Optimizing your lending process has never been more critical for staying competitive. Electronic promissory notes (eNotes) offer a direct path to improved efficiency, significant cost savings, and better borrower experiences. Our recent webinar featured industry leaders discussing eNote adoption, the compelling benefits they deliver, and why lenders should get started sooner rather than later. 

Our expert panel included Jeff Bode, Chairman and CEO of Click n' Close; James Macmillan, Client Services Co-Head at Deutsche Bank's document custody team; Raj Penugonda from Freddie Mac; and our own Chief eServices Officer, Brian Pannell. The panel was moderated by our Director of Sales, Leah Sommerville.

eNote adoption is growing 

eNote adoption has grown significantly as lenders across the country recognize the powerful benefits. Penugonda provided key adoption statistics: “In 2023, 6.5% of all MERS® system registrations were eNotes, increasing to 9.1% last year. At Freddie Mac, 11% of purchased loans were eMortgages.” 

Macmillan shared Deutsche Bank’s perspective: Since 2018, we've seen eNote adoption range from 5% to 10%, including both refinances and new home purchases.” This momentum is driving internal buy-in at many organizations, with Bode explaining: "We're at about ninety percent eNote adoption. We have an incentive for our divisions to use eNotes, and they understand the benefits."

 

{% module_block module "widget_019114ef-e0fa-468b-8660-6f3b1d21040f" %}{% module_attribute "cards" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "cards_column_per_row" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}0{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"content_link_color_hover":"color","heading":"group","sub_heading":"richtext","cards":"group","content_link_color":"color","cards_column_per_row":"number","footer_text":"text","tag_line":"text","content_color":"color","section_settings":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "footer_text" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}""{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "heading" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"font_color":{"color":"#3D85C6","css":"#3D85C6","hex":"#3D85C6","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(61, 133, 198)","rgba":"rgba(61, 133, 198, 1)"},"font_size":24,"text":"“The most profitable lenders over the past four years have used eNotes. There’s no reason not to embrace eClosings.”"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}31472137948{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Kore_Theme_v1/Modules/Local/KR - Cards 1"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "section_settings" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"section_background_color":{"color":"#eaf5ff","css":"#eaf5ff","hex":"#eaf5ff","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(234, 245, 255)","rgba":"rgba(234, 245, 255, 1)"},"section_padding":"custom","section_padding_desktop":{"bottom":0},"section_padding_mobile":{"bottom":0},"section_padding_tablet":{"bottom":0}}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "sub_heading" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"

— Jeff Bode, Click n' Close 

"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag_line" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}""{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}

 

The benefits of eNotes are undeniable 

eNotes deliver game-changing advantages across your operations, including: 

• Cost Savings  
  eNotes offer you meaningful financial benefits by streamlining manual processes throughout the mortgage lifecycle. By digitizing manual activities like document handling, reviewing, printing, and mailing, organizations realize substantial operational efficiencies. Bode highlighted these savings as a key adoption driver: "Switching from paper promissory notes to eNotes saves about $450 per loan. Lenders recognize the financial benefits.” Beyond courier and mailing fees, you’ll also reduce paper storage costs while minimizing expenses related to error correction and missing signatures. 
  

• Improved Liquidity  
  eNotes enhance your capital management by accelerating funding cycles. As Pannell highlighted, "eNotes can be transferred, delivered to the GSEs, and to investors in seconds." This efficiency creates practical advantages, particularly during high-volume periods. Bode shared an example from the 2020 refinance boom: "With warehouse banks at capacity, we used our own cash and sold loans within a day, increasing business sixfold in two months."  
  
  The benefits extend to secondary market transactions as well, with Bode noting, "Fannie and Freddie buy eNotes quickly. Worst case, it's the next day." 
  

