Your First Year in Mortgages – From Licensing to Mastery

Overview

In the dynamic world of mortgage lending, the journey to becoming a successful Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) starts with a solid foundation. “Your First Year in Mortgages – From Licensing to Mastery” is designed for those embarking on their first year in the mortgage industry, focusing on both the essentials of obtaining a license and the skills necessary for long-term success.

Our comprehensive program begins with guiding new MLOs through the licensing process by assisting new entrants with registering with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) to obtain, their Unique Identifier Number. From there we begin the required 20-hours of education, ensuring a thorough understanding of the mandatory requirements and regulations. This initial phase is crucial, laying the groundwork for what lies ahead.

Beyond licensing, the course delves into the core aspects of being an effective MLO. Participants will learn how to use their mortgage knowledge base to build and maintain robust relationships with real estate agents, a critical component for success in this industry. The course emphasizes not just theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, from asking the understanding credit reports, calculating income, structuring loans, pricing, loan products and many more skills originators use every day.

As new MLOs navigate their new career, “Your First Year in Mortgages – From Licensing to Mastery” offers the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive. It’s a journey from the basics of licensing to mastering the complexities of the mortgage business, setting a strong foundation for a rewarding career in mortgage lending.

Curriculum

Instructor

Debra Killian

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.