Meet NAMB’s People 4
Rocke Andrews, Arizona
NAMB in the Media 6
by Josh Steinfeld
The Power of Teaching & CE 8
by Megan Stevenson
A Vision for the Future 10
by Nathan Knottingham
Get Your CE Requirements 12
by The CE Shop
NAMB National 2024
Preview 16
BY VALERIE SAUNDERS
Three of our certifications are sponsored by these companies, which have shown a commitment to elevating the knowledge of mortgage professionals; NAMB commends these companies for their sponsorships & desire to help those in the mortgage industry to increase their knowledge and commitment to their borrowers.
IN THIS ISSUE
Lending Pad 5
Loan Team Training 7
ICE Mortgage Technology 7
Lender Price 9 Arive 9
Post and Beam Creative 11
Direct all inquiries to NC editor & publisher Jilly MacDowell: magazine@namb.org.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Education is one of the pillars of NAMB’s mission. Since 1973, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has focused on providing quality education to its members through its committees & volunteer educators. Today, NAMB o ers seven certifications!
Four are focused on niche products or services: Certified Credit Specialist (CCS), Certified FHA Mortgage Professional (CFMP), Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist (CREV) & Certified Veterans Lending Specialist (CVLS). These product-specific certifications educate those mortgage professionals looking to elevate their knowledge so they may better serve their clients. Each certification requires an exam & biannual recertification.
The remaining three certifications are focused on general mortgage knowledge in either residential, commercial, or both. The General Mortgage Associate (GMA), Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist (CRMS) & Certified Mortgage Consultant (CMC). These certifications require more detailed industry knowledge as well as an exam & recertification every three years.
A mortgage professional that chooses to obtain an education certification demonstrates competence in areas such as mortgage origination, underwriting, loan processing, regulations & specific products. It enhances the professional's credibility & reputation as it signifies a commitment to staying on top of industry trends & standards. And it builds trust as it demonstrates expertise, ethics, and legal & industry compliance.
Interested in obtaining a certification from NAMB? Please visit namb.org/certifications or take a look at our events calendar for upcoming classes. Take the next step with NAMB & get certified! NC
The National Association of Mortgage Brokers is the voice of the mortgage industry, representing the interests of mortgage professionals and homebuyers since 1973.
ROCKE ANDREWS, CRMS, CMS, CVLS, NAMB EDUCATION & ETHICS COMMITTEES CHAIR
Lending Arizona LLC, Broker/Owner randrews@lendingarizona.net
BS Civil Engineering; CRMS, CMC, CVLS Originating since 1987; Tucson, Arizona NAMB member since 1995
What did you do before you got into mortgage? My first paying jobs was bagging groceries at the base commissary. I got a degree in civil engineering & did that for 2 years. I managed a restaurant for years but that didn’t have longterm appeal. It looked like you could make money in mortgage so I gave it a shot!
What do you love about or what motivates you in your current position? Helping people that have been told no somewhere else or need help.
Describe a work highlight or milestone: Owning my own business & hiring people.
How does NAMB membership help you? Learn the latest industry news, meet industry colleagues, learn how brokers in other states do business, make friends & have fun!
What else could NAMB o er its members? Compliance & legal concerns for small business. And tax advice!
What’s your history with NAMB? I went to a NAMB conference in Dallas in 1996 & got interested in the Government A airs side of it. I became a member of the delegate council when I became president of Arizona (AzAMP.org). I was sent to the Freddie Mac loan prospector training program which got me interested in continued learning. I became chair of the Education Committee in 2004 & then started looking into getting on the board in 2011. What is the Education Committee currently working on? We’re trying to get CE distributed to our state a liates & other states so that NAMB can become the go-to provider for the country. And working with our industry partners on new & existing certifications.
Describe your professional mentor. A very wise past [NAMB] president from Texas.
Nonprofit cause you’re passionate about? Raising money for youth sports in southern Arizona.
Favorite vacation spot? Mission Beach, San Diego.
