Technology

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have selected a new integration platform provider, with the announcement that Solidifi U.S. will become one of the GSE's partners for their Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP) module. Part of the Uniform Mortgage Data Program (UMDP), the UCDP acts as the sole portal for the submission of electronic appraisal information to the GSEs, and the technology initiative from Fannie and Freddie targets the enhancement of quality and consistency across all appraisal-related activities.

A new head of investor relations has been announced at Lender Processing Services, with the appointment of Nancy Murphy to the leadership role. Formerly the director of investment relations for fashion retailer Stein Mart Inc., Murphy is returning to the financial industry, where she spent most of her career prior to joining the clothing company.

Fraudsters and money-launderers may find it more difficult to move forward with their illicit activities if a new draft rule receives approval. Publishing a draft rule in the Federal Register Thursday, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed eliminating the Federal Housing Finance Agency as a middle-man in the reporting process for suspicious activity for GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The rule would require GSE officials to file suspicious activity reports with FinCEN itself.

REALTOR Magazine has announced this year's winners of the publication's Good Neighbor Awards program, targeting realtors whose commitment to community development sets them apart. Annually, REALTOR honors five individuals for their volunteer work and achievements in community improvement, and the magazine's elite list focuses on those in the real estate industry who stand out as key leaders in all aspects of their lives, both personal and professional.

Stewart Information Services Corp. (SISCO) is shaking up its corporate leadership, with the recent announcement that Matthew W. Morris will take over as the company's CEO. Replacing his father, Malcolm S. Morris, and his cousin, Stewart Morris, Jr., as co-CEOs for the entity, Matt is being promoted from an executive role within SISCO.

A new survey from Zillow: reveals that prospective homebuyers may have an overly optimistic view when it comes to their expectations related to property appreciation and housing value. In the website├â┬ó├óÔÇÜ┬¼├óÔÇ×┬ós recent poll, more than 42 percent of those that plan on purchasing a home in the near future said they anticipated a 7 percent annual increase in their property value during their ownership period.

Collateral valuation services provider First Valuation has found a new national sales executive in Brandon O'Briant. While remaining based in Dallas, Texas, O'Briant will apply his 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry to managing First Vaulation's current clients and establishing partnerships on behalf of the company.

Chrysalis Holdings, LLC, has added a new member to its board of directors, with the announcement that Maylene Tan Khieu will join the company's leadership. Khieu is the chief credit officer and senior vice president of compliance for NewDay Financial, LLC, which is a key holding for Chrysalis.

Real estate website Zillow and housing heavyweight PulteGroup, Inc. are teaming up to give away a luxury home worth $350,000. The "I Want a New Home Sweepstakes" will change the life of one aspiring homeowner.

American Home Mortgage Servicing Inc. (AHSMI) is taking advantage of a new way to ensure compliant, efficient collaboration with its partners. The company recently announced that it would begin using Oracle's WebCenter solutions to manage business processes for all mortgage-related activities with participating third-party loan investors.