National Mortgage News publishes its latest research report, Predictions 2025: What To Expect in the Year Ahead

Industry leaders expect interest rates to fall and as a result, will increase headcount. How rapidly they grow, though, depends in part on macroeconomic trends.

NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National Mortgage News, Arizent's leading resource for senior executives in the mortgage sector, publishes its latest research report, Predictions 2025: What To Expect in the Year Ahead. Sponsored by Hyland™, the survey of industry participants reveals mortgage companies are expecting interest rates to fall and, as a result, preparing for a rebound by increasing headcount.

Accordingly, some lenders may re-examine where they allocate their spending and staff by establishing a presence in the types of channels that many companies downsized during the market slowdown. Mortgage businesses are seeking to make improvements and upgrades to enhance customer service, marketing and other client-facing functions. The strategy will require investments in technology, including artificial intelligence.

Key insights from the report include:

• 70% of mortgage companies anticipate expanding their workforce in 2025, with nonbank lenders leading the charge.
• Artificial intelligence cements itself as an asset, with 73% of respondents identifying data verification and administration as key areas where AI can improve loan processes.
• Persistent issues like rising home prices and limited inventory remain top concerns.
• In the wake of severe weather and a global pandemic, 74% of respondents believe natural disasters and health concerns will disrupt the housing market.

"The past year marked the beginning of recovery for an industry reeling from sharp business pullbacks," says Janet King, Vice President of Research at Arizent. "Not all went according to plan, though, and the specter of 2024's hits and misses hangs over the industry's expectations for the next 12 months. While optimism appears, so does an awareness that turbulence and volatility could disrupt growth."

Elevated interest rates and low levels of affordability continue to be among the challenges mortgage businesses face. At the same time, many companies express optimism for growth and are making needed investments in staffing and technology. In particular, AI has established itself as an important mortgage tool, and leaders in the industry are actively looking for strategies, resources and assistance to utilize it to its best effect.

To dive deeper into the findings — including innovative solutions to attract and serve borrowers, future tactics to address affordability and how climate change is expected to impact the housing market — download the full report here: https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/2025s-greatest-challenges-according-to-mortgage-lenders

Research methodology
Data was collected in October and November 2024 by Arizent, the parent company of National Mortgage News, through an online survey, with responses arriving both before and after the presidential election. A total of 128 qualified professionals from across the industry took part.

About National Mortgage News
National Mortgage News is an award-winning comprehensive digital information resource serving the entire residential mortgage industry, including depositories, nonbank lenders and servicers, brokerage firms, vendors and regulators. In addition to providing news analysis and perspective, NMN convenes industry participants to provide insight on topics including regulation, compliance, technology and loss mitigation.

About Arizent
Arizent is a business information company that advances professional communities by providing insights and analysis and convening industry leaders. The company uses deep industry expertise and a data-driven platform to deliver its services, which include subscriptions, marketing services, live events, and access to Leaders, an executive forum. Arizent also connects business communities through leading financial services brands like American Banker, The Bond Buyer, Financial Planning, and National Mortgage News, as well as professional services brands like Accounting Today, Employee Benefit News, and Digital Insurance.

About Hyland
Hyland accelerates growth for lenders and financial firms by unlocking the power of content — inside and outside of core systems. With secure, cloud-based intelligent content solutions, your organization is ready to work smarter. Discover how Hyland can drive greater efficiency and support regulatory compliance at Hyland.com/Financial-Services.

SOURCE Arizent