Mortgage brokers are often independent contractors. That is, they essentially have their own business, just like a real estate agent does. They are paid strictly on a commission basis. And just like a real estate agent, this is true even when the loan officer appears to work for a brokerage firm.
The following FAQs contain the following 10 main categories. Why do MLOs have to be authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services? Q. Can I apply for a license if I don't currently work for a licensed mortgage broker or mortgage banker, or if I don't have a job offer from one of these entities? Q. What is the definition of a mortgage loan originator? AT.
Mortgage loan originator means a person who, in exchange for compensation or gain or with the expectation of obtaining compensation or profit, submits an application for a home mortgage loan or offers or negotiates the terms of a home mortgage loan. The term does not include any person who is engaged solely in loan processing or insurance activities (as described in the law), except if the person works as an independent contractor for a parent entity, certain individuals who are real estate brokers, or a person who participates in credit extensions for timeshare plans. For a more detailed description, see the MLO regulation. A mortgage loan originator (MLO) is a person employed or affiliated with an original entity as an independent contractor, who is engaged in obtaining mortgage loans, regardless of how they are compensated.
What is a loan processor or insurer? AT. A loan processor or insurer is a person who performs administrative or support duties as an employee under the direction and subject to the supervision and instruction of a licensed MLO. A loan processor or insurer cannot declare to the public, through advertising or other means of communication or provision of information, including the use of business cards, stationery, brochures, signs, fee lists or other promotional items, that he can or will perform any of the activities of a mortgage loan originator. The administrative or support tasks of a loan processor or insurer may include receiving, collecting, distributing and analyzing common information for processing or underwriting a residential mortgage loan and communicating with the consumer in order to obtain the information needed to process or sign up the loan, but only after receiving a request, and only if the employee does not offer or negotiate the rates or terms of the loan, or advise consumers about the rates or terms of residential mortgage loans.
No, you don't need to have a physical presence in New York. However, you can only carry out New York-related home loan origination activities from branches authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services, although that location may be in another state. For detailed instructions on how to submit an application, visit the MLO application instructions section on our website. There are several license application schedules, as shown below.
MLOs involved in obtaining loans for prefabricated homes Q. What are the parts of an MLO application? Q. How much does it cost to apply? Q. What forms of payment do you accept? AT.
The NMLS system accepts ACH, Visa and MasterCard. If my request is denied, will all or part of my fee be refunded? AT. Fees will not be refunded if the request is denied. Where can I submit my request? MLO application processing New York State Department of Financial Services One State Street New York, NY 10004-1511 Q.
What will happen if I don't submit a full application? AT. If the initial request received is not complete, the Department of Financial Services will notify you of the missing documentation and allow 30 days to receive the additional items. If the additional necessary items are not received 30 days after notification, your request will be considered withdrawn. To re-submit an application after it has been considered withdrawn, you will need to start the application process again, including completing Form MU4 and paying all applicable fees.
The Department of Financial Services recommends that applicants submit all required printed documentation in a single package to avoid the possibility of submitting an incomplete application. For new entrants to the business, submitting an incomplete application may delay their ability to start originating loans in a timely manner. Do I have to submit my application in person, or can the source entity submit it for me? Q. What will happen if my information changes after I submit my application? AT.
You must immediately notify the Department of Financial Services through the NMLS of any changes in information related to the request being processed. Failure to provide timely updated information may adversely affect our assessment of your character and physical condition. Do I need to be associated with an original entity? AT. Individuals submitting the application must be associated with an original entity before submitting their application and must identify the entity when completing the application form.
The notification of receipt of the request will be sent by mail to both the applicant and the original entity. How long will the application process take? AT. Processing times will vary depending on the applicant's background and the volume of requests that are processed concurrently. Incomplete requests will delay processing time.
Problems related to convictions, bankruptcies, or regulatory issues may result in the request for additional information, which can lengthen processing time. I filed for bankruptcy a few years ago, will that stop me from getting a license? AT. A personal bankruptcy alone isn't likely to prevent you from getting a license if that's the only problem. Follow the instructions on the request to submit an explanation and evidence of the current state.
I have a conviction, will that stop me from getting a license? Article 12-E prohibits the Superintendent from granting an MLO license to any applicant if the applicant has been convicted, found guilty, or not contending with any felony, during the 7-year period prior to the date of the license application or a felony involving an act of fraud, dishonesty, or Failure to launder trust funds or money laundering occurred at any time prior to the date of the application, in a domestic, foreign or military court (the Superintendent may, at his discretion, ignore a conviction in which the applicant has been pardoned, but not when the applicant has received a certificate for relief from (civil disabilities) or the applicant has had the authorization or license of the originator of the mortgage loan revoked in any jurisdiction, unless the revocation has been annulled. The Supreme Court of New York County recently upheld the Superintendent's denial of an MLO license to an applicant who had been convicted of mortgage fraud more than 10 years before applying for an MLO license, despite the applicant's argument that the Superintendent should have applied the test of balance under Article 753 of the Prison Act and given effect to a certificate of civil disability relief. Please contact the Department before submitting your request for additional information that should be included for consideration. Who is exempt from the licensing provisions of this Act? Nor do licensing requirements apply to individuals who offer or negotiate the terms of a residential mortgage loan with or on behalf of an immediate family member; to anyone who offers or negotiates the terms of a mortgage on the person's own residence; or to certain licensed attorneys.
