Meet NAMB’s People

RICHARD M. BETTENCOURT, JR., CVLS, CRMS NAMB VOLUNTEER TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE CHAIRPAST PRESIDENT 2018-19

President, Veteran Mortgage Brokers rick@vetmortgagebrokers.com

Licensed in 2003

Danvers, Massachusetts

A subject matter expert on the VA Home Loan Benefit & Mortgage Origination, Rick Bettencourt is a dedicated & passionate mortgage professional. He takes consumer advocacy & protection to a level only a select few embrace. He actively lobbies in DC for the fair & equal access to credit for our consumers & small business.

Rick’s Technology Committee update: Taking over from Director Mike Farrell, we finalized our partnership with RoomVu, an incredible service to really help market the individual via social media. Next we’re talking to tech compliance companies to help brokers with FTC policies & procedures.

How does NAMB membership help you? The education & committee [opportunities] that come with it have helped me differentiate myself in my market. The knowledge to confidently advise a customer on legislation & policy changes that have occurred & why – and also being able to share that I was a part of some of that reform – is a game changer!

What else could NAMB offer its members? Focus on helping small business mortgage brokers remain compliant. I've learned a lot on my own regarding requirements that are not on the NMLS provided checklists. Regulators EXPECT you to know FTC & other regulations!

What was your first paying job? I delivered newspapers for the Boston Globe for three years in high school so I could secure a $5,000 scholarship for college.

Nonprofit cause you’re passionate about: I'm the current President of the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill, MA. This non-profit provides integral services for our Veterans who are either homeless, in need of basic services, transitioning in place, or just looking for information.

Describe a career highlight: Helping a Gold Star Widow, whose husband was killed in action in Afghanistan, refinance her MA home several times to make improvements using her VA Home Loan Surviving Spouse Benefits. I've had the honor of assisting many Gold Star Widows and/or Surviving Spouses!