HousingWire Daily Freddie Mac’s Jodi Eberhardt on more efficient mortgage origination
Jan 15, 2026
Jodi Eberhardt, Senior Director of Seller Strategy and Optimization at Freddie Mac, discusses the evolving mortgage origination landscape. She shares insights from Freddie Mac’s study on current cost drivers and highlights practices of cost-efficient lenders using technology and AI. Eberhardt emphasizes the benefits for borrowers, including lower closing costs and faster timelines. She also reviews digital tools that enhance collaboration and streamline workflows, urging lenders to engage with Freddie Mac to foster sustainable homeownership.
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Episode notes
Audit Tech And Processes Before Scaling
- Consultative teams should audit processes, metrics, and systems to create an optimization roadmap.
- Implementers must pair technology rollout with process change and staff adoption to capture savings.
Costs Up Despite Higher Per-Loan Income
- Average pre-tax net income per loan rose to $900 but production costs remain high and grew 2% over 2023.
- Labor, compliance, fragmented tech, and volume volatility are the persistent cost drivers.
Use Digital Tools And Prioritize Adoption
- Use digital tools to scale so staffing needs flex with volume and spread fixed costs over more loans.
- Prioritize adoption by staff and borrowers, not just choosing a tech vendor.