Audrey Boissonou is branch manager and senior mortgage advisor at Land Home Financial Services Inc. in Concord, Calif., and the president of the East Bay Chapter of the California Association of Mortgage Professionals (CAMP). National Mortgage Professional Magazine spoke with her regarding her trade association activities.
How and why did you get involved with the California Association of Mortgage Professionals? Can you share the track within your association that led to the leadership role?
I was very far removed from what CAMP was doing for many, many years. Then 2007 happened and it was glaringly apparent that if you’re not involved in your industry, you’ll suffer the consequences. So, I made inquiries on how to get involved with the CAMP board. This is my third year with the East Bay Chapter, and I am also on the state executive board and am chair of Public Relations Committee.
We are nine years removed from 2007. Why do you feel that today’s mortgage professionals in your region should join CAMP?
Even though 2007 is over, we still are reacting to its effects in the legislation that was passed following the recession. Part of what we do at CAMP is telling our legislators that we understand the consequences of the laws they pass and the effects they have on consumers. Many of these laws sound great in theory, but in reality those things have a strong impact on borrowers.
Also, the East Bay Chapter does a lot of different things in terms of education, social activities and networking, and legislative efforts. We just did a loan originator boot camp for brand new loan officers entering industry, and we also sponsor five NMLS classes training classes.
What roles does your association play in the state legislative and regulatory environment?
We’re very committed to state and national issues. Our Chapter donated $10,000 last August to the state association to support their legislative efforts. We go to Sacramento on Legislative Day in May and six people from my board are going to Washington, D.C., in April for the NAMB Legislative & Regulatory Conference. I was there last year. The legislators are starting to know and recognize us. It takes a while. And it is a fun and exciting thing to do … you feel like you are making a difference.
What do you see as your most significant accomplishments with the association?
I am very proud of the amount of money that our Chapter raises and donates. We have brought a check to Washington for $5,000 to help NAMB’s legislative efforts. Our Chapter has a great board that is dedicated to our profession … they work really hard to effect change for the better.
As state affiliate for NAMB, what do you feel that adds to your association and towards the overall agenda for the mortgage profession nationwide?
NAMB is passionate about connecting us with the regulatory agencies. We get to be a part of that process. And as an industry, it is really important to have strong representation at the national level.
How would you define the East Bay area housing market?
The East Bay is a very big area, with a lot of different markets. In one place, you can buy a home for $1.5 million, and then in the town over you can buy a $600,000 home or a $200,000 condo. But one thing that you will find everywhere is the inventory is extremely low–and the level of multiple offers can be very frustrating for buyers
Phil Hall is managing editor of National Mortgage Professional Magazine. He may be reached by e-mail at [email protected].
