Tech Pulse: Mortgage leaders stress forward thinking

Welcome back to Tech Pulse — HousingWire‘s weekly series rounding up the latest in technology news, including tools, integrations and trends that impact mortgage and real estate.

Here’s what happened this week:

Mortgage execs advise lenders to embrace technology or risk falling behind

Lenders were urged to embrace technology and adapt to a changing mortgage market at HousingWire‘s 2025 Mortgage Banking Summit. Experts warn that failing to evolve could mean being left behind as new technologies like AI and blockchain drive industry transformation. 

Zillow, ChatGPT launch app integration

Consumers can now search for properties on Zillow via ChatGPT. Access to Zillow’s app is available in ChatGPT — making Zillow the only real estate app available directly through the ChatGPT platform.

Douglas Elliman launches AI assistant app

Douglas Elliman introduced Elli AI, an assistant app for real estate agents. It’s initially available in Florida with plans for a nationwide rollout in 2026. The app offers MLS search capabilities, generates branded reports and provides data-backed market insights.

Realtor.com launches AI-powered home search tool

Realtor.com has launched an AI-powered home search tool that personalizes listings based on user input. This tool aims to simplify the home search process by allowing users to type their preferences naturally — providing instant, tailored results.

Proof launches new secure digital identity tool Certify

Digital identity verification and transaction security platform Proof is launching Certify, a new cryptographically secure digital identity tool. Proof said Certify enables instant, legally accepted digital signing of any content with a user’s verified legal identity.

TRUE and Candor unveil income verification tool, Instant Income Clarity

TRUE and Candor Technology have launched Instant Income Clarity, an AI-driven tool that verifies borrower income in minutes, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the mortgage process.

Zillow’s ChatGPT integration could redefine — or violate — MLS policies

Zillow’s integration with ChatGPT allows users to search for properties using AI, sparking debate over MLS data compliance. While Zillow claims adherence to existing agreements, industry experts question potential policy breaches and the impact on MLS data value.

Milo’s Josip Rupena on increasing client wealth through crypto lending

Milo‘s crypto mortgage model has enabled clients to increase their wealth by more than $100 million — allowing them to purchase homes without selling their bitcoin. This innovative approach is reshaping the mortgage landscape as cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream.

Florida brokerage endures a nightmare and lesson in real estate cybersecurity

A real estate brokerage’s harrowing experience with AI-powered fraud reveals the vulnerability of the industry to sophisticated cyberattacks. The incident, involving 36 agents and their families, serves as a stark reminder of the need for heightened cybersecurity.