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Where to put my WA State License Number...

The other day, Brian Brady poked fun at my email signature. You see, with Washington State's new licensing requirements for Mortgage Brokers (lenders who work for companies owned by banks or credit unions are not held to the same standards by our state), we must display our license number on our websites, business cards, marketing, 1003's etc.

I decided to take Brian's advise of just getting a Washington State car license to proudly display my loan originator number. Here it is:

Everyone will know it's me and that I'm licensed when I pull up to my appointments! I'll just have to stop cutting people off when I'm driving now that I can be identified.

But maybe that's not enough...maybe I should not take any chances of not having my new identity mistaken.

Perhaps I should get a tattoo...someplace where every client can see... After all, what if they don't see me driving my car with my new plates? I want to make sure they know I'm a Licenced Loan Originator. (I might have to lose my bangs and go for the forehead tattoo).

Or...now that I'm 40...I could have my mid-life crisis and get a separate tattoo that only my husband would see...pretty fancy!

Ummm...maybe I should just stick with my business card, 1003s, websites and blogs! Thanks anyhow for the idea, Brian!

Posted by Rhonda Porter CMPS on 03/24/2007 05:23 PM

Comments (41)

licensing, tattoos, washington

41 Comments on Where to put my WA State License Number...

MAR

2007

Very funny Rhonda!! I like the tatoo. But then again I'm a dirty old man so what the heck would I know:)

That is a very strange law. Don't the know that a thief would just make up a number anyway?

Thanks, Bryant! It is crazy. Any bozo can add it to their business card, you're right. And other licensed professionals, such as Realtors, LPOs, etc. are not required to have their actual number on their card. We are not required to hang our license in our office! It's in my lap top bag right now. I guess I should frame it...although the test to retain our license is not available yet.

What is the state trying to accomplish? This is a reaction to something?

I assure everyone that the jest I made was solely done to get the picture on the lower right published.

Good question, Eric. I'm not sure if it was a specific circumstance that brought this on. It's my understanding that WA state is one of the few who do not have licensing in place. Before 2007, ANYONE could originate a mortgage in WA. With how it's currently set up, if LOs don't pass their background check or the test, they'll have to get out of the biz or work for a bank or credit union (I would assume they do background checks as well, but I don't know).

Brian, ha ha!!! I wish I could say that was me in the lower right corner... alas, it's my butt double instead of my double butt! :) (sorry...sometimes I just can't help myself).

I wonder what makes you a better and safer consumer, having access to a number that most folks don't understand anyway and don't know how to check? Heaven knows that there are plenty of shady people out there with active licenses!

I'm hoping that the background checks will filter out recent felons (past 7 years). And that the test will reduce the broker LO pool as well. Now, a consumer will be able to file a complaint with DFI against a LO's license and the license will follow the LO to different employers IF employed by a broker (not banks--like WaMu, Countrywide, Wells Fargo, etc., consumer loan companies or credit unions.

This topic is actually what made me launch my blog, The Mortgage Porter. Here are links to what I've posted about our state's licensing: http://www.mortgageporter.com/reportingfromseattle/legislation/index.html

I've also written about this at Rain City Guide: http://www.raincityguide.com/2007/01/12/licensed-to-loan/

And that the test will reduce the broker LO pool as well

So the real motivation is to lessen your competition? I can live with that motivation.

Hey Rhonda...I love the tatoo idea! LOL My, I didn't know that Washington State was so stringent! Here in Idaho all that is required is that we display our license number somewhere that it is visible in our offices. I still thing the tatoo idea is a great one ! LOL. I hope you are having a great weekend.

It's interesting how much rules and laws differ from state to state. There used to be a series in the newspaper that discussed odd laws in states.

Cute idea and humerous blog....yet another way to get 'exposure'

Patricia Aulson/Seacoast NH & ME

Brian, I'm curious to see if LOs who can't pass the broker requirements stay in lending (at a bank mortgage co. or credit union) or if they just get out of the biz.

George, I don't know why we have to have our license numbers everywhere! I would think having our certificates posted at our work place would suffice as well...but DFI didn't ask me. ;)

Sharon, I believe that Congress will try to create national licensing...we'll see...

Patricia, thanks! Aren't you glad I didn't make any cracks about low rates on my tattoo? (it's NOT me, btw).

Hmm...don't inmates tattoo their numbers on themselves? But, then again, loan officers, prisoners... :)

Ouch, Ben!

Rhoda- Thank you for the laughs! From the entire post to the butt double joke. You have a great sense of humor.