• Enhanced Security and Risk Management 
  eNotes feature a triple-layer security system that works with the mortgage industry's central tracking registry. As Macmillan explained, "Every action on an eNote pings the MERS® eRegistry," ensuring ownership changes are properly recorded. The security features include tamper-evident technology—which Macmillan described as "an encrypted hash value that ensures the integrity of the eNote"—along with data encryption and comprehensive audit trails. This system effectively eliminates document loss concerns, with Bode noting, "We've never lost an eNote or misplaced one. We know exactly where they are.” 
  

• Better Borrower Experience 
  eNotes improve your customer’s journey by providing a streamlined, digital approach that meets modern expectations. The electronic process reduces common issues like missing signatures and document errors while offering greater convenience. Bode observed: "The process is easier for our consumers from the get-go and remains that way all the way to closing." This enhanced borrower satisfaction helps build stronger customer relationships and can lead to increased referral business. 

 

Getting started with eNotes is easy 

Making the shift to eNotes is easier than many organizations initially expect. Penugonda reassured listeners that implementation is straightforward: “eMortgage technology is one of the simplest to adopt. Numerous solutions exist for electronic closings.” He recommended working closely with your solution provider and integrating with the MERS® eRegistry early in the process. 

Pannell noted that implementation timelines have shortened: “Previously, it took months. Now, we can get lenders up and running with eNotes in a few weeks.” 

Bode shared how his staff overcame initial fears: “Our loan officers worried about looking inexperienced, but after experiencing digital closing, they became our biggest advocates.”  

{% module_block module "widget_728e6547-edb8-4562-819d-55a4af1cb230" %}{% module_attribute "cards" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}[]{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "cards_column_per_row" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}0{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "child_css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "css" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "definition_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "field_types" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"content_link_color_hover":"color","heading":"group","sub_heading":"richtext","cards":"group","content_link_color":"color","cards_column_per_row":"number","footer_text":"text","tag_line":"text","content_color":"color","section_settings":"group"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "footer_text" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}""{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "heading" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"font_color":{"color":"#3D85C6","css":"#3D85C6","hex":"#3D85C6","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(61, 133, 198)","rgba":"rgba(61, 133, 198, 1)"},"font_size":22,"text":"“We can get lenders up and running with eNotes in a few weeks.”"}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "label" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "module_id" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}31472137948{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "path" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"/Kore_Theme_v1/Modules/Local/KR - Cards 1"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "schema_version" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}2{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "section_settings" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}{"section_background_color":{"color":"#eaf5ff","css":"#eaf5ff","hex":"#eaf5ff","opacity":100,"rgb":"rgb(234, 245, 255)","rgba":"rgba(234, 245, 255, 1)"},"section_padding":"custom","section_padding_desktop":{"bottom":0},"section_padding_mobile":{"bottom":0},"section_padding_tablet":{"bottom":0}}{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_objects" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}null{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "smart_type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"NOT_SMART"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "sub_heading" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"

—Brian Pannell, DocMagic

"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "tag_line" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}""{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "type" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"module"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% module_attribute "wrap_field_tag" is_json="true" %}{% raw %}"div"{% endraw %}{% end_module_attribute %}{% end_module_block %}

 

The time for eNotes is now 

The market has created opportunities for forward-thinking lenders. Bode advised lenders to act now: “It’s easier to implement new processes when business is slow.”  

The growing number of investors who accept eNotes makes this the perfect time to develop an eNote strategy. As Bode put it, “The most profitable lenders over the past four years have used eNotes. There’s no reason not to embrace eClosings.” 

When you’re ready, DocMagic supports every type of digital closing, and will work side-by-side with you to launch your successful eStrategy. 

Want to learn more? Listen to the full webinar [Optimizing Your Business with eNotes]. 

 

We’re proud to announce that our Chief Marketing Officer, Jennifer Stanley, has been named a 2025 HousingWire Marketing Leader—an honor that recognizes top marketing executives who are driving innovation and delivering real business results in the housing industry.

