PennyMac Opens Mortgage Call Center

Westlake Village mortgage lender PennyMac Financial Services Inc. (PFSI) said it has opened a new call center in Issaquah, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, to expand its direct lending to consumers. The center will have 50 service agents, the company said. “The Issaquah expansion reflects PennyMac’s strong position in the mortgage industry and the top-tier customer service we provide,” said Steve Bailey, PennyMac senior managing director and chief mortgage operations officer. PennyMac’s direct lending relies on the internet and at least 12 call centers nationwide rather than traditional branch offices. The lender produced about $1.5 billion in direct loans in the quarter ended June 30, according to government filings. Shares closed up 31 cents, or 1.8 percent, to $17.70 on the New York Stock Exchange.