Whenever you are involved in the origination of mortgage loans related to residential real estate in New York or supervise loan processors or insurers and are not considered exempt under Article 12-E, you must have an MLO license from the Department of Financial Services. However, if you don't participate in those activities, you don't need an MLO license. Do employees of non-profit organizations need to be licensed as mortgage loan originators? As the regulator responsible for implementing New York's laws and regulations governing the licensing of mortgage loan originators, the Department of Financial Services believes that federal and state licensing requirements for mortgage loan originators were intended to cover any person hired as loan officers in the traditional mortgage lending business or for-profit mortgage brokerage, from the private sector. In our view, the federal SAFE Act gives state regulators the discretionary power to determine that individuals who work for genuine nonprofit organizations that promote affordable housing and financing, or who offer homeownership education and counseling do not meet the definition of originator of licensing loans.
because they are not engaged in loan origination activities in exchange for compensation or profit (although those people may receive compensation not related to the amount of their mortgage activities). Until such time as HUD issues a final rule that clearly states that employees of bona fide non-profit organizations must obtain a license under the SAFE Act, the Department of Financial Services will not require the license of such individuals as set forth above. However, the Department reserves the right to periodically review any determination made that the activities of individual employees of a particular non-profit organization are not subject to licensing because they do not participate in loan origination activities in exchange for compensation or profit. When do the pre-license evaluation, education and bond requirements come into effect? Q.
What courses are considered? AT. Only NMLS-approved courses offered by NMLS-approved providers count toward 20-hour pre-license education requirements. You can obtain educational information by accessing the NMLS website. Will previous education courses count toward my pre-licensing education requirement? AT.
The courses included in the previous version of Article 12-E may be considered part of your pre-license education requirement if the Superintendent certifies that such courses meet the educational requirement prior to licensing. Will New York give me credit for courses I've taken in other states? AT. Credit will be awarded for NMLS-approved courses offered by NMLS-approved providers, where the content of the course, with the exception of requirements specific to New York State, does not primarily refer to the laws and regulations of a particular state. Where will I find information about the availability of test providers and test locations? AT.
Information on pre-licensing tests and test centers can be accessed through the NMLS website by selecting the Professional Requirements link. What are the minimum approval qualifications for licensing? AT. A person must obtain a score of at least 75% on the national exam and a score of 75% on the specific New York State exam to be considered to have passed the pre-licensing exam. You must pass the specific national and state exam to obtain the license.
Can I retake the test if I don't get a passing grade? AT. A person must wait 30 days before taking the test again. You can retake the test three consecutive times, and each consecutive dose will be taken at least thirty days after the previous test. If you do not pass three consecutive tests, you must wait at least six months before taking them again.
How much does it cost to take the test? Q. What will be included in the exam? AT. The diagrams of the test components are published in the Test Availability Program and the schema. How many questions will there be? Q.
Can I use a bond provided by my employer? Q. Is there a prescribed bond form? AT. The bond will be made in the manner prescribed by the Superintendent, which will be published on our website. Where does this license allow me to work? AT.
The license allows you to work as an MLO for the original entity. If you leave this entity or change to a new source entity, the Department must be notified of the change. Your license will be inactive until you notify the Department of your association with a new source entity. Can I work for more than one company? AT.
An MLO cannot work simultaneously for more than one source entity. Do I have to submit a new application if I move from one company to another? AT. Your new employer must immediately notify the Department of your employment through the NMLS. In addition, your former employer must file a notice of dismissal or resignation through the NMLS.
How often do I need to renew my license? AT. If not renewed, the license will expire automatically and the MLO can no longer originate mortgage loans. MLOs will receive a renewal notice 60 days before the December 31 expiration date. Do I have to pay to renew each year? AT.
You can renew your license in person while you are inactive, as long as you have met the continuing education and other requirements of Article 12-E and the NMLS renewal process. You must immediately notify the Department of Financial Services through the NMLS of any changes to the information. Failure to provide updated information, including the disclosure of convictions, arrests, or administrative measures by government agencies, may adversely affect your ability to retain or renew your license. Can my employer pay the original compensation for my home loan to the LLC, partnership, or corporation that I formed? AT.
Compensation can only be paid to and in the name of the person named on the license. Licenses are only granted to individuals, not to business entities. If I obtain a mortgage loan originator's license, can I allow other people who aren't licensed to originate loans and give them up? AT. A person who must be licensed in New York and is not licensed cannot originate mortgages or assign them to a licensed MLO.
Are there specific prohibitions or guidelines that mortgage loan originators must follow? AT. Some of these prohibitions are described below in this Q&A. Additional guidelines governing mortgage loan origination activities can be found in federal and state laws and regulations. What are the educational requirements after initial pre-licensing education? AT.
MLOs must complete a minimum of 11 hours of approved continuing education courses starting one year after obtaining the license. Three hours must be according to specific New York laws and regulations. Do I have to take continuing education courses while my license is inactive? AT. To keep your license, you must continue to meet educational requirements.
