Chicago-based mortgage lender Guaranteed Rate has laid off about 180 employees around the country — including about 30 in Chicago — after the amount of new mortgage loans the company funded dipped in 2017.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending March 9.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending March 2.

In a move designed to recruit and retain high-quality origination staff and fuel its expansion plans, USA Mortgage is turning over 100% control of the St. Louis-based nonbank lender to its workers through an employee stock ownership plan.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Feb. 23.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Feb. 16.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Feb. 9.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Feb. 2.

Mortgage lead generation costs are notoriously variable and tough to control, especially when lenders are trying to save money with origination call centers.

More than 70% of women mortgage professionals have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, but these incidents go drastically underreported, according to a recent Mortgage Bankers Association survey.

With compensation accounting for 80% of the cost to originate a mortgage, lenders are developing new strategies to attract and retain top talent, while keeping wage expenses in check.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Jan. 26.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Jan. 19.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Jan. 12.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Jan. 5.

With recommended reads from Chase Mortgage's Mike Weinbach, New American Funding's Patty Arvielo and more, check out these 13 books every mortgage pro should have on their winter reading list.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Dec. 29.

Employees at HarborOne Bank and its Merrimack Mortgage Co. subsidiary will see their minimum wage rise to $15 per hour, the latest company to accelerate plans to hike salaries.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Dec. 22.

Mortgage industry hiring and new job appointments for the week ending Dec. 15.