Making certification a priority in your business planBilly Parker, CMC, CRMSNAMB, GMA, CRMS, CMC, education, competence, experience
In any business, a professional certification demonstrates
competence, experience and a professional commitment to your
occupation. Certifications offered by the National Association of Mortgage
Brokers, such as the General Mortgage Associate (GMA),
Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist (CRMS) and Certified
Mortgage Consultant (CMC), are integral parts of becoming a trusted
advisor in the mortgage business. Obtaining these certifications
gives you the advantage over any other mortgage originator who does
not hold these credentials.
In early 2007, the mortgage industry came under attack from the
media and Congress concerning the difficulties of the sub-prime
mortgage market. In May 2007, after four years as a mortgage loan
officer, I became aware of NAMB's certification programs. Over the
next the few months, I began to study and prepare for the CRMS
certification examination. On Aug. 20, 2007, I passed the written
CRMS exam. At that time, I was only the 13th mortgage professional
in the state of Texas to attain an NAMB certification.
My passion and motivation for the mortgage industry did not stop
with the CRMS certification. In March 2008, I successfully obtained
the CMC certification. These certifications demonstrate a
commitment to myself and the mortgage industry; more importantly,
they add instant credibility and reassure the borrower that they
are working with a true professional. I want borrowers to be
assured that I am on the leading edge of the latest changes in the
mortgage industry, loan programs and interest rate trends. It is
also my desire that my clients realize and understand that I want
to put them in the best financial position based on their personal
and financial requirements.
The CMC and CRMS designations place me in the top one percent of
the mortgage industry. Certification shows that I am committed to
my customers by obtaining the knowledge that can help educate them
concerning their real estate and mortgage needs. It also shows them
that I agree and abide by the NAMB Code of Ethics.
Loan originators will quickly realize that being certified adds
credibility and brings value to your business partners. Real estate
agents, financial planners and Certified Professional Accountants
(CPAs) will appreciate your dedication to be the best as they send
you their trusted client referrals. From a personal standpoint,
theses certifications have significantly increased my business and
exposure in my community and in the mortgage industry. Through the
certification process, I have met many leaders on the state and
national levels of the mortgage industry. I strongly believe that
being certified helped me obtain an opportunity with a local
newspaper to write a bi-monthly mortgage column.
Currently, NAMB offers certification at three levels. The GMA is
for new loan officers to demonstrate their knowledge of the
industry's best practices and latest trends. To become a CRMS, a
candidate must have a minimum of two years experience in real
estate finance or a related field and show a minimum of 50
evaluation points. The CRMS certification is for mid-career loan
officers and brokers to be recognized as leaders in the changing
and complex field of mortgage origination. To obtain a CMC
certification, a candidate must have a minimum of five years
experience in real estate finance or a related field and show a
minimum of 100 evaluation points. The CMC certification is for
brokers and other loan officers who demonstrate the highest level
of industry expertise and service.
Attaining an NAMB certification demonstrates your knowledge of
the mortgage business and shows that you have mastered the skills
to allow your business to grow. Certification shows your customers
and other mortgage originators that knowledge is a high priority.
An NAMB certification is the official proof of your experience,
professionalism and knowledge level, and I am very proud of the
fact that I met the highest professional standards in the mortgage
industry by achieving both the CMC and CRMS certifications.
Billy Parker, CMC, CRMS is a senior loan officer for
Southlake, Texas-based Old Capital Lending. He
may be reached at (817) 488-0440, e-mail
[email protected]
or visit www.parkerlending.com.
