My thinking isn't really motivated that much about making money but it's about giving my clients better service and being able to get them better deals.

I see some people going to DiTech or others thinking they are getting a great deal just because they aren't paying closing costs.   I always recommend some very good lenders but even then I can't really be certain that my lenders will make sure they give them a good deal.  If my buyers take my recommendation without checking around, how do I know if my lender won't be tempted to take advantage of the situation.

If nothing else I will have access to the going rates so I can help clients evaluate an offer and keep lenders honest. I've studied the games that are played and would be in a better position to help.

I've heard others mention that everyone gets money at the same cost.  The difference in the final rate is  how high their operating costs are and how much profit they want to make.  I already have an assistant who I need to keep busy sometimes.  Even if I have her devote 40 hours doing the grunt work it would only cost me $500.  I've heard that the typical aquisition cost for a mortgage client is $1200.  My client would be free.    I already sit down with them and discuss their goals and plans for the future.  As far as financial advice, I have done the course work for being a certified financial planner and have done taxes for H&R Block.  Very seldom do I hear lenders advise clients on taxes or the time value of money or lost opportunity costs.  There are some great calculators out there that take all those things into consideration.  I'm already in touch with my clients up to closing and always attend the closing.  If I really know their financial position I can make sure the contract is written up to best serve their needs. 

I've talked with a former loan originator and it sounds like you pretty much ask some questions, show them a few options and take an application and collect a few documents.  You hand it off to a processor and do a little follow up when needed. Wouldn't blending those few functions into what I already do be the most efficient and therefore cheapest way to deliver a loan product? 

Am I being naive here?  Realtors need to take continueing education anyway so why not study up on the mortgage part of the business?  I know there will always be a few cases that need the expertise of some specialist but what's wrong with just working with the easy no brainer ones? 

I've heard some say something about a conflict of interest.  To me, getting them the best loan would be congruent with getting them the best home.  If they shop around and I give them the best deal, what could be wrong with that?  I see it as an opportunity to fully understand the client's situation and help them put it all together in an efficient holistic manner. 

If I wanted to change careers and become a full time loan officer, how much training would I need to be able to give clients sound advice on purchasing a mortgage?  Are there college courses or something?  Are the courses  a few weeks or months or more?  You don't need a license in Georgia so do most people get their training from the companies that they work for?