Lenders recognize the value of regular review of the tech stack, but their approach needs to involve year-round check-ins and conversations with vendors.

There's a 13-percentage-point differential in the use of "advanced" mortgage fraud detection tools between banks and non-banks, with costs as a major reason why.

Depositories, credit unions and nonbank lenders have different needs from their loan origination software, and smaller lenders are more agile customers.

Only 20% of the Top Producers in the National Mortgage News survey were under 40, while almost half were between 41 and 50, and 30% even older.

Those who raced ahead of the pack of loan originators last year went the distance by offering exceptional customer service, catering to niche pockets of demand in the market.

Check out the 36 companies that made our list of the Best Mortgage Companies to Work For.