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Mortgage Community Gathers in Vegas for NAMB National 2013
Taking place at Harrah’s in Las Vegas in late October, NAMB—The Association of Mortgage Professionals hosted its annual NAMB National event. The event brought the nation's top mortgage professionals and speakers all under one roof for three days of networking, presentations, education opportunities and a trade show geared toward arming attendees with the knowledge to start the year off on a high note.
Kicking off Saturday, Oct. 19, one of the most intensive aspects of the event was the opportunity for mortgage professionals to complete eight hours of NMLS education, with morning and afternoon sessions that count toward qualifying credits. The morning session was an educational course on Identity Theft and Federal Laws, both of which were discussed in great detail. After breaking for an hour, the course continued in the afternoon with a segment on ethics, followed by ECOA and Fair Housing, and the FHA’s 203(k) offering.
The afternoon (for those not engaged in the NMLS Course) was dedicated to the NAMB Delegate Council Meeting, where a discussion of the changes to the Bylaws occurred. Another topic of discussion by the Delegate Council was talks of strengthening ties between both NAMB and its affiliates. This is always an important aspect of what NAMB stands for, reaching out and spreading the goals of the mortgage broker among its various supporters and affiliates from all across the country.
Saturday night concluded with the Opening Reception, followed by the PAC Auction. Both events were well-attended and included a mentalist who worked the crowd with tricks and other illusions. Substantial donations were made to support the PAC fund’s efforts.
On Sunday, after the NAMB PLUS Committee Breakfast, exhibitors began setting up in the Expo Hall while, NAMB President Don Frommeyer made his opening remarks. Thus began the programming track for the entire NAMB National conference. Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was on-hand to showcase a PowerPoint presentation entitled "What’s Next for the Housing Market?" Mr. Yun shared his stats for the 2014 housing market and the impact that the impending qualified mortgage (QM) rule may have on the marketplace.
At the same time as Yun’s presentation, there were a few programming tracks going on including sections on reverse mortgage, maximizing a borrower’s credit score and the Dodd-Frank Act. After a brief lunch, there was a programming track on how to get more business from realtors, as well as Jonathan Foxx’s panel related to policies and procedures for non-bank lenders and brokers. A regular contributor of National Mortgage Professional Magazine, Foxx of Lenders Compliance Group, discussed preparation for new regulations and the steps a company must take in order to conform to the mandates handed down by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
The Expo Hall opened, allowing attendees the opportunity to network, win prizes and potentially invest in new revenue sources. Attendees took the opportunity to learn about the latest products and programs, and test out some of the latest software designed to ease day-to-day operations in today's mortgage marketplace.
Sunday evening was the time for NAMB to recognize a number of its volunteers for the hours spent over the past year working toward the betterment of the mortgage industry at the Mortgage Professional of the Year Awards Gala. Congratulations to Olga Kucerak of Crown Lending in San Antonio, Texas as she was named Mortgage Professional of the Year. Franklin American Mortgage Company took home the honor of being named NAMB Affiliate Company of the Year, while John H.P. Hudson of Premier Nationwide Lending was honored with the Kathy Love Voluteer of the Year Award for his countless hours spent on Capitol Hill fighting for the voice of the mortgage professional on behalf of the NAMB membership. In addition, Joel M. Berman, publisher of National Mortgage Professional Magazine, was recognized with the NAMB President's Award of Merit. A 30-year veteran of the industry, Berman has been described by NAMB President Frommeyer as an "idea man," drawing from his 30-plus years as a mortgage professional and integrating it into his new role as magazine publisher and ardent supporter of NAMB.
Monday morning's keynote presentation featured nationally-syndicated columnist Ken Harney and his perspective on where the market will be headed in 2014 and beyond. Later, a second keynote speaker, Greg Frost, provided tips on capitalizing on the market in 2014 in his presentation, "Build Your Sales to a Billion Dollars." Marketing, planning and preparation were key themes in both presentations as both Mr. Harney and Frost provided those on hand with a number of tips to take their business to the next level.
All in all, the entire NAMB National event was a fascinating and informative look at the mortgage industry as a whole. With new partnerships forged, relationships made and a peek into what’s in store for 2014, it’ll be interesting to see where NAMB goes in 2014, as they make a play for increased membership and involvement.
A packed house listens in on the "What's Next for the Housing Market?" presentation from Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors (NAR)
NAMB Past President Jim Nabors (far right) swears in members of the NAMB Board during NAMB National 2013
Attendees stop by the Lenders Compliance Group booth during the Expo
Greg Frost presents his keynote session, "Build Your Sales to a Billion Dollars"
Rocke Andrews (left) and NAMB President Don Frommeyer (right) present John H.P. Hudson with the Kathy Love Volunteer of the Year Award
Nationally-syndicated columnist Ken Harney presents "Inside the Market: An Unvarnished Perspective"
NAMB President Don Frommeyer honored the accomplishments of the association's members during the Awards Gala
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