Roadmap to Licensing - Loan Officer
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Effective September 1, 2007, Texas redefined the requirements for licensing which are outlined in the FAQ tab.  This change enabled Power Training to now offer the Loan Officer Candidate a more extensive pre-licensing education along with renewing loan officers a wider variety of courses to satisfy the 8 core hour requirements.

Roadmap Details

Now, divided into Modules 1 – 8, a Loan Officer Candidate can complete their education all at once or taking one module at a time. 

Cost for New Loan Officer Licensees with NO experience

-          Package, all 8 modules attended consecutively, tuition is $775.

-          Individually, tuition is $105 per module.

Cost for New Loan Officer Licensees with 2 years minimum experience
Please note that ONLY retail origination applies.  If you have not worked the last twenty four months as a RETAIL originator then you will have to complete 60 hours.  Employment as an Wholesale Account Executive does not apply.  No work as a processor or underwriter will qualify.

-          Package, Modules I - 4 only ~ attended consecutively, tuition is $399.

-          Individually, tuition is $105 per module, except Module II - cost is $145 per person.

Calculators

-          $50 each - One of the tools you will need in your Loan Officer career is the Qualifier Plus Mortgage Calculator.  It provides special keys that will work the functions specifically related to mortgage lending and help you speed through the qualification process of the borrower.  Power Training has partnered with Calculated Industries to provided at the Qualifier Plus Mortgage Calculator at a wholesale cost of $50 to the student including shipping and handling.  If you choose to purchase the calculator please answer yes on the registration link.  A link to view the calculator is below:
http://www.calculated.com/training/quickstart/index.html

Campus Location

Campus location is changing to Capital of Texas Highway and Spicewood Springs.  More specific details will follow.


Class Times

The classes are held a consecutive Monday – Thursday, take the weekend off, and then the following Monday – Thursday the next week.  Class will start at 9:00am – 5:00pm each, with one hour for lunch and two 15 minute breaks. 

When you should register for the test?

Testing is Austin is every Friday/Saturday either at 8am or 1pm.  If you are taking the full 60 hour course, we suggest that you schedule your test for the 2nd Saturday after class starts. 

If you have the two years experience, class will be the first four days Monday - Thursday.  You should schedule your test for the 1st Saturday after class.

Testing is done at the Promissor testing facility; Promissor testing sights
To register for the test: http://www.pearsonvue.com/

Module I - Introduction to Lending

This module begins with the early types of mortgages and deeds and the first laws to regulate homeownership.

We will review commonly used terms to better acquaint you with the mortgage lending process and put you on the path to using the right terminology.  We also discover the roles of the processor and basic underwriting guidelines, the use of the appraisal and it’s relation to FIRREA and USPAP.  You will be introduced to the closing process through the review of a title policy, HUD 1 Settlement Statement and the RESPA laws regarding the issuance of HUD1’s.  We will cover the endorsements to the title policy, review the survey and its use in the ownership process.

Module II - RESPA & Texas Mortgage Broker Act if taken separately cost is $145 per person aka Loan or Lawsuit Origination

Lenders prior to regulation had no laws to require them to give borrowers any indications of interest rates, costs or products available to them.  Several laws were passed which clearly defined how we take loan applications, prepare good faith estimates, advertise and report information.  We will define what determines a loan application, what are the the key what are they key what are the key origination documents, common RESPA violations on the loan application, good faith and truth in lending.  A review of the final disposition of the loan will be included.  These laws also laid out specific determinations of how the Annual Percentage Rate is calculated, how co-signors and “eligible” borrowers were determined.  We will review the Patriot Act and cover a full review of the conventional disclosures, what they mean and how they are completed.  This section will cover:

  1. Fair Housing Act
  2. Truth In Lending Act
  3. Pre-paid Finance Chart
  4. Advertising
  5. Equal Credit Opportunity Act
  6. Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
  7. Section 32 Loans
  8. Patriot Act
  9. Disclosures Are Necessary When?
  10. Texas Mortgage Broker Loan Officer Act
     

Module III - Required Disclosures - Ethics

This course will start with a full review of the required disclosures for Conventional and Government loans.  We cover each disclosure, learn how to complete it for the customer and explain it to them.  This module will also include 4 hours of Ethics.  For those using this module to renew either a Loan Officer or Mortