What New Mortgage Loan Originators Need to Know That Nobody Ever Tells You
- Posted by Debra Killian
- Date August 26, 2024
The mortgage origination field can seem incredibly 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, early disillusionment. To avoid these common pitfalls, newcomers must prioritize ongoing mortgage loan originator professional development right from day one.
The Reality Behind Industry Promises
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, without the right experience or advanced mortgage originator training, these new entrants often lack the context to critically evaluate these promises or understand the daily grind required to thrive in a competitive market.
Why the SAFE Act Is Just the Beginning
The SAFE Act often sets misleading benchmarks for new agents. It leads many newcomers to believe that completing a 20-hour pre-licensing course and passing a national test are sufficient for career readiness.
In reality, these are simply the minimal legal steps required for licensure. The act’s additional requirement of 8 hours of continuing education per year is hardly enough to enhance the complex competencies needed for real-world success. While the SAFE Act was a step in the right direction, experienced industry professionals recognize that it falls short and often serves as a significant source of frustration for underprepared new originators.
Watch Our Guide to Navigating the Industry
To truly understand the complexities and challenges of the mortgage field, I highly recommend watching our detailed video below. It covers everything from the enticing aspects of mortgage origination to the often-misleading expectations set by the industry and basic regulations.
This video will provide you with a clearer perspective on what it really takes to succeed and how to build a lasting, profitable career. Don’t miss out on this essential resource—watch now to set the right foundation for your future!
Key Takeaways for New MLOs:
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Licensing isn’t career readiness: Passing your SAFE Act test is merely the starting line. True market competence requires continuous, specialized learning.
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Critically evaluate job offers: Beware of companies that over-promise on support and compensation without a clear roadmap for your success.
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Invest in your own growth: Relying strictly on the minimum 8-hour continuing education requirement won’t make you a top producer. Seek out robust training to set yourself apart.
After you watch the video, let’s talk about your specific career goals. Reach out to me directly at deb@cloes.online or call (833) 951-5680 to discover how Cloes.online can elevate your expertise.
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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.