Since joining DocMagic in 2021, Jennifer has led a major transformation of our marketing efforts. She’s built a data-driven marketing team and helped to craft go-to-market strategies that have significantly advanced our brand and business. With over two decades of experience across B2B and consumer marketing—as well as licenses in both mortgage and real estate—Jennifer brings a unique perspective to the work we do.

Her leadership has played a key role in promoting DocMagic’s end-to-end digital mortgage solutions and expanding our market presence. As our COO Lori Johnson said it, “Jennifer brings a rare combination of strategic thinking, creativity, and operational discipline to DocMagic’s marketing efforts.”

Jennifer shared her appreciation for the recognition, saying:

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside such a talented group of leaders. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about what’s ahead for DocMagic.”

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer on this well-deserved recognition. You can view the full list of HousingWire’s 2025 Marketing Leaders here: https://www.housingwire.com/articles/announcing-the-2025-marketing-leaders/

 

 

We have partnered with Wilqo, operator of the mortgage industry's first Production Optimization Platform (POP). The collaboration combines DocMagic's seamless digital lending solution suite with Wilqo's cloud-native loan manufacturing platform, creating an enhanced experience that further optimizes workflows for lenders.

Dubbed Charlie™, Wilqo's POP technology is transforming the mortgage lending process by breaking work into atomic-level tasks, automating flows, and providing actionable insights that optimize throughput while reducing costs. Charlie combines point-of-sale (POS), loan origination (LOS), task management, and business intelligence into a single, intuitive platform.

Leveraging modern APIs, DocMagic's intelligent document generation solution seamlessly integrates with Wilqo's POP solution, offering shared customers streamlined loan processes from application to closing.

DocMagic's comprehensive technology allows lenders to manage the entire lifecycle of loan documents digitally using automated workflows. Our secure platform ensures the electronic production and delivery of compliant loan packages while providing borrowers with a convenient, efficient customer experience. Mutual lender clients benefit from faster loan closings, heightened accuracy, and a reduction in time-consuming, error-prone manual processes.

The partnership also includes plans for Wilqo to incorporate our Total eClose™ solution, enabling fully paperless eClosings, complete with embedded RON functionality, eNotes, and eVault storage. The automation of loan closings further modernizes the mortgage lending process and arms lenders with the tools they need to stay ahead in a competitive market.

 

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the DocMagic team—our Chief Operating Officer, Lori Johnson, has been named a 2025 Woman of Tech by Mortgage Women Magazine! This well-deserved recognition celebrates Lori’s remarkable contributions to mortgage technology, her leadership within our organization, and her ongoing advocacy for women in the industry.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” Lori shared. “Empowering women and advancing digital mortgage technology are very important to me, and I’m grateful to be part of such an innovative and forward-thinking company.”

With a career spanning decades in mortgage technology, Lori has been a driving force behind digital transformation. Prior to joining DocMagic, she co-founded and served as president of Document Express, leading it through its acquisition by DocMagic in 2014, where she played a hands-on role in successfully integrating the two companies.

At DocMagic, she served as director of client services, playing a key role in our growth, before stepping into the COO position last year. She is responsible for achieving company business objectives as well as leading initiatives focused on operational excellence and client success. Her efforts led to increased eClose adoption and a growth trajectory that landed DocMagic on Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing private companies.

Her leadership continues to shape our path forward. As our CEO Pat Theodora put it, “Lori’s unwavering dedication and leadership continue to shape the digital mortgage landscape. Her commitment to innovation and her mentorship of women in tech set a powerful example for future industry leaders.”

We couldn’t be more proud to have Lori on our team and are inspired by her vision, passion, and resilience every day.

For more information on the MWM Women of Tech 2025 honorees, visit https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/code-breakers-ceiling-shakers.

 

 

 

96 DocMagic

Accessing home equity should be fast, secure, and hassle-free for your borrowers. Traditional HELOCs rely on paper processes, which can slow things down considerably. An electronic home equity line of credit (eHELOC) leverages digital documentation, eSignatures, eNotarization, and eDelivery to streamline the entire process from application to closing.

