Working in the mortgage industry can be especially challenging, but community and loan officer support are readily available no matter how long you’ve been in the industry. This article includes a list of the best resources for financial, professional, and peer support. Some top resources for loan officer support include loan origination Reddit threads, LinkedIn networking groups, and mortgage coaching programs.
Key Takeaways
In today’s fast-paced world, it is critical for individuals to have access to reliable sources that may help them facilitate both personal and professional growth.
LOs can access support individually or by connecting with others.
- In a competitive market and industry, seeking out loan officer support is a great way to invest in yourself and your career longevity.
1. Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Industry Through Reddit
The subreddit r/loanoriginators is a thriving online forum for loan originators and lending industry professionals. With thousands of subscribers, this subreddit provides a forum for professionals to engage in discussions and swap insights regarding the various elements of loan origination. Members can benefit from each other’s triumphs and problems by offering suggestions to strengthen client relationships or navigate complex financing requirements.
Furthermore, r/loanoriginators serves as a hub for industry news and updates. Members often exchange lending-related articles, blog posts, and research papers. This ensures that professionals are aware of the most recent developments, market situations, and regulatory changes that may have an impact on their work.
Anyone can use Reddit, so you should always take the advice with a grain of salt. But here’s an example of advice given to a new LO in the field who wasn’t sure where they would fit best:
“Call centers can be advantageous simply because of the number of “reps” you get on the phone, looking at all types of deals, arranging loans, and selling. This is the greatest option for you. Even if it stinks, you’ll see 10x the amount of transactions and be more confident when doing self-gen. On top of that, I would read as much as I could about the lending market, trends, rate predictions, and so on, so that you could really get your mind around the business as a whole. MBS Highway ($150/month), Mortgage News Daily (free), and MF Lending (free) are my top choices.”
Within this subreddit, you’ll also find recommendations for test prep courses and resources to help you on your journey to getting licensed. Compliance is incredibly important in this industry, so it’s a good idea to make sure that each program is still NMLS-approved.
Reddit can also be a source of loan officer book recommendations. Here’s a small sample:
- The Little Red Book of Selling
- The Compound Effect
- Atomic Habits
- Ninja Selling
With some quick research, you can find the right Reddit loan originator thread for you. Want to know the average mortgage loan originator salary? Or what it’s like working with particular mortgage marketing companies? Reddit can help.
2. Find Scholarships for Continuing Education Through the Mortgage Bankers Association
For loan officers, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is a prominent organization that provides access to a wide range of professional development options such as webinars, seminars, and workshops. Being a member of the MBA community also gives you access to networking opportunities allowing you to connect with other loan officers, lenders, and industry experts.
The Industry Resources section includes various scholarships for those within the finance and mortgage sectors. The Path to Diversity Scholarship Program honors current industry professionals who want to further their professions via continuing education. Recipients receive a voucher for up to $2,000 in course registration fees for popular MBA Education courses and credential programs as well as select conferences. This educational opportunity allows employees from a variety of backgrounds to boost their professional development and career advancement.
Scholarships from the Path to Diversity program can also be applied to six MBA Conferences where attendees can earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE), Continuing Legal Education (CLE), or Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) credits.
Application Requirements and Eligibility
A resume, personal statement, and a letter of recommendation from a current MBA member in one of the following groups are required to submit a full application for the following programs:
- Supervisor/Organization Leadership
- CMB (specifically for CMB applicants)
- National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAAMBA)
- State/Local MBA
- Future Leaders Alumni
- mPact, mPower, or DEI committees
Review Timeline and Evaluation Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, subject to funding availability. The scholarship amount awarded is determined by the course registration chosen. Individuals may get up to three awards over their careers with no more than one award given in any given calendar year.
Applications received by the 15th of the month will be considered by MBA’s Path to Diversity Scholarship Award Task Force by the end of the same month. Applicants will know the status of their applications within 30 days of them being processed. If your application is declined, you may resubmit it at any time.
Applicants must receive a minimum of 75 points out of a possible 100 in order to be approved. The following criteria are used to evaluate applications:
Personal Statement: 50 points
Letter of Recommendation: 50 points
U.S. veterans and disabled applicants will receive 5 bonus points.
Qualified Courses and Programs
Accepted applicants may use their education funds on the following:
- Human Resources Symposium (SHRM)
- Regulatory Compliance Conference (CLE)
- Accounting and Financial Management Conference (CPE)
- Servicing Solutions Conference & Expo (CLE)
- Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference (CLE)
- Commercial/Multifamily Servicing & Technology Conference (CPE)
Professional Certificates & Designations
- Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB)
- Certified Mortgage Compliance Professional (CMCP)
- Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU)
- Residential Certified Mortgage Servicer (RCMS)
- Commercial Certified Mortgage Servicer (CCMS)
- Chartered Realty Investor (CRI)
Leadership
Residential: General
- School of Mortgage Banking I: An Introduction to the Real Estate Finance Industry
- School of Mortgage Banking II: Managing Profitability and Risk
- School of Mortgage Banking III: Strategic Planning for Mortgage Bankers
- Introduction to Mortgage Banking
Residential: Loan Production
Residential: Loan Administration
Commercial/Multifamily
Multifamily
3. Join a LinkedIn Network
LinkedIn is the premier networking platform of professionals worldwide. In addition to sharing posts and articles, you may consider joining groups with shared interests and goals. Here is a quick list of the top LinkedIn Mortgage Groups:
Mortgage Bankers Association (around 71,958 members)
- For real estate finance professionals who want to network and discuss industry challenges.
