Social media

Facebook has disabled so-called ethnic affinity filters from housing, credit and employment advertising following mounting criticism that the practice allowed marketers to discriminate against minorities in violation of fair housing and civil rights laws.

As Rodrigo Lopez begins his term as chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association, the Nebraska multifamily lender seeks to use the platform to embrace the challenges of improving diversity and technology throughout the industry, while remaining vigilant about the ever-changing regulatory landscape.

Lenders and servicers haven't faced the same scrutiny over data security as their peers in retail and other financial services sectors. But mortgage companies must remain vigilant, as the extensive data they collect can expose consumers to identity theft if it got in the wrong hands.

What does a Top Producer look like? Like anything else, there is no singular representative. Marketing strategies span everything from billboard and television ads to movie events and bobble-head giveaways. Many focus on one state for business while others cover as much land as possible. One thing that binds them as the most successful in their field: help. From family and friends to outstanding teammates to mentors and coaches, every Top Producer acknowledged they could not have reached the level they have without support.Here, by the numbers, are six characteristics that make up the class of 2016 Top Producers.

CoreLogic has expanded its collaboration with data visualization company Graphiq.

Mortgage lenders that embrace social media are going to great lengths to ensure their activities remain compliant with truth in lending regulations. But even lenders that shun social media must take steps to avoid marketing compliance risks.

Little Rock, Ark.-based startup Mortgage Peer Network was chosen as one of 10 companies to participate in FIS' VC FinTech Accelerator Program.

Posting educational videos on YouTube and social media helped Cherry Creek Mortgage's Kelly Zitlow land a spot on Lifetime Network's "Designing Spaces." The unique opportunity let her share knowledge about mortgages and extended her marketing reach.

More homebuyers are using social media to find out information about mortgage products and services, TD Bank reported in its Mortgage Service Index.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency is launching a 10-day social media campaign, #HARPNow, to alert struggling homeowners in 10 states that they can still refinance via the program before it expires at yearend.