPE LoanPort is a new web-based housing counselor tool developed by the HOPE NOW Alliance that streamlines the submission of completed loan modification applications.

With delinquency rates at sky-high levels, servicers and counselors continue to be inundated with requests from homeowners for loan modifications. As a result of these high demands, industry leaders have realized that new tools are needed to collect complete information from homeowners more efficiently and to develop better communication between servicers and counseling professionals. Freddie Mac recently released a report highlighting two Web-based communication tools that are doing just that.

In order to bring high-tech loan modification solutions direct to consumers, HOPE LoanPort has launched a new, consumer-based Web site--HopeLoanPortal.org. According to a statement by the organization, this site will complement HOPE LoanPort's web-based housing counselor tool that is designed to streamline submission of completed loan modification applications.

SharperLending, LLC announced Tuesday that it has expanded its Appraisal Firewall technology product to offer automated appraisal reviews through a new partnership with MDA Lending Solutions and ValuationLogic, Inc. As a result of this expansion, lenders can now run each appraisal through a rule set that performs a detailed check for errors and takes a matter of seconds to complete. This, the companies said, will help lenders make faster underwriting decisions and increase loan production.

Clayton Holdings, which provides risk analysis and loss mitigation to the mortgage industry, announced Tuesday that it has incorporated Fannie Mae's newly announced quality control standards into its underwriting offerings. The GSE's new Loan Quality Initiative specifies the policies and process and technology enhancements that it will require from sellers in order to mitigate loan repurchase risk. Clayton says it can help lenders meet these new requirements through its outsourcing and consulting businesses.

Lenders One Mortgage Cooperative has selected risk management and compliance firm ComplianceEase as its newest preferred vendor. With state restrictions getting tighter and enforcement increasing, smaller mortgage bankers need to draw upon the right resources to remain proactive when it comes to regulatory compliance. Lenders One says it can provide these resources through its partnership with ComplianceEase.