As I approach this, my last article as Certification Committee Chair of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), I am amazed at how quickly time seems to fly by in our daily lives. As we have all been preparing for SAFE Act Licensing and watching events in our industry unfold, time seems to be moving more for us than we may expected. Reflecting on the basic priorities this past year or two has strengthened some individuals, saw others leave our industry, and still has everyone evaluating what we should continue to do.
I have seen 33 years of change, but yet one thing has remained constant and that is the passion I see in those who still fight to maintain the professional independence to service consumers. It seems that many, especially in our government, view the past few years as something that could occur again, but they would be wrong in my opinion.
The circumstances of unlicensed, educated and certified individuals coupled with the magnitude of greed from Wall Street and lenders is now so tightly regulated that those individuals have moved on. I believe that the majority of us still here hold our experience and knowledge as a great importance and are extremely proud of what we do for families and our communities.
It is also now more important than ever to keep our reputations and businesses above the rest. The integrity and trust mortgage brokers and their loan originators have displayed is the backbone of what continues to be of great importance in the financing of the American dream of homeownership. Now, more than ever, the voluntary certifications and required licensing of our profession sets us apart from others. Set time aside today to become certified. I have seen a difference from it and I believe you will too.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you this past year!
Pava J. Leyrer, CMC, CRMS, is president and owner of Heritage National Mortgage Corporation in Grandville, Mich., and Certifications Committee chair for the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. She may be reached by phone at (616) 534-4993 or e-mail
[email protected].
