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Mortgage Training Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming or Expensive—Here’s a Better Way!
- Posted by Debra Killian
- Date February 21, 2025
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 many new MLOs, training is either too expensive, too overwhelming, or simply not provided by their company. That often leaves them struggling to learn on their own, making costly mistakes, or feeling unprepared to succeed.
So, how can new loan originators get the education they need without breaking the bank or feeling lost in information overload?
Traditionally, mortgage education has required either a significant upfront financial investment or a commitment to long, intensive training sessions that can be difficult to fit into a busy schedule. Many companies expect new MLOs to learn on the job, but without structured training, this can lead to:
- Knowledge gaps that cause errors in loan processing and compliance
- Lost opportunities due to a lack of confidence or understanding of loan programs
- A slow start in building a successful mortgage career
- Reputational damage right out of the gate.
One way to make mortgage training more effective is by breaking it down into smaller, manageable lessons that allow new MLOs to learn at a steady pace.
By delivering one course per week, learners can absorb information without feeling overwhelmed and immediately apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
This method helps with:
Retention: Learning in smaller, structured steps makes it easier to remember and apply key concepts.
Application: MLOs can take what they learn and use it in their daily workflow right away.
Affordability: Instead of a large upfront cost, a monthly model makes training more accessible for those just starting out.
Training shouldn’t be an afterthought! If you’re new to the mortgage industry, having a solid foundation is key to long-term success. Rather than trying to piece together knowledge from various sources or waiting for your company to provide training, taking control of your learning will set you apart.
So what should an effective training program offer?
✔ Real-world applications – Training that goes beyond theory and teaches actionable strategies.
✔ Compliance awareness – Understanding regulations is critical to avoiding costly mistakes.
✔ Sales and client interaction skills – Mortgage origination isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust.
Mortgage professionals shouldn’t have to choose between expensive, all-at-once training and no structured training at all. A more balanced approach—one that is affordable, practical, and paced for real learning—can make a significant difference.
For those looking to enter the mortgage industry or strengthen their skills, consider an approach that focuses on steady, structured growth rather than a crash course in information overload. The more you invest in learning the right way, the more confident and successful you’ll be in your career.
What’s Your Learning Plan? If your company isn’t providing structured training, what steps are you taking to build your expertise? A strong foundation in mortgage education can mean the difference between struggling to find your footing and building a thriving career.
Take the time to explore training options that fit your needs, budget, and career goals. Whether through a structured subscription model, mentorship, or continued education, making professional development a priority will always pay off.
Learn more today. Call 866-256-3766 or deb@cloes.online.
#debteaches #mortgage #MLOS #mortgagetraining #mortgaeeducation #cloesonline #newmlos
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.
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