Over the last few months, several friends and associates have asked me to consider writing a book about originating mortgage loans.  The more I pondered their request, the more I found it to be a challenge. Every skilled mortgage originator has their own ideas about what it takes to be a successful originator and I am no exception. After twenty years in the business, I have observed, read and developed my own style and way of conducting business successfully.

While my unique mortgage experience (good and bad) is very helpful, the more I thought about authoring such a book, the more it caused me to question and investigate what I really know about originating mortgage loans. This led me to examine my opinions and methods, which in turn led to further research of key areas I felt were important and to assimilate this information from varying sources and viewpoints.

Are There Any Absolutes To Successful Mortgage Origination?

Many years back while in college, a professor boldly stated to my class with supreme confidence:

"There are no absolutes."

I immediately asked him:

"So what you are telling me is that there are ABSOLUTELY no ABSOLUTES?"

And his response was:

"Absolutely!"

I then responded:

"Then the only absolute is there are no absolutes? Which makes your statement an absolute which in turn contradicts it and makes your absolute statement false?"

Needless to say, the learned professor was not happy when my fellow students laughed and the good professor could not defend his statement.

What  does this have to do with mortgage origination?

Bottom line...I believe there are a few absolutes to being a successful mortgage originator over the long haul. While I agree there is substantial gray in our business, at the bottom of my heart, I believe the number one absolute to long-term success and self-fulfillment as an originator:

"You must always conduct your business honestly and in the best interest of your clients even if it means losing a client, commission or referral partner."

In my humble opinion, this is the number one rule (absolute) every long-term originator must follow. There are numerous examples of individuals that did not follow this rule and in turn made BUNDLES of money. However, the key operative term is LONG-TERM success and wealth sustainability. While it is very likely an individual or company can make a small fortune during certain markets (e.g. 2002-2005) ignoring this precept, their long-term sustainability is questionable. The marketplace is currently full of such examples. I recommend visiting Morgan Brown's site Blown Mortgage for numerous examples. Morgan has done a wonderful job chronicling exactly what I'm getting at and a must read for any serious mortgage professional.

There are countless topics concerning loan origination and over the next few months, I will be sharing my thoughts as I ponder, research, develop and write a comprehensive book about mortgage origination.