If you did not attend the 2010 National Association of Mortgage Brokers Legislative & Regulatory Conference in February, you missed one of the very best conferences NAMB has sponsored that I have ever attended. Every panel covered a topic that was crucial to our industry, and the panelists were experts on the topics presented. There was plenty of time for the attendees to address the panelists with questions that were answered in a straightforward manner. The highlight of the event was the luncheon where Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner David H. Stevens spoke to us. He provided us with some important information, including discussing the important role the mortgage broker plays in the mortgage distribution channel.
Many of the attendees came up to me or expressed in their e-mails, the same impressions I had of the conference. Much of the credit for such a successful conference must be given to Jon Otto, NAMB’s director of government affairs. Jon and the staff of NAMB were responsible for the organization of the conference, selecting the topics for the various panels, arranging for the panelists to speak and locking up Commissioner Stevens as our luncheon speaker. Many thanks to Jon and his team for a conference that was well-planned, well-coordinated, and as I said previously, one that was very informational on all the current issues impacting our industry.
The Legislative & Regulatory Conference is just one of the many benefits for NAMB members. It is the only conference NAMB holds that is restricted to NAMB members only. As a member attending the conference, you are receiving information before anyone else, as evidenced by Commissioner Stevens’ announcement at our luncheon.
In the current market environment, there are two more very important benefits for NAMB members.
The Lending Integrity Seal of Approval sets you apart from all the other loan originators. As a NAMB member licensed under the SAFE Act and certified by your state association, you are qualified to use the Seal. By using the Seal, you have pledged to abide by a strict Code of Ethics, Professional Standards and Best Lending Practices, and a NAMB grievance review process.
The Seal should be used in all in your advertising, business cards, stationery, etc. You can go to www.lendingintegrity.org and learn how to download the Seal for use in radio ads, print ads, press releases and letters to your customers and prospects. There is even a video that you can use in presentations to Realtors, business groups or other groups that tells the story of the Lending Integrity Seal of Approval. The Seal will truly set you apart from loan originators who do not qualify.
Besides qualifying for the Lending Integrity Seal of Approval, a NAMB member may go one step further and obtain a designation. NAMB offers the Certified Mortgage Consultant (CMC), the Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist (CRMS) and the General Mortgage Associate (GMA) designations. Anyone receiving their designation has distinguished themselves from other originators, even those qualified to use the Lending Integrity Seal of Approval. Obtaining a NAMB-certified designation means you have passed a rigorous test, have experience in the industry and met the necessary qualifying points to earn the designation. Go to www.namb.org and click on the “Certification” tab and learn more about how you can achieve the highest level of professionalism and really set yourself apart from all other loan originators.
These are only a few of the benefits available to you when you become a NAMB member. To learn more on how to become a member, go to www.namb.org and click on the “Membership” button, scroll down to “Join Now” and click to join. You will find all the information needed to join the only association working to protect our industry and the consumer.
Jim Pair, CMC is with Mortgage Associates Corpus Christi and is president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.
