Technology

Another former reality star and current pop star is joining the real estate fray. Just days after X Factor champion Leona Lewis listed her home in Los Angeles, Kelly Clarkson, who won the U.S. version of the competition, American Idol, has put her ranch in Mansfield, Texas, on the market for $1.495 million.

Calling the property one of "America's original 'green' houses," Curbed is reporting that a home in California's Sea Ranch development has hit the market for $1.2 million. The listed estate is part of a concept that was conceived by Al Boeke in 1963, when he tapped a notable roster of architects to participate in building Sea Ranch as the nation's first green housing project.

SourceLink has launched a new platform for lenders seeking strong refinancing prospects. The company recently debuted its MORE program, which SourceLink describes as an innovative campaign solution that gives lenders the ability to reach prime mortgage refinance prospects by utilizing direct mail and personalized campaign microsites.

Releasing its semi-annual index, Hamilton Place Strategies and the Partnership for a Secure Financial Future found that the safety and soundness of the nation's financial services industry is improving. The most recent Hamilton Financial Index showed a value of 1.22, which is 22 percent higher than the "historical norm." Based on data through the first quarter of 2012, the HFI is up seven points from February's findings. According to Hamilton's statistics, current totals represent a significant increase over the index's low point of 0.46.

In Florida, Digital Risk is welcoming a new company leader, announcing the hiring former Fannie Mae VP Gary Manfredi. Touting his unique experience in the mortgage industry, Digital Risk has tapped Manfredi as the company's executive vice president of client solutions.

Showing fortitude as a previous winner of Britain's X Factor, Leona Lewis is displaying bravery once again, recently deciding to re-list her Los Angeles home. Jumping back into the city's choppy real estate market, Lewis has put her Nichols Canyon property back on the market for its original asking price of $2.5 million.

In Utah and Wisconsin, Mortgagebot and Avista have added two new clients for the companies' technology platforms. Mortgagebot and Avista, both of which share parent company D+H, will welcome University First Federal Credit Union and Bank of Lake Mills, to their roster of customers.

Is country superstar Tim McGraw entering the housing finance industry? All signs point to yes, according to a recent release revealing the recording artist's decision to launch HomeFront, a nationwide program that will provide mortgage-free homes to the country's wounded service members.

Summer vacation seekers can live like Thomas Crown in the Malibu manse of Pierce Brosnan, because the actor's 13,000-square-foot estate is up for lease at $250,000 per month. According to RealEstalker, the stunning property boasts beach access, as well as unique design elements like Indonesian-themed decor.

Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC, is bolstering its wholesale lending operations, recently hiring nine new employees for the company's sales team. Adding three sales leaders, as well as six account executives, Carrington hopes to continue the expansion of the company's mortgage lending division.