We are proud to announce that our Director of Product Development, Michael Morford, has been named to HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters list for 2024. Now in its sixth year, HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters award program honors the most impactful and innovative technology leaders serving the housing economy. This year, 75 standouts were selected for the prestigious accolade.

“Michael is a major technology innovator in the digital mortgage industry; his contributions are changing the way lenders nationwide do business,” remarked our CEO and co-founder, Pat Theodora. "He constantly drives the development of DocMagic's groundbreaking digital mortgage solutions that have benefited the entire industry. We are delighted that HousingWire has recognized his contributions as a Tech Trendsetter honoree."

Michael has focused on accelerating eClose adoption, breaking down barriers through DocMagic’s Total eClose™ platform, which provides a standard workflow for all types of eClosings. His leadership in the development of DocMagic’s remote online notarization (RON) solution was invaluable during the pandemic, delivering enhanced convenience and security for both lenders and borrowers.

Building on this success, he further advanced the platform by introducing the patent-pending AutoPrep™ technology. AutoPrep improves settlement agent participation by automatically detecting signature lines and e-enabling the title documents for presentation and execution in the eClosing event, without the need for manual tagging. Customers implementing DocMagic’s Total eClose™ platform have achieved significant cost and time savings per loan.

Michael additionally led the transition from traditional data exchange methods to a web services model, enabling real-time integration with loan origination systems (LOS). This transformation reduced document processing time and embedded automated regulatory compliance into workflows, significantly enhancing efficiency.

As a champion of MISMO^® specifications, Michael has driven industry-wide standardization and implemented critical data services like the Uniform Closing Dataset, Uniform Loan Delivery Dataset, and Investor eQC. These innovations streamline electronic loan delivery to downstream stakeholders, improving client outcomes and driving efficiency throughout the mortgage process.

“I am truly honored to receive HousingWire’s Trendsetters award,” said Michael. “At DocMagic, we are constantly looking for ways to improve the loan origination process with innovative eMortgage technologies. I am excited to be a part of the team working to maintain DocMagic’s position as a leader in the industry for years to come.”

Michael’s work has driven more lenders to electronic workflows from application to eClosings, expanding adoption across the industry. This aligns with the company-wide mission to digitize the mortgage process. His expertise keeps DocMagic ahead of industry trends, positioning the company as a key driver in the evolution of digital mortgages and eClosings.

“The 2024 Tech Trendsetters represent a group of truly innovative leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mortgage and real estate,” said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. “Their impact is reshaping both industries, and their forward-thinking solutions are setting new standards for how technology can drive growth and success in today’s evolving market.”

The 2024 HousingWire Tech Trendsetters were selected by HousingWire’s selection committee based on their vital and dynamic contributions to their organizations and to the housing industry.

HousingWire’s 2024 Tech Trendsetters include the top product and technology leaders who have been essential in bringing innovative tech solutions to market for mortgage and real estate clients. Tech Trendsetters highlights individuals who are developing cutting-edge technology and leading innovation for their industries.