Mortgage Professionals (around 58,653 members)
- This forum is intended for mortgage professionals to discuss anything and everything related to the mortgage industry.
Mortgage Professionals Network (around 81,669 members)
- One of the world’s leading associations for mortgage and banking professionals is open to professionals interested in the mortgage and banking industries.
National Association of Mortgage Brokers (around 2,440 members)
- The National Association of Mortgage Brokers is a trade organization representing the interests of mortgage professionals and homebuyers since 1973 and is dedicated to promoting the highest level of professionalism and ethical standards for its members.
America’s Mortgage Underwriters Group (around 14,032 members)
- For professional mortgage underwriters who work with FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA, and RHS loans.
FHA Mortgage Facts & Guidelines (around 12,309 members)
- Devoted solely to FHA data and standards.
Mortgage Professionals Worldwide (around 8,463 members)
- A group for mortgage professionals to share information, remain connected, and grow their customer base.
Mortgage Loan Office Support Network (around 3,941 members)
- A group where loan officers and mortgage brokers may share information and encourage one another.
To join these organizations, you must first request membership. However, this is a good thing because it leads to more engagement and better conversations. Topics can range from overcoming obstacles in challenging market conditions to maintaining contact with previous clients. Whatever you’re looking for, these groups are excellent sources of knowledge and networking.
4. Take NMLS Approved Continuing Education Courses
MLO Continuing Education courses are available online through the CE Shop in all 50 states and US territories. The courses are NMLS-approved and completely online. They also meet SAFE Act standards and license renewal criteria.
These courses equip professionals with the information and skills needed to handle the mortgage industry’s ever-changing terrain. Mortgage experts can guarantee that they are giving accurate and dependable information to their clients by staying knowledgeable about new legislation and requirements. This is also a great way to build trust and credibility.
NMLS CE Deadlines
MLO Continuing Education Deadlines
Typically, NMLS advises that you complete your CE before the end of the year. The 2023 CE deadlines are offered below as an example:
- SMART Deadline: December 8, 2023
- At-Risk-to-Miss Deadline: December 15, 2023
- Guaranteed to Miss Deadline: December 29, 2023
MLO Continuing Education Requirements
The SAFE Act requires mortgage professionals, including MLOs and mortgage brokers, to take at least 8 hours of Continuing Education each year in order to keep their license active. These hours must be earned from an NMLS-approved source. Most states require the following hours:
- 3 hours of federal law and regulations
- 2 hours of ethics, including instruction on fraud, consumer protection, and fair lending
- 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
- 1 hour of undefined electives on mortgage origination
Additional hours, known as “state-specific” hours, are necessary in some states to retain licenses. More information can be found in the table below.
| STATE | NATIONAL PE | STATE PE | TOTAL PE | NATIONAL CE | STATE CE | TOTAL CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Alaska | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Arizona | 16 | 4 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| California - DFPI | 18 | 2 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| California - DRE | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Colorado | 18 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Connecticut | 20 | 1 | 21 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Delaware | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| District of Columbia | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Florida | 18 | 2 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Georgia | 20 | 0 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Hawaii | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Idaho | 18 | 2 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Illinois | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Indiana - DFI | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Indiana - SOS | 18 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Iowa | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Kansas | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Kentucky | 20 | 0 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Louisiana | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Maine | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Maryland | 15 | 5 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Massachusetts | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Michigan | 18 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Minnesota | 20 | 0 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Mississippi | 16 | 4 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Missouri | 20 | 0 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Montana | 18 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Nebraska | 20 | 2 | 22 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Nevada | 26 | 4 | 30 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| New Hampshire | 18 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| New Jersey | 16 | 4 | 20 | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| New Mexico | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| New York | 17 | 3 | 20 | 8 | 3 | 11 |
| North Carolina | 20 | 4 | 24 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| North Dakota | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Ohio | 20 | 4 | 24 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Oklahoma | 19 | 1 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Oregon | 16 | 4 | 20 | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Puerto Rico | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Rhode Island | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| South Carolina - BFI | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| South Carolina - DCA | 17 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| South Dakota | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Tennessee | 18 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Texas - OCCC | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Texas - SML | 20 | 3 | 23 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Utah - DFI | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Utah - DRE | 20 | 15 | 35 | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Vermont | 18 | 2 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Virgin Islands | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Virginia | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Washington | 18 | 4 | 22 | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| West Virginia | 20 | 4 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Wisconsin | 20 | 0 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Wyoming | 20 | 0 | 20 |