If the educational requirements are not met, your license will be suspended immediately. The license will end 30 days after the date of suspension if you continue to fail to meet educational requirements. Once your license ends, a new application must be submitted if you want to re-enter the business. What will happen if I don't meet the educational requirements within the required time frames? AT.
Your MLO authorization will be suspended immediately if the educational requirements are not met within the required time frame. You can only receive credit for continuing education courses in the year in which the course is taken. To meet the educational requirements, you must take the required courses by December 31 of each year. Credits can only be requested for the year in which the course was taken.
How do I notify the Department of Financial Services about continuing education courses I have taken? AT. The Department will receive information directly from approved course providers through the NMLS. However, the Department may request additional information from you or the sponsoring entity to demonstrate that you have met specific continuing education requirements. Will I receive credit for repeat courses? AT.
The Department of Financial Services will not grant credit for repeating the same course. In addition, credit for courses taken on the same or similar topics will only be awarded if the course has new and important content, such as updates to reflect changes in law or regulations or new judicial interpretations, or if the course is aimed at a more in-depth or advanced treatment of the subject. matter. Are there different educational requirements for inexperienced and experienced MLOs? Participate in original activities in a way that awakens community trust and ensures the belief that your activities are conducted honestly, fairly and without deception.
Notify the Department of Financial Services of certain changes in the information provided in connection with your or your application and complete the annual requirements regarding education courses. Engaging in conduct prohibited under Part 38.7 of the General Regulations of the Banking Board, Engaging in mortgage loans originated after it has been sent, to the last address to receive notifications sent to the Superintendent, a notification that your license application has been denied, or, if you have license, that such license has been suspended, revoked or terminated, participates in any transaction or practice that is not in good faith or that does not constitute a fair deal, file quarterly reports to the Department of Financial Services with respect to newly employed or affiliated MLOs, dismissals for just cause and persons who are no longer employed or affiliated with the original entity. Determine that each MLO employed or affiliated with it has the character, aptitude and educational qualifications necessary to ensure the belief that it will engage in a mortgage loan that will originate honestly, fairly and efficiently, and will keep information on file in the one on which such determination was based, allowing an MLO to participate in original activities if it has not completed the applicable educational course requirements, or paying compensation for mortgage lending activities to a person who must be authorized but is not, or paying an MLO compensation to a person who does not is the person named on the MLO license, except when required by law or court order. The Superintendent may revoke a license after a notice and a hearing if it determines that (through conduct) the licensee has violated any provision of Article 12-E, or any rule or regulation enacted by the banking board, or any rule or regulation prescribed by the Superintendent under and within of the authority of Article 12-D or Article 12-E or of any other applicable law, rule or regulation of this state or of the federal government relating to mortgage banking, brokerage or loan origination; or (there is any fact or condition that, if any had existed at the time of the original application for such license, would have justified that the Superintendent refused to issue such an initial license.
Are there circumstances in which a license can be suspended? AT. The Superintendent may, for good cause or when there is a substantial risk of public harm, without notice or hearing, issue an order suspending the license of any mortgage loan originator for a period not exceeding ninety days for investigation. There is only justifiable cause when the originator of the mortgage loan has engaged or participates in dishonest or unfair practices or practices that demonstrate the incompetence of the origination of mortgage loans, practices that may cause substantial harm to persons who are granted the protection of Article 12, D or 12 E, from the Bank. The law or license of the originator of the mortgage loan has been revoked in another state or jurisdiction that participates in the NMLS.
If the Superintendent has issued an order to suspend a license for good cause, that license may be reinstated if the Superintendent determines, in his sole discretion after the investigation, that the justified cause did not exist or no longer exists. When can a license be terminated? AT. All MLO licenses will end on the annual expiration date, unless the annual license fee is paid before or on the due date of payment. If such license expires because the annual fee has not been paid before the expiration date, the license will be reinstated if the annual fee is paid within sixty days after that expiration date.
Each licensed MLO must complete and provide proof to the Superintendent, through the NMLS or otherwise, as directed by the Superintendent, that it has completed its annual educational requirements before the annual expiration date of such MLO license. If not completed and such termination is demonstrated on time, the MLO license will be canceled on such annual expiration date. The license will be reinstated if the MLO demonstrates, to the Superintendent's satisfaction, that the applicable educational requirements were met within sixty days of the annual expiration date. An MLO license may be terminated by law, as provided above.
This page is available in other languages. The SAFE Act requires the licensing of individuals who apply for a residential mortgage loan and offer or negotiate the terms of a home mortgage loan in exchange for compensation or gain. Nor do licensing requirements apply to individuals who offer or negotiate the terms of a residential mortgage loan with or on behalf of an immediate family member; to anyone who offers or negotiates the terms of a mortgage on the person's own residence; or to certain licensed attorneys. While there are a variety of states that allow an MLO to be paid before 1099, the banker or mortgage broker must still properly classify the MLO as determined by the IRS.
Debra Killian is a state-licensed home loan originator from NMLS and a certified residential mortgage specialist (CRMS), graduated from Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT with a B. . .
