A recent post, by Ed Nailor, complained about the work of National Association of Mortgage Brokers, that there is not enough being done in support of the industry. He made the point that he would not join the association because they were not doing enough to help our industry.

There were several comments made to encourage him to join and to become active. I could not agree more that he and other mortgage originators need to step up and participate.

Ed's point that the mortgage industry needs strong support to defend its place in providing access to home ownership to a great many people is an important one. And the question whether the mortgage broker's associations are doing enough can be discussed.

What cannot be debated is that the associations have not been supported in large numbers by individual loan originators.

The Associations need members and money to represent the interests of mortgage originators to the state and federal legislatures and regulatory agencies. They also need members to express their individual concerns in order to represent these concerns.

A broker who is not a member unfortunately has less standing to voice concerns to the association.

The association is weakened in the eyes of legislators and regulators if it membership is low. Conversely, with a larger percentage of licensed brokers as members, the association would be perceived as more representative.

In today's environment, with unprofessionalism of mortgage brokers perceived as having a significant role in the current mortgage crisis, it is important that all in the industry step up.

Join the NAMB and the state association. Join the Banker's Association.

Become certified. 

I am very proud to announce that Tina Christein, my co worker and friend, and VP of Wholesale Lending at American Acceptance Mortgage, is president of TNAMB. You can read her recent message on the TNAMB website.

Also, read my blog posts about the recent education requirements for brokers in Tennessee and about Tina's installation as president of TNAMB.

NAMB offers 3 certification levels for mortgage brokers. General Mortgage Associate (GMA), Certified Residential Mortage Specialist (CRMS), and Certified Morgage Consultant (CMC). These certifications have not been required and are generally not pursued.

In the present environment though, it is time for mortgage professionals to become professional. It is time to join and be active in our associations and to meet the association requirements for certification.

We have started the process to achieve 100% membership in the TNAMB and 100% basic certification (GMA) of all our loan originators at American Acceptance.

My hope is that in actuality and in the public perception membership and certification will enhance the professionalism of the industry.

Richard

You will find a mortgage professional here. Whether you want conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Development, Reverse Mortgages, Construction Permanent, credit guidance, mortgage or home or other information in Tennessee, Georgia, or Alabama, call me, Richard Smith: