In a year marked by tighter margins, rapid technological advancement, and meaningful regulatory change, DocMagic stayed laser focused on helping you move loans forward with confidence.  

That marriage of innovation and steady execution was reinforced early in the year when DocMagic was named to the HousingWire Tech 100 for the 13th consecutive time. The distinction reflects our sustained relevance in a market that continues to evolve and rewards companies that can adapt while delivering consistency at scale. 

The foundation lenders rely on, continuously improved 

Throughout 2025 we focused on enhancing the proven technology you depend on most while expanding the DocMagic platform in ways that support greater scale and flexibility. As AI adoption accelerated across the industry and lenders looked for ways to operate more efficiently without increasing risk, we expanded our Intelligent Agentic Network (IAN) to make complex mortgage processes feel more seamless. 

In September, we reached a major milestone with the launch of DocMagic® One, our new AI-powered platform that brings document preparation, automated compliance, collaboration, and closing coordination into a single, unified experience. By eliminating the need to juggle multiple, disconnected systems, DocMagic One makes workflows more efficient and enables loan officers, settlement service providers, and borrowers to communicate more seamlessly. With business intelligence woven throughout and AI playing an increasing role behind the scenes, the platform reflects how we are applying advanced technology in practical ways to simplify complex mortgage processes without disrupting existing workflows.

As borrower and settlement preferences continued to diversify in 2025, flexibility at the closing table became increasingly important. We expanded our Total eClose™ capabilities to support in-person electronic notarization (IPEN), allowing lenders to manage hybrid, remote, and in-person closings through a single digital framework. This approach helps teams deliver a consistent, compliant closing experience regardless of geography or notarial method, without forcing borrowers, notaries, or settlement agents into a one-size-fits-all process. Adoption of IPEN and other digital closing components continued to accelerate in 2025, with eNote generations up 150.58% and eNote registrations up 95.67% year over year.  

Managing compliance across different closing scenarios and a patchwork of state-specific requirements continues to challenge compliance teams. Last October at MBA Annual, we previewed Compliance Edge™ AI, an AI-powered compliance assistant designed to help lenders get faster, more reliable answers to day-to-day regulatory questions. Built on nearly 40 years of DocMagic compliance expertise and maintained by our in-house regulatory specialists, Compliance Edge AI reflects our broader IAN strategy, which brings purpose-built AI agents together to support mortgage professionals at specific points across the loan lifecycle. Compliance Edge AI is not yet generally available, but lenders can sign up now to be among the first to know when access opens. 

We also expanded the DocMagic ecosystem in 2025 through targeted integrations and workflow enhancements designed to fit naturally into how lending teams operate. New partnerships with Coviance and Wilqo extended our automated compliance, document generation, and eSignature capabilities into home equity applications and production optimization environments, helping reduce manual handoffs and support faster, more responsive lending experiences. 

Recognition that spans the industry and our organization 

The progress made in 2025 was reflected in industry recognition earned throughout the year. In addition to our 13th straight HousingWire Tech 100 honor, leaders across DocMagic were recognized by HousingWire, MortgagePoint, Mortgage Women Magazine, and Mortgage Professional America for contributions spanning innovation, marketing, operations, legal leadership, and program management. 

Taken together, these honors speak to the depth of expertise behind our solutions and the people responsible for building, supporting, and advancing them every day. 

Independent validation of our proven approach 

In parallel, two new patents issued in 2025 formally recognized DocMagic’s proprietary automated document preparation methodologies.  

These patents formally recognize the automated document preparation approach behind AutoPrep™, which lenders rely on to improve accuracy, reduce rework, and identify issues earlier in the loan lifecycle. With DocMagic having facilitated 419,641 total eClosings across 733 clients since 2022, validated methods like this matter, because small improvements in accuracy and consistency can compound at scale. 

Looking ahead in 2026 and beyond 

As lenders continue to balance efficiency, innovation, and compliance in a changing market, our focus remains the same. We will continue investing in practical innovation, thoughtful use of AI and other emerging technologies, and systems designed to support the lending industry. 

When Editor Kim Haas of The Mortgage Note reached out to learn more about DocMagic’s newly granted patents, Chief Technology Officer Michael Morford walked her through how these innovations strengthen the foundation of digital mortgage workflows. In the published interview, he details how the two patents give DocMagic exclusivity to technology that identifies and enables loan documents, a breakthrough that removes one of the biggest friction points in creating a fully digital mortgage. 

Both patents are already integrated into AutoPrep™ , which converts third-party documents into e-ready files for eSignature, eNotarization, and eClosing. Morford noted that the engineering behind these capabilities reflects years of focused development and a commitment to building technology that adapts as the industry evolves. 

The conversation also touched on how lenders are approaching AI. Morford encouraged teams to start small rather than wait for a perfect roadmap. “Small change adds up to big wins. Do not try to solve the world. Start with low-risk, high-data opportunities that help your team get comfortable with AI and become more efficient,” he said.  

Morford added that lenders who begin this work now will be better prepared to scale when the market rebounds. 

Read Michael’s full interview in The Mortgage Note. 

We’re pleased to share that our Chief eServices Executive, Brian D. Pannell, has been named one of HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters for 2025—the second time he has received this award. This rare distinction highlights his sustained leadership in transforming digital mortgage closings from concept to reality. 

