Don’t Try to Outsmart the Markets Getting ready to refinance your mortgage but waiting for rates to fall just one more time? Is that extra 1/8th percent ready to drop? Some consumers begin to follow economic news and perform no shortage of due diligence trying to pick the perfect time to lock in an interest rate. Loan officers are asked on a daily basis, “What are rates going to do?” The fact is nobody knows …
Recently a mortgage loan originator in another state contacted me for help. He was stuck with an underwriter and was challenged by how to calculate the self employment income. In that conversation he told me how helpful it would be to originators to have a “loan advisor” to consult with. He encouraged me to set up Advisory Sessions and they are now available to any originator who knows the value of time. In addition to …
Why the two tier system anyway? Do consumers realize the difference? For the sake of full disclosure, my business is education. I am a mortgage educator. I write, record and instruct courses for depository and non-depository originators alike. Their job is the same! One could reasonably argue that I have an agenda; I earn my living on education. Does that make the argument for all originators to be educated any less valid? In 2007, I …
The Nationwide Multi-state Licensing System and Registry just posted an update on MLO testing. Here is the list of NMLS test centers opening as of May 1, 2020. The announcement went on to state alternative testing options: Starting in mid-May, SAFE MLO National Test candidates will also have the option to take the test via remote proctoring. More details will be provided soon. Once remote proctoring begins, test candidates will continue to have the option …
Don’t Try to Outsmart the Markets Getting ready to refinance your mortgage but waiting for rates to fall just one more time? Is that extra 1/8th percent ready to drop? Some consumers begin to follow economic news and perform no shortage of due diligence trying to pick the perfect time to lock in an interest rate. Loan officers are asked on a daily basis, “What are rates going to do?” The fact is nobody knows …
April 29, 2020 – The CFPB issued an Interpretive Rule today titled: Application of Certain Provisions in the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule and Regulation Z Right of Rescission Rules in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The rule allows for COVID-19 to be a “financial emergency reason for borrowers to WAIVE the TRID closing waiting period and the three-day right of rescission. “The Bureau understands that the COVID-19 pandemic could pose temporary business disruptions and challenges …
26,000,000 people filed for unemployment in the past several weeks; and it’s not over! The Coronavirus is causing serious financial issues for states. For the first time ever, independent contractors are eligible under the CARES Act , even though unemployment taxes may not have been paid in. When the states start looking at all the workers who were 1099, what action will they take? The IRS is just as interested in independent contractors, even more …
Learn how to get YOUR Tripod. Free LIVE Webinar on May 5th 12:00 Noon ET! In this COVID-19 world, companies need all possible resources at their fingertips to keep businesses going and growing to recruit and provide quality professional development in a safe environment. Is consumer direct the future of mortgage origination with all the hidden pitfalls? While it may be a smart strategy for banks and credit unions to grow market share, retain servicing …
Employers may be challenged getting new originators working. If you have employees who have completed their 20-hour national education and are ready for the test, it may be a while. The NMLS has put out the following summary regarding applicants needing to take the national test for a state-loan originator license. Effective March 18, 2020, due to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and the need to limit social interaction, all Prometric Test Centers in the U.S. …
Every customer should receive a written analysis; it helps take emotion out of the equation. I do it for all my purchases and refinances. Yes, we have lots of long discussions, but hearing and seeing are two different things! The point of an analysis (particulary for refinances) is for a consumer to know the interest costs and principal reduction between a new loan and the original loan at it’s current balance. (you may need to …