What New Mortgage Loan Originators Need to Know That Nobody Ever Tells You
- Posted by Debra Killian
- Categories Mortgage Competencies, Mortgage Education, Mortgage Insights, NMLS Licensing Education, Originators
- Date August 26, 2024
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 taking full ownership of your career. Many companies tend to over-promise and under-deliver, advertising top-tier rates, extensive support, and lucrative compensation plans to attract newly licensed originators. Unfortunately, these new entrants often lack the experience to critically evaluate these promises or understand what it truly takes to thrive in this industry.
Furthermore, the SAFE Act may set misleading benchmarks, leading newcomers to believe that a 20-hour pre-licensing course and passing a national test are sufficient for career readiness. In reality, these are just the minimal steps required for licensure. The act’s additional requirement of 8 hours of continuing education per year is hardly enough to enhance the competencies needed for real-world success. While the SAFE Act was a step in the right direction, those with experience in the industry recognize that it falls short and often serves as a significant source of frustration for new originators.
This Video is For You! To truly understand the complexities and challenges of the mortgage industry, I highly recommend watching our detailed video on this topic. It covers everything from the enticing aspects of mortgage origination to the often misleading expectations set by the industry and regulations. This video will provide you with a clearer perspective on what it really takes to succeed and how to navigate the pitfalls that many new entrants face. Don’t miss out on this essential resource—watch now to set the foundation for a successful career in mortgage origination.
Debra Killian, a seasoned Mortgage Loan Originator, Course Developer, and Instructor combines her extensive 35-year background in residential mortgages, real estate, banking, and accounting to excel in the mortgage industry. An alumnus of Western Connecticut State University with a B.B.A. in Accounting,
Debra has been a transformative figure in residential mortgages since 1994, overseeing and managing over $1 billion in real estate loans. Her unique educational and professional journey has positioned her as a dynamic and effective trainer in the mortgage and real estate sectors, offering tailored courses that use mortgage competencies in building long-term relationships with customers and real estate professionals.
A trailblazer in mortgage education, Debra co-authored pivotal NMLS-approved courses, including the 20-hour Pre-licensing SAFE Act course in 2010 and The Mortgage Professional for the same curriculum in 2011. Her contributions continued with co-authoring the MBA's School of Loan Origination and mortgage and real estate continuing education classes.
Debra relentlessly pursues the latest industry trends and regulatory changes, ensuring her courses, both new and existing, are continuously updated and aligned with current standards and practices.
Debra's leadership extends beyond her immediate professional sphere, evidenced by her past roles in the CT Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Mortgage Professionals (NAMB) and various real estate associations.
A sought-after speaker, Debra lends her expertise to various professional groups and is dedicated to developing and delivering custom courses, reflecting her passion for education and industry advancement.
She and her husband Donald DeRespinis, own Charter Oak Systems, LLC which operates Cloes.online, and online education provider for pre-licensing courses required by the Secure and Fair Enforcement ACT (SAFE) Her passion is providing mortgage loan originators competency based training and professional development courses to all elevate mortgage loan originators. In addition to NMLS required courses, Debra and Don provide an array of compliance training to help companies comply with federal and state laws.