"Our goal has always been to make digital closings practical, not theoretical," Brian says. "When lenders can close in minutes instead of hours and cut hundreds of dollars in costs per loan, that's when technology truly delivers value."During his tenure, DocMagic has achieved breakthrough results: 

• 15-minute closings that were once impossible 

• Over $400 in savings per loan compared to traditional processes 
• The industry's first eHELOC registration with MERS® 
• eVaulting technology securing the majority of eNotes in circulation 

Brian's 18 years at Fannie Mae gave him deep insight into mortgage industry challenges. Since joining DocMagic in 2014, he's brought that expertise to bear on ensuring digital transformation actually works in the real world. Beyond technology development, Brian helps to shape industry standards through active leadership in MISMO, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the Electronic Signature and Records Association. 

 As HousingWire's Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler noted, "These leaders aren't just keeping up with technology, they're setting the pace. Their work makes the housing industry smarter, faster, and more connected." 

DocMagic's clients have generated tens of millions in cumulative cost savings, representing a fundamental shift in how mortgage lending operates. Brian's second Tech Trendsetter award acknowledges a decade of consistent contribution to that transformation. 

Congratulations to all of the 2025 HousingWire Tech Trendsetters. See the complete list at https://www.housingwire.com/articles/introducing-the-2025-housingwire-tech-trendsetters/

We’re excited to share that Pat Theodora, DocMagic’s CEO and Co-Founder, has been honored with a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award—recognizing his decades-long leadership and ongoing contributions to digital mortgage innovation.

The HousingWire Vanguard Awards spotlight senior housing leaders who are making a measurable impact across the real estate, mortgage, and finance sectors. Now in its tenth year, the program honors executives whose daily work helps move the industry forward.

Pat brings over 40 years of experience in the mortgage space, starting as a loan officer in 1980 and co-founding DocMagic in 1987. Today, he leads with the forward-thinking, approach that helped establish DocMagic’s reputation as an industry trailblazer.

Under his leadership, over the past year the company has:

• Launched a new unified platform powered by integrated AI
• Enabled the industry’s first electronic HELOC registration with the MERS® eRegistry
• Continued to grow despite market headwinds, with hundreds of new lenders onboarded in the past year

“Pat’s influence on DocMagic and the broader mortgage ecosystem is undeniable,” said Lori Johnson, COO of DocMagic. “He leads with integrity, experience, and vision—consistently challenging us to deliver better outcomes for our clients and the industry at large.”

Pat is a visible presence at major industry events and continues to champion innovation and integrity at every level of the organization. His leadership has helped DocMagic maintain momentum, strengthen partnerships, and deliver technology that keeps lenders competitive.

You can find more information about Pat Theodora here:
? www.housingwire.com

We’re thrilled to share that our very own COO, Lori Johnson, has once again been named to Mortgage Professional America’s Elite Women list for 2025! This recognition highlights 40 outstanding female leaders who are making a lasting impact on the mortgage industry—and we couldn’t be prouder to see Lori among them for the second time.

Lori’s career is a true testament to vision, dedication, and leadership. From her early days as one of the first employees at Document Express to leading its acquisition by DocMagic, she’s never stopped driving innovation. Over the past year, she’s championed operational improvements that have sped up eClosing go-live timelines and cut costs for our clients—proving that efficiency and excellence can go hand in hand.

Her leadership truly shined in 2024, when she navigated us through a major transition with strength, clarity, and care, ensuring that DocMagic continued to grow and innovate. She’s also a committed mentor, inspiring women inside and outside our company to take on new challenges and leadership roles.

We’re grateful for Lori’s vision, resilience, and the positive impact she makes every day—not just here at DocMagic, but across the mortgage technology landscape.

Congratulations, Lori, on this well-deserved honor!

We’re thrilled to share that our very own Nicholas Hartigan, Director of Program Management, has been named a 2025 HousingWire Insider—an honor reserved for the unsung heroes driving innovation and operational excellence in housing.

At DocMagic, Nicholas plays a critical behind-the-scenes role. He oversees our complex project portfolio, working across teams to implement enterprise-level client integrations, drive strategic planning, and ensure we’re delivering with excellence at every step. This year alone, he’s been instrumental in onboarding several top-10 mortgage originators to the DocMagic platform—helping us expand our impact while keeping things running smoothly.

“Nicholas is a force of consistency and clarity, ensuring we deliver on our most complex initiatives without losing sight of the big picture,” said Lori Johnson, DocMagic COO. “His leadership, strategic foresight, and ability to unite teams around a shared vision make him truly deserving of this recognition.”

HousingWire’s Insiders program honors the behind-the-scenes professionals who are essential to their company’s success, and Nicholas exemplifies exactly that. We’re incredibly proud to see his contributions recognized.

Read the full list of honorees on HousingWire’s website.

We’re proud to announce that Tara Klamrowski, our General Counsel, has been recognized as a 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence. This annual award honors women who are making significant contributions to the housing industry through leadership, innovation, and excellence—and Tara is a standout example of all three.

Since joining DocMagic, Tara has had a profound impact on our organization. In just three years, she has helped us secure two U.S. patents for our AutoPrep™ e-enablement technology, streamlining a process that typically takes a decade into just a few years. She also led the development of our AI policy and risk framework, ensuring our innovations align with both regulatory requirements and our company values.

Tara plays a uniquely strategic role at DocMagic—not only guiding legal risk and compliance, but also supporting product development, managing all legal operations, and strengthening cross-functional collaboration. Her mentorship and ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical business guidance have elevated the way we work across teams.

As our CEO Pat Theodora put it, “Tara’s rare combination of legal insight, technological literacy, and business acumen has made her an indispensable part of our leadership team. She’s not just managing legal risk—she’s enabling innovation and helping define our future.”

We’re honored to see Tara recognized among such an esteemed group of industry leaders. Her contributions continue to shape DocMagic’s growth and help advance the broader housing ecosystem.

The full list of HousingWire’s 2025 Women of Influence can be found here.

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’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.

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.