Favorite NAMB memory? In 2005, we requested letters from our members. We personally delivered 60,000 physical letters to the HUD o ce in response to a proposed change. It eventually went our way in part because NAMB leadership testified before Congress. It’s fun to be part of something bigger, to make a di erence. NC
BY JOSH STEINFELD
The year thus far has been a remarkable one for the National Association of Mortgage Brokers as we have diligently advocated for the mortgage marketplace through various media channels. Our e orts have included providing valuable tips, tools & thought leadership, all of which have been featured across a range of esteemed media outlets, including The New York Times, CNET, Newsweek, CNN, Epoch Times, HousingWire, Mortgage Shots!, Scotsman Guide, Inside Mortgage Finance, Mortgage Professional America, and others.
As the first & only national volunteer-led & membership-driven organization representing mortgage brokers & home buyers for over 50 years, NAMB is committed to providing insights on legislative matters and news impacting loan o cers, consumers & the nation. Over the past year, our executive board, led by our dedicated volunteer board president Valerie Saunders, has worked tirelessly to clarify complex consumer topics such as interest rates & the benefits of mortgage brokers for home buyers. We have also addressed significant issues like the 2024 Presidential Election Process & trigger leads through our media partnerships.
Building strong relationships with reporters & editors remains a cornerstone of our strategy, ensuring that accurate & timely information reaches the public. This year, our media relations team has successfully developed over 25 press releases, covering new partnerships, responses to Congressional decisions, NAMB events & benefits for our members.
Looking ahead to 2025, NAMB is poised to expand our media outreach with our industry media partners, who are critical to the growth of the marketplace. Our plan also includes producing more media content & fostering relationships with local & regional consumer media while aiming for heightened visibility across national broadcast platforms.
Our media strategy is focused on serving our members, consumers & the industry by providing impartial & accurate insights. With the expertise of our board of directors & members, NAMB is committed to being the premier source of information for media partners covering the mortgage & housing industry.
NAMB is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. We remain dedicated to advancing the interests of our industry & the public we serve as the most trusted source of mortgage information in the United States. NC
Many of the articles mentioned here are linked at namb.org/media!
BY MEGAN STEVENSON
Mortgage lenders are constantly seeking innovative ways to compete, stand out & expand their network. One of the most e ective strategies is leveraging teaching & continuing education (CE) in real estate. By positioning themselves as knowledgeable educators, mortgage lenders can build trust, establish credibility & foster strong relationships within the industry.
When mortgage lenders engage in teaching & CE, they position themselves as experts in their field. By sharing their knowledge & insights, they demonstrate a deep understanding of the market, lending processes & financial strategies. This not only builds credibility but also instills trust among RE agents, brokers & clients. A mortgage lender who is seen as a knowledgeable educator is more likely to be trusted with critical financial decisions.
Teaching & CE provides mortgage lenders with a unique opportunity to interact with a wide range of industry professionals. By o ering courses, workshops & seminars, lenders can connect with RE agents, brokers, appraisers & other industry stakeholders, which can lead to valuable connections & partnerships to significantly expand a lender's professional network.
For example, a mortgage lender who regularly teaches CE courses may become a go-to resource for RE agents seeking advice on mortgage products & financing options. This can lead to increased referrals & new business opportunities.
Teaching requires mortgage lenders to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations & best practices in the real estate & mortgage industries. By continuously educating themselves, lenders can ensure they’re providing the most current & relevant information to their audience. Additionally, the feedback & questions received during teaching sessions can provide valuable insights into the challenges & needs of RE professionals. This can help mortgage lenders tailor their services to better meet the demands of the market.
O ering CE courses & workshops can significantly increase a mortgage lender's visibility within the real estate community. By regularly appearing as an instructor or speaker at industry events, lenders can establish themselves as prominent figures in the field. This increased visibility can lead to greater brand recognition & awareness.
Mortgage lenders who are known for their educational contributions are more likely to be recommended & sought after by RE professionals.
In a competitive market, providing value-added services can set a mortgage lender apart from the competition. For instance, a lender who o ers a course on the latest mortgage products or financing strategies can help RE agents better serve their clients. The lender becomes an indispensable partner.
