Don’t Fear the Data: How Mortgage Data Analysis Can Transform Your Business

Raymond Snytsheuvel
Jun 24
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

If the phrase “Don’t Fear the Data” sounds like a riff on Blue Öyster Cult, that’s because it is (IYKYK). In the mortgage world, data can feel just as intimidating as the reaper—especially when you don’t know how to interpret it. Too many lenders rely on instinct instead of information. This can lead to missed opportunities.

That’s why mortgage data analysis is more important than ever.

As a mortgage lender, you often sense when something feels off—application volume drops, pull-through weakens, or a loan product underperforms. Your internal reports reveal the symptoms. However, they rarely explain why these issues are occurring.

The Importance of Public Data

This is where public data becomes invaluable. Many lenders are not utilizing it to its full potential, often due to its complexity and perceived overwhelming nature. But with the right insight and support, you can turn that data into a strategic advantage.

In a recent Loan Risk Advisors podcast episode, Greg Oliven and Val Buresch of Polygon Research discussed how public data can help you overcome guesswork and make data-driven business decisions. Their approach demonstrates how practical insights—backed by trusted data—can assist in solving real performance challenges.

What’s the Real Risk? Not Using the Data

It’s easy to avoid public data if it feels unfamiliar. However, the real danger lies in ignoring what this data reveals.

Your internal reports show what happens inside your company. On the other hand, public data provides a broader view. It helps you discern whether a trend is unique to your business or part of a wider market shift.

At Polygon Research, public data is taken to the next level. Their team combines HMDA, census, and NMLS datasets to model the housing finance industry at a micro level. Their HMDAVision tool aggregates over 115 million mortgage transactions from the past six years. It presents this data in easy-to-read charts, tables, and maps.

This means you can explore the data with confidence and act on your findings.

What the Data Can Tell You

During the podcast, Greg and Val provided an example of how powerful public data can be. They explored:

The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), which tracks loan officer employment history
The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) dataset, which documents loan application and funding outcomes

By integrating these two sources, they addressed a crucial question: Does loan officer retention affect pull-through rates?

The answer is yes.

The data demonstrated that lenders with lower loan officer turnover consistently achieved higher pull-through rates.

You probably suspected this already. Now, there’s data to back it up—providing a compelling reason to make retention a core part of your growth strategy.

Use Mortgage Data Analysis to Make Better Decisions

With mortgage data analysis, you can answer the right questions and make informed decisions. Here are some actionable steps:

Identify early trends by geography, investor, or loan type.
Benchmark your performance against regional or national averages.
Detect outliers that may be skewing your internal metrics.
Foster alignment among departments with a shared understanding.

Polygon Research doesn’t just provide dashboards; they help you leverage them effectively. As data coaches, Greg and Val assist teams in asking better questions, reevaluating performance, and collaborating more efficiently.

When marketing, operations, and compliance teams utilize the same benchmarks, you’re not just working faster—you’re also working smarter.

Why It Matters

Failing to use public data means you’re only viewing part of the overall picture. This limitation can delay critical decisions you need to make today.

Internal data reveals what’s happening internally.
Public data shows how you compare to others in the industry.
Data coaches guide you to decide what to do next.

Stop Guessing. Start Solving.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. With the appropriate tools and coaching, you can leverage mortgage data analysis to validate your instincts. Uncover performance trends and make faster, more confident decisions.

Don’t fear the data. Leverage it.

Polygon Research helps lenders transition from instinct to strategy.

Watch this brief clip to hear Greg and Val explain it in their own words:

Or catch the full episode here.

Conclusion: Embracing Public Data for Growth

When it comes to staying compliant while acting on insights, Loan Risk Advisors is here to help you. From marketing compliance and customized training to state exam prep, we ensure your decisions align with today’s regulatory expectations.