The LOS Digest
Developers of loan origination systems are stepping up their alliances with other mortgage technology vendors -- including document preparation and credit reporting firms. Another LOS trend is the migration from software to Web-based services.

An alliance between Wolters Kluwer Financial Services and MortgageDashboard enables MortgageDashboard users to generate standard and customized closing and initial disclosure documents, according to a press release this month.

Disclosures that are compliant all states can be delivered and signed electronically -- freeing up originators from determining which documents are required for a specific transaction and jurisdiction.
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Mortgage Compliance Issues Solved
Three technology firms have beefed up the compliance features of their loan origination systems. Meanwhile, servicers also saw compliance improvements to loss mitigation offerings.

The Compliance Ledger
An online library of state mortgage laws has been released by a mortgage education firm. Two alliances promise to help mortgage companies maintain better compliance, while SunTrust Banks Inc. has signed on to utilize a service that helps it comply with internal and regulatory requirements.

Digital Notes Are Enforceable
A new white paper outlines the legal foundation for enforcing electronic mortgage notes.

Portfolio Trading
Eight residential and commercial mortgage portfolios for $1.6 billion that were recently traded or offered were tracked by MortgageDaily.com. Ginnie Mae announced several updates, including an Internet-based payment system.

Market Values for Less
A new home valuation service promises to save mortgage companies the cost of a full appraisal while providing a better value than automated valuation models or broker price opinions.

The Secondary Marketing Report
Fannie Mae has launched a new program for purchasing residential loans and also indicated its interest in acquiring multifamily loans, while Ginnie Mae has issued parameters for purchasing HOPE for Homeowners loans. Meanwhile, a new consulting firm, new software and new alliance have launched to help loan buyers make better decisions.

Explosion of Technology
This week's Mortgage Bankers Association Mortgage 95th Annual Conference and Expo in San Francisco prompted a plethora of mortgage technology news releases. Among announced enhancements were the integration of a loan origination system with a point-of-sale offering, improvements to automated appraisal technology and advancements in digital loan closings. One new credit offering increases the ability to forecast risk.

E-LOAN to Halt Mortgage Lending
E-LOAN Inc., one of the first online mortgage lenders, is getting out of the mortgage lending business. The move is one of many taken by the online lender's parent to disassemble its U.S. financial empire.

Solutions for Default Servicers
With the Mortgage Bankers Association's annual conference happening this week in San Francisco, several firms that help servicers manage their defaulted loans are touting their wares. A common theme among many of the service providers is the utilization of technology.