Teaching & CE are not just about sharing information; they are about building relationships. Mortgage lenders can foster strong, long-term relationships by regularly engaging via educational initiatives. These relationships can lead to ongoing collaborations, referrals & mutual support.
Incorporating teaching & real estate continuing education into a mortgage lender's strategy can yield significant benefits. By building credibility, expanding their network, enhancing their knowledge, increasing visibility, providing value-added services & fostering long-term relationships, mortgage lenders can position themselves as essential partners in the real estate industry. This approach not only helps lenders stand out in a competitive market but also paves the way for sustained growth & success. NC
Megan Stevenson, VP of Preferred Systems Inc., is responsible for managing PSI’s national education programs. The company’s Lending Instructors program is a turnkey service that enables U.S. mortgage lenders to establish & manage a CE program. Preferred Systems handles all paperwork & admin, including instructor & course filings, course notifications, credit filings for agents & ongoing customer support. lendinginstructors.com | info@preferrededucation.com
BY NATHAN KNOTTINGHAM
The mortgage industry has been my professional home for many years, and throughout this journey, one thing has remained crystal clear to me: Education is the cornerstone of our profession. Usually, education comes in the form of On the Job Training (OJT) — at least that was the case until 2010 & the NMLS.
NAMB does an excellent job of filling in the gaps & partnering with companies like mine to ensure training is accessible, enjoyable & practical. Whether you're a seasoned loan o cer or a newcomer, continuing education (CE) isn't just a requirement — it's an opportunity to stay ahead, adapt to changes & serve your clients better.
When I started my career in 2007 in Oregon, I quickly realized that the regulations & demands in our industry constantly evolve. It's not enough to rely on past knowledge or experiences because, when we do, we fall behind & fall apart at the first signs of change.
The mortgage environment is fluid; those who thrive are the ones who pursue knowledge to supplement their expertise.
This is the driving philosophy behind MLO Force, where NMLSapproved CE courses speak to the conditions & realities that mortgage loan o cers face today. Our courses are more than a checkbox on your to-do list. They are an engaging & valuable learning experience, structured like a conversation podcast.
Say goodbye to those monotonous, dry CE formats that you’re used to! MLO Force makes CE more enjoyable & facilitates a deeper understanding of complex laws by exploring them through real-life, friendly conversations & fun stories from the industry.
As someone who has been fortunate enough to work with a diverse group of professionals from solo loan o cers to large enterprises, I've seen firsthand the impact that quality education can have on a career. It's not just about compliance — it's about building confidence, competence & a competitive edge.
Federal CE (+ 1 Free State)
$85
Get all of your Federal CE (including the 1-Hour Elective, if you need it), and enjoy one free State Course on us.
All You Can Take
$125
Get access to ALL of your Federal and State CE for just $125*. Yep, even if you’re licensed in all 50 states (that’d be impressive).
Individual Courses
A La Carte Purchase Federal and State CE Courses separately. State courses start at just $15* so you’re still getting a great price.
These prices reflect the NAMB member discount!
But education is only one piece of the puzzle. At MLO Force, we also recognize the importance of community & support. That's why we're committed to fostering a network where professionals can share their experiences, learn from one another & grow together.
Partnering with NAMB is key to our ethos & core beliefs. We don’t live on a bunch of islands doing our own thing; actions in one area a ect many other areas & states – none more true than as seen by the Multistate Mortgage Committee (MMC) set up by the CSBS for examinations & regulation.
Looking ahead, I believe the future of the mortgage industry will be shaped by those who invest in their education and continually seek out opportunities to learn & grow. As the industry evolves, so too must our approach to learning. At MLO Force, we're excited to be at the forefront of this evolution, o ering innovative course content that empowers mortgage professionals to thrive. I encourage you to view your CE not as an obligation or chore, but as a powerful tool that can elevate your career & set you apart in this competitive industry. NC
Nathan Knottingham is the CEO of MLO Force & the COO of Vetted VA. With a deep passion for education & a commitment to empowering professionals through innovative learning experiences, Nathan has been a driving force in helping mortgage professionals to stay ahead of industry changes & excel in their careers. Visit mloforce.com to learn more!
