In Virginia, Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is celebrating the final weeks of the year with record closing volume. Recently announcing that the organization's total mortgage loan closings for October hit $1 billion, NFCU reported that year-to-date, it has made more than $8.3 billion in mortgage-related funding available to consumers.

In California, WFG Lender Services (WFGLS) is welcoming a new senior leader. The title insurance and real estate services company recently announced that Jason Schmidt has been named SVP of closing operations.

Smithfield & Wainwright is teaming up with Marshall & Swift/Boeckh to launch a new, automated solution for evaluating properties and resulting portfolios of mortgage loans. Releasing the Residential Asset Monitoring (RAM) module, the companies' initiative will give banks and lenders a more comprehensive, "forward-looking" method for assessing the value of residential real estate and, ultimately, their portfolio health and compliance procedures.

Despite significant current challenges in the reverse mortgage market, American Financial Resources, Inc., recently rolled out a full range of related loan products. Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, AFR Mortgage will launch the new initiative in the company's home state, giving borrowers who are over the age of 62 access to the specialty loans.

Los Angeles' homebuyers have a chance to own a piece of Motown history. Located on Outpost Drive, the Hollywood Hills home once belonging to artist Marvin Gaye has been listed for $3.799 million.

Douglas Elliman is abiding by an old adage, proving that everything old is new again by adopting the company's original name. The announcement of the firm's revamped identity accompanies other updates for Douglas Elliman, including the recent launch of AskElliman, a new consumer-facing platform, and the relaunch of the company's lifestyle publication.

After a tumultuous divorce, Grammy-winning singer Usher is selling his Georgia mansion, recently listing the property for $3.2 million. According to Zillow, the 12,544-square-foot home still serves as the main residence for the star's now ex-wife, and the website noted that, as per their settlement agreement, Usher is allowed to place the abode on the market with only 60-days notice.

As issues related to compliance regulations continue to escalate, Connecticut-based Norcom Mortgage is preparing to meet the challenges ahead by hiring accordingly. The company recently announced the addition of Jeremy Potter, who will join Norcom as chief compliance attorney.

The holiday season has arrived, and for potential homebuyers hoping to celebrate winter in high style, a recently listed home in Aspen, Colorado, gives those seeking luxury properties the opportunity to own - or rent - the good life. Located in the tony Starwood area, the 13,500-square-foot estate is on the market for $18.5 million, but the owners are cashing in on Aspen's busiest time of year, also offering the home for rent at $90,000 per month.

WFG National Title Insurance Company is bolstering its leadership line up, recently adding a new company VP. Announcing the appointment of Rick Diamond, WFG is gaining a new VP of information technology for agency operations.