Starting Your Own Net Mortgage Branch

Deciding to start your own net mortgage branch is not something you do on a whim. Navigating the many laws and regulations of the mortgage industry is no easy task for newcomers, and the state of the economy in recent years has only made the industry more complex. Sweeping industry changes and the RESPA reform have left mortgage company owners under extreme scrutiny and pressure to dot every I and cross every T, with no mistakes. So it’s advisable that you have several years of experience in the mortgage industry working as a loan originator before you attempt a branch of your own. Still, if you’ve got the experience and the motivation to go out on your own, the opportunities are out there.

Mortgage Branch Opportunities

Although the economic slump of the last decade has been difficult to weather, the country has turned an economic corner and a rebound is underway. Home sales have been gradually increasing, and the incredible lowering of the home prices that was a prime indication of the stuttering economy is now creating an equally amazing incentive for prospective home owners and real-estate investors alike. As more and more people buy, the real estate market will escalate. Even at the current selling prices, most buyers are not going to be able to put up the entire amount in cash. The need for mortgages is there, and can only grow exponentially as the housing market explodes. By starting up a net mortgage branch, you will gain the respectability and brand appeal of a major company, leaving you ideally set up to create mutually beneficial relationships as you and your clients take advantage of the coming housing market boom.

5 Tips for Opening Your Own Mortgage Branch

Opening your own net mortgage branch can be tough, and finding out how to start and where to go can be surprisingly difficult. Following these tips, garnered from the experiences of those who have gone before you, can help ease your path in this complex and interesting journey.

1.Licensing is mandatory. Before you can operate, you must hold a valid originator or state business license.

2.Rules are made to be followed. Now is not the time to flex those rebel muscles. Make sure that you have the support and approval of your corporate office before you market your branch or you will find yourself in deep legal trouble.

3.Working on commission is good. Depending on a commission for your livelihood may seem like a leap of faith, but if you’ve got a good work ethic, it’s a great opportunity to maximize your paycheck. Of course, be realistic about your personal skills and style, if you don’t think you’ll work well on commission, don’t risk it.

4.Break out the books. Two books to be exact. Boning up on the rules and regulations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) is really useful in enabling you to identify and utilize the net mortgage opportunities around you.

5.Get to know the market. Understanding how the market works, and the inherent benefits to both mortgage originator and mortgage branch is essential.