namb.org/community
Thank You, NAMB Industry Partners
Arive | EPM | Floify | Freddie Mac | Freedom Mortgage Wholesale
ICE Mortgage Technology | Lender Price | Lending Pad
Liberty Reverse | Newrez | Optimal Blue | Outsource Broker Support
Plaza Home Mortgage | PreApproveMe | Windsor Mortgage
Thank You, NAMB Strategic Sponsors
20/20 Vision for Success | Aduvo | AT&T
Berman Media PD | BrandStar | Broker CMO | BrokerVA
The CE Shop | Chelsea Gardner Marketing | CIC Credit
FinCen Report | Firstline Compliance| Guide Mortgage Licensing
HP | InGenius | Lead Hackers | Lender Portal | Loan Team Training
MLO Force | MoveTube | Mutual of Omaha Mortgage
National Notary Association | Post & Beam | Preferred Systems
Purple Thread Marketing | Roomvu | Scotsman Guide
Social Media Honey | Strategic Compliance Partners | Vonk Digital namb.org/partners | namb.org/sponsors
BY THE CE SHOP
Are you looking for an alternative to NAMB National in Vegas to knock out your 7- or 8-hour SAFE Mortgage CE Course this year? Would you love an instructor-led course that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule and that you can check o in one day (even a Saturday)?
If so, your solution has arrived!
NAMB’s education partner The CE Shop now o ers both the 7-Hour SAFE Core & 8-Hour SAFE Comprehensive Mortgage CE courses in a one-day, instructor-led, live webinar format.
These webinars satisfy your 2024 annual Continuing Education (CE) requirement to maintain your state-issued Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) license.
7-Hr. SAFE Core: 2024 MLO CE Webinar
7 National Hours
• 3 hours on federal mortgage-related laws
•2 hours on ethics, fraud, and consumer protection
•2 hours on lending standards related to nontraditional mortgage products
8-Hr. SAFE Comprehensive: 2024 MLO CE Webinar
8 National Hours
•3 hours on federal, mortgage-related laws
•2 hours on ethics, fraud, and consumer protection
•2 hours on lending standards related to nontraditional mortgage products
•1 hour on elective content
Each live webinar course is taught by nationally renowned mortgage expert Michelle White. White was named a 2023 “Legend of Lending” by the Mortgage Bankers Association & is a 2024 RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker. A mortgage professional since 1993, she helped launch The CE Shop’s MLO Pre-Licensing & CE courses approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System and Registry (NMLS).
White focuses on providing high-quality course content that equips MLOs with the knowledge they need for success in today's industry. Students who learn with her can rest assured that they’re learning from one of the best minds in the business.
Both webinar courses are offered via Zoom, with Tuesday & Saturday dates available from now through December.
Here’s how to enroll in your 2024 SAFE CE Mortgage Loan Originator webinar: Check the course calendar to find the session that fits your needs. Select your desired date & time. Show up ready to learn on-camera via Zoom on the day & time of your course!
Course completions are reported to the NMLS daily, so there are no additional fees for students. And NAMB members, use promo code NAMB25 for 25% off your courses! It’s never been easier to complete your 2024 SAFE MLO CE Course so you can stay compliant. NC
The CE Shop, a NAMB Education Strategic Sponsor, is the leading provider of professional real estate education with online & live-online options in real estate, mortgage, home inspection, appraisal & professional development. The CE Shop produces quality education for professionals nationwide, whether they’re a seasoned professional or looking to launch a new career. We believe that the right education can truly make a di erence. Visit namb.theceshop.com to learn more!
SPEAKERS:
BOB NIEMI
AMY MARSH
GINGER BELL
PAUL LUCIDO
BARRY HABIB
TROY GARRIS
SHERRI ECKLES
CHRIS VINSON
NORA GUERRA
NEEL DHINGRA
JASON FRAZIER
SAMUEL BJELAC
ALEX MACHUCA
JOSH WEINBERG
AARON SAMPLES
PAVAN AGARWAL
NICOLE SEMPLINSKI
CHRISTINE BECKWITH & MORE!
