Are Your MLOs Truly Independent Contractors?
Many mortgage companies classify Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs) as independent contractors. However, federal laws—including the Department of Labor's guidelines, IRS rulings, and the SAFE Act—suggest otherwise. These regulations emphasize that MLOs often function as employees due to factors like company control, lack of independent...
If you are thinking of getting a Mortgage Loan Originator State License, you should know the NMLS pass rate for first-time test-takers is in the mid-50s. To clarify, that means roughly half of everyone sitting for the first time fails! Why? The NMLS exam isn’t something you can pass...
Looking for a smarter, more affordable way to learn the mortgage business? Starting a career as a mortgage loan originator (MLO) comes with a steep learning curve. You need to understand loan products, guidelines, compliance rules, and how to build relationships with clients—all while trying to grow your business. For...
When a Borrower Doesn’t Qualify for Conventional Financing—Think Twice Before Defaulting to Non-QM! It’s tempting to label a loan as investment purpose when a borrower doesn’t meet conventional guidelines—even when they plan to occupy the home as a primary residence. Well, that loophole just slammed shut! California’s AB 3108...
Check out our new membership subscription option for any loan originator who is ready to learn how to earn more money and become a mortgage expert in under a year. This material will set up a mortgage originator for life. This plan is offered at a price everyone can...
The mortgage origination field can seem quite appealing, offering the potential for high earnings, autonomy, and the satisfaction of assisting others with their home financing. However, this allure often leads to unrealistic expectations and, ultimately, disillusionment and failure. True success in the mortgage industry requires setting realistic goals and...
I have been receiving many inquiries about what it takes to start a mortgage broker business and how to get started. I recently spoke to a gentleman who thought he wanted to start his own business, but after our lengthy conversation, he came to the conclusion “I just want...
For the past 20 years, I have been teaching real estate classes. Initially, I began teaching as a way to build and maintain professional relationships and gain referrals. Unlike sponsoring open houses or arranging casual coffee meet-ups, I found that educating was a more effective and respectable approach. The...
The definition of insanity: doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. Welcome to the mortgage business! Mortgage company owners and recruiters often entice new Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs) into the industry with the allure of minimal entry requirements. However, this approach frequently leads to a...
In the fast-paced world of mortgage lending, a crucial yet often overlooked issue is always lurking between companies and those mortgage loan originators they employ; the misclassification of mortgage loan originators. Often labeled as independent contractors, many of these financial professionals find themselves in a precarious position, unable to...
I usually write about mortgage or real estate professionals, but since I teach Anti-Money Laundering classes, I thought it would be helpful for all small businesses to know what’s coming. On September 18, 2023 the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published the final rules for the new Corporate Transparency...
In a startling turn of events, two major players in the mortgage and real estate industry have been dealt a hefty blow with fines totaling a staggering $1.95 million. The penalties come as a result of their failure to comply with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), a...
Do you know how money is actually laundered through real estate transactions? Do you know your Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Training Requirements? Between 2015 and 2020, at least $2.3 billion was laundered through US real estate, with estimates by Washington, D.C. think tank Global Financial Integrity (GFI), putting the number...
Ready to embark on a rewarding career as a mortgage loan originator? Look no further! We’re thrilled to announce our latest offering: the comprehensive 20-Hour Safe Pre-Licensing Education Program Our newest course was written by and taught by veteran mortgage loan originator Debra Killian. It’s packed with valuable insights,...
