A mortgage loan originator (MLO), more commonly called a mortgage loan officer is the person homebuyers wanting a mortgage loan depend on to get their dream houses. An MLO is responsible for obtaining all the required financial papers from a potential borrower, negotiating interest rates, processing the application, and submitting them to the lenders for sanction.
In short, an MLO is a bridge between homebuyers seeking mortgage loans and lenders sanctioning them after going through all documents submitted by an MLO.
So, how do you get a mortgage loan originator license in Florida?
Read more about obtaining a mortgage loan originator license in Florida.
Here is a step-by-step guide for you to follow.
Step 1
You must first ensure that you are 18 years of age and above and a citizen of the USA. Next, visit the website of the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and create an account. You will be issued an NMLS ID that will be valid throughout your career.
Step 2
Complete the mandated pre-licensing coursework, the most critical step to getting a mortgage loan originator license in Florida. As mandated by the NMLS, you must go through 20 hours of national-specific courses and 2 hours of study that relate to the rules and regulations related to Florida. The main topics covered in this pre-licensing coursework are fundamentals of the mortgage industry, ethics, regulations, and more.
You can choose to complete the coursework online or from a classroom setting. Online courses are preferred since they are flexible and allow you to study at your own pace.
Among the top NMLS-approved online course providers in Florida is RealEstateU. Their study materials are designed by experienced professionals in this field and are very affordable too.
Step 3
Visit the website of NMLS to schedule your Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) licensing exam by paying $110 as a fee. You must pass this test to be eligible for a mortgage loan originator license in Florida. The test is of 190 minutes duration and the pass grade is 75%.
Step 4
Submit your fingerprints to the NMLS for verification of any past criminal records or history of a felony. MLOs are required to have high moral standards and verification of fingerprints is one way of knowing it.
Step 5
After you pass the SAFE test, visit the NMLS portal and pay $30 to apply for a mortgage loan originator license in Florida. The state application fee is $195. You will be awarded a license but that will not be active until you complete the next step.
Step 6
Join a mortgage lending company to pick up the ropes and learn the finer points of the profession.
Your license will now be activated and you can start your practice. The state has a booming residential real estate market and having a mortgage loan originator license in Florida is a gateway to a very rewarding career.