“I don’t always go the extra mile, but when I do, it’s because I missed my exit.” And that extra mile costs more every week. Higher gasoline prices certainly hit service workers and commuters much harder than other segments of the population, namely higher wealth individuals. (Thank you to a reader in Utah who sent, “Breaking News: gas prices are now so high, it is actually cheaper to buy cocaine and run everywhere.” And there’s “Beer is cheaper than gas. Drink, don’t drive.”) Gas prices don’t show much inclination to slow down, unlike residential lending. U.S. lenders issued a record $4.4 trillion in mortgage originations in 2021, topping the previous mark of $4.3 trillion from 2020, so there is almost no place to go but down in 2022. So lenders are laser-focused on production. At the recent SimpleNexus user’s conference, someone told the assembled group that there is a 77 percent higher chance of funding a loan when it comes through a referral source. eClosing (or however it is spelled), is a focus as well, as is Hispanic borrowers. Now, if only there was some inventory out there for them to buy! (Today’s audio version of the commentary is available here and this week’s is sponsored by SimpleNexus, an nCino company and award-winning developer of mobile-first technology for the modern mortgage lender. Today’s has an interview with Michael Innis-Thompson, SVP, Head of Community Lending & Development at TD Bank, on how the Bank is helping Black and Hispanic communities achieve the dream of homeownership.)