FBC reports Optimal Blue helped streamline operations.

Optimal Blue LLC, Plano, Texas, announced that FBC Mortgage LLC, Orlando, Florida, has improved the locking process since implementing Optimal Blue's product eligibility and pricing engine (PPE) technology last summer.

Based on feedback from end users, FBC said it wanted to upgrade its PPE to a more accurate platform that would tightly integrate with its existing systems.

Accuracy was the primary driver in selecting Optimal Blue; however, FBC executives also cited the system's ease of use; strong lock-desk functionality; and customizable, feature-driven functions as additional key reasons in their decision-making process, according to Vinay Miglani, secondary marketing manager with FBC Mortgage LLC.

"By centralizing the lock process, we have improved our pull-through ratios with investors and have become eligible for pricing incentives," said Miglani. "Optimal Blue's system thus allowed us to increase profitability, which has promoted our growth in a challenging environment. The system makes it much easier for us to manage product and pricing information, and coupled with its virtually perfect accuracy, the investment has allowed us to see significant benefits, from improving margins to saving time."

With a centralized lock desk, Miglani said he also likes the customizable nature of Optimal Blue's system, as FBC can now customize each investor's product as well as manipulate delivery times and implement overlays.

"Having prior experience with another PPE was a huge advantage for FBC, as they knew exactly what they were looking for in a solution," said Larry Huff, co-chief executive officer of Optimal Blue. "Our ability to provide the most accurate, real-time pricing and guideline information gives us a tremendous competitive advantage, and has been a primary driver in our ability to increase market share."