Thanks, Debi. I think a little humor can go a long ways. :)

Rhonda... the face number and the back tattoo was very funny. I did hear about this change though in Washington.

jeff b

Rhonda - get the tatoo! Fun post. Strange rule to have to follow - oine wonders about the logic, or perhaps one shouldn't. can you really get a license plate with that many digits/letters? LOL

Why not get a creative vanity plate?

Jeff

Rhonda, thanks for the laugh. I thought that your comment about your butt-double was funny too.

MAR

2007

Jeff B. - Ya, we're just in the beginning phases. It's going to be an interesting year...especially once the testing happens so we can earn the license we've all ready have been provided.

Jeff D. -- I don't drive as aggressive as I might have when I was a yout....(as Vinny would say). You never know...some one might see me singing too loud, scratching (NEVER a picking) my nose, or I might accidently cut someone off. I'm not one for vanity plates. And I might be kind of weird...I prefer to not have clients see my car, I guess I like to be low-key.

Roger--My double butt IS quite the crack up. I think the best humor is when you can laugh at yourself. ;)

Rhonda,

Thanks for the humorous post. With all the fraud taking place, it is hard to believe that a number is going to make any difference, especially after the fraud is committed....the perps are usually long gone!

Rhonda,

Cute Post and Funny! I can relate.

Rhonda, just what is the states reasoning in requiring this information in areas that have nothing to do with the licensing or registration of your car?

Danny, the point is how WA State is having LOs publish their license number on every bit of marketing we do. This does not apply to other licensed professionals in the RE business in WA state. As I mentioned in the post (maybe you just looked at photos) this started from another AR member teasing me about having my license number on my email. It's a joke, Danny, about a real matter.

The tattoo is hot!!!

I dare you!!!

Geez, talk about being "Your Mortgage Broker for Life" LOL! Guess you won't be driving the getaway car for any more bank heists, eh?:-)

I have a grave question about the dippy law. If licensing is to inspire professionalism, why doesn't the state require the same conspicuous license disclosure on the advertising of say:

A Seattle Law Firm

A Seattle Doctor

Since licensing is new to WA... do you have a grave answer for me, Brian?

Personally Rhonda if you can do the tattoo girl, go for it! :) You just can't move out of state! Moving could get painful!

Maybe DFI should just micro chip us and give consumers scanners???

I don't have the answer, Rhonda. I pose the question because I'd like to hear everyone else's opinion/comments. I think they should apply the same laws to all state licensees be they plumbers, contractors, originators, or attorneys.

Attorneys won't like to be lumped into the same class as say, hairdressers so they will lobby the lawmakers for an exemption. Wait...attorneys ARE the lawmakers! AHA! I found the answer.

See Brian, I KNEW you had the answer!

Rhonda, om gosh, you made my day lady. I can say lady now since you hit 40, right? Anyway I think your signature is just fine, what does that Brian Brady know about signatures anyhow? Right? LOL However, since he did get the pic on the lower right I will have to agree with him he was just joshing around, again. Take care, and should I be wishing you a belated Birthday? If so, I hope you had a great one!

Congratulations on your "well positioned" new number. But now they've all "got your number". Women 40 and over need to keep a little mystery going.

No doubt, Ardell. I've only been 40 for just over a week...I'm loving it!

Hi Rhonda,

Thanks for the post.

I think our r.e. license # should be posted on everything we do.

One of the problems we have in my area of So-Cal is the use of different names. You may have a very long legal name and then the agent goes by "Kim", for example. You can't really find out who the person really is without having their license #, (ha tattooed or otherwise?), it's really been a problem. Sorry to say we've actually had so called agents (non licensed) writing offers! Can you even imagine.

As for the age thing...I guess the lower the number the older the person, right? Oh my gosh, my broker's license begins with "00" guess that's a sign of my age. Oh well, things could be worse.

MAR

2007

A similar idea is gaining momentum in California. I suggest that folks check online, with the state licensing agency (each state has one) to see if the license is current or what. Sometimes you may learn that the person is "almost" licensed, or "used to be" licensed etc. It never hurts to double check! Having the numbers available makes this easier. In my area, a lot of people seem to have nicknames that are not the same official name that the license is under. This is another reason why I think having a license number easy to find (and check on) is a good idea.

Lynda and Mary, thanks for your comments. It would make more sense to me if everyone had to post it. And, to verify online, just as you might with a sub-contractor, is an excellent idea. Except in WA state, only the lenders who can broker loans are subject to this law. If the loan officer works for a bank like Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, Chase, Countrywide, etc.... they are excluded from licensing.

MAY

2007

Rhonda - That is a very funny post...you ought to put it on Mortgage Porter!

MAY

2007

Thanks, Tony! I just did an update on LO licensing at http://www.raincityguide.com/2007/05/21/loan-originator-licensing-update/

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