Tech Pulse: UWM challenges industry AI fear; Optimal Blue automates refi opportunities

Welcome back to Tech Pulse — a new weekly series rounding up the latest in technology, including tools, integrations and trends impacting mortgage and real estate.

Here’s what happened this week:

UWM’s Jason Bressler challenges the fear-driven narrative around AI in mortgage lending

At HousingWire’s The Gathering, United Wholesale Mortgage Chief Technology Offficer Jason Bressler challenged fears about AI in lending, calling it a tool for empowerment — not replacement. As debate swirls over job loss and security risks, Bressler urged the industry to embrace AI or risk falling behind, likening resistance to ignoring the internet in the ’90s.

Optimal Blue introduces automated refi tool

As refi activity shows signs of life, Optimal Blue launched a new tool to help loan officers capture refinance opportunities automatically. The tool, Capture for Originators, identifies leads, runs pricing, and preps borrower presentations — cutting hours of manual work. It arrives as May saw year-over-year growth in both cash-out and rate-term refis.

Real estate roots to tech innovation: Preston Guyton’s ez Home Search is changing the game

As real estate and mortgage sectors consolidate, ez Home Search breaks barriers with scalable, privacy-focused tools empowering agents and loan officers. At The Gathering, founder Preston Guyton revealed how this agent-first platform drives rapid growth by prioritizing lead exclusivity, consumer trust, and innovative solutions — reshaping the future of home buying and lending.

EliseAI to integrate conversational AI into Zillow Rentals listings

Zillow Rentals is teaming up with EliseAI to bring conversational AI directly to multifamily listings by Q3 2025. Branded “AI Assist,” the tool will provide renters instant answers in 50+ languages, book tours, and follow up automatically — streamlining leasing and boosting lead conversion for property managers across the Zillow platform.

Unlock MLS, Omni MLS partner on international property access

Unlock MLS has partnered with Latin America’s Omni MLS to integrate international listings from 17 countries into its system, expanding to 21 soon. The move aims to help Texas agents access global property data, support cross-border deals and tap into growing migration and investment ties between Latin America and the U.S.

AI training could be alienating, leaving out older adults

As AI adoption accelerates, older adults risk being left behind. A new Kiplinger report warns that age bias in AI training data — often shaped by younger users — could sideline seniors in tech design and utility. Experts say inclusive development is critical as AI reshapes industries like health care and financial services.

RetroRate funding round will fuel assumable mortgage tool set

RetroRate — a startup simplifying the process of finding and evaluating assumable mortgages — raised $2.2 million in seed funding. The company provides real estate agents with MLS-powered tools and data to uncover low-rate loans, aiming to revive a long-forgotten financing option amid high interest rates and limited housing affordability.

Xactus integrates flood compliance solution with ICE’s mortgage servicing system

Xactus has integrated with ICE’s MSP loan servicing system to automate flood zone updates, eliminating manual processes for mortgage servicers. This innovation ensures real-time compliance with FEMA flood map changes, reduces risk, and boosts efficiency — offering servicers a seamless, cost-effective solution to manage flood certification updates.

Experian partners with Plaid on real-time cashflow insights

Experian announced a new collaboration with financial data network Plaid, aimed at helping lenders leverage cashflow insights to make smarter decisions and create new opportunities for consumers. With the new integration, lenders have access to the companies’ combined expertise in credit analytics and real-time cashflow data from a single solution.