Why Offer eHELOCs?

With home equity lending on the rise, eHELOCs offer numerous benefits:

• A quick, easy, and convenient process for borrowers
• Eliminate manual paperwork, reduce errors, and increase security
• Stay compliant with current laws and regulations
• Reduce closing times to as little as 15 minutes
  

"The home equity market is expanding, and you need digital solutions to keep pace," says our CEO, Pat Theodora. "eHELOCs provide a 100% digital workflow to manage home equity transactions while staying compliant."

Transforming HELOC Workflows for the Digital Age

DocMagic delivers a proven solution for processing eHELOCs efficiently, securely, and in full compliance with industry standards. Our digital HELOC documents have been tested and validated across the eHELOC lifecycle, including document selection, document generation, eSigning, eVault retention, SMART Doc validation, and MERS® eRegistration.

Step into the future of lending with our innovative digital closing technology. We provide lenders with real-time transparency and complete digital control. The result? Transformed HELOC workflows with enhanced security, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

Chat with us to see how the process works!

 

This is the first year for MortgagePoint’s 2025 Tech Excellence Award and we’re thrilled to be named a recipient!

This award spotlights innovative technology providers throughout the mortgage, real estate, and housing sectors at a time when organizations depend on these critical technologies to reduce costs, streamline operations, and deliver the seamless digital experiences that today's borrowers expect.

In 2024, DocMagic made major strides in innovation. One of our standout developments was expanding the functionality of our proprietary SmartREGISTRY™ technology. These new features simplify lenders’ eNote setup process with the MERS® eRegistry, boosting client adoption of eNotes in 2024 and increasing remote online notarization (RON) adoption by 21%.

“We’re honored to earn this recognition of our continuous efforts to help our customers remain competitive,” said Pat Theodora, CEO of DocMagic. “By providing seamless, secure, and efficient digital mortgage transactions, we’re making the loan process easier and faster for lenders, settlement service providers, investors, and borrowers.”

Our technologies, such as Total eClose™, SmartSAFE® eVault, and an array of intelligent tools for eSigning, eNotarization, and investor due diligence, have helped lenders achieve major gains in operational efficiency, including reducing closing times to 15 minutes or less, a significant reduction in errors, and automatic MERS® registration.

The MortgagePoint Tech Excellence Awards are part of a new annual program that will continue to spotlight leaders advancing critical technology for the mortgage industry. To learn more about the award and see a complete list of honorees, go to Meet the Tech Excellence Award Recipients.

96 DocMagic

We’re pleased to share that our very own Leah Sommerville, Director of Sales, has been named a 2025 HousingWire Rising Star! This award recognizes 100 standout professionals under 40 who are shaping the future of mortgage, real estate, and fintech.

Since joining our team in 2019, Leah has become an eClosing expert, working closely with the DocMagic team to continue to advance digital mortgage strategies and promote industry adoption. Her dedication has helped hundreds of lenders streamline operations, cut costs, and enhance the borrower experience.

Now, as our Director of Sales, Leah leads sales efforts across our entire suite of digital mortgage solutions. She works with banks, credit unions, third-party providers, and other industry leaders to push mortgage lending further into the digital age.

“I’m truly honored to receive this award and excited about the future of our industry,” said Sommerville. “As DocMagic continues to drive innovation in the digital mortgage space, I look forward to contributing along with our incredible team.”

Our CEO, Pat Theodora, couldn’t agree more: “Leah’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in advancing our mission to simplify and digitize mortgage lending. This recognition is well deserved.”

HousingWire’s Rising Stars program highlights professionals making a real impact on the industry. Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler shared, “This year’s winners are redefining what’s possible in the industry. I can’t wait to see how they continue to drive progress.”

Congratulations, Leah! We’re incredibly proud of this well-earned recognition.

→ Check out the full list of 2025 HousingWire Rising Stars.

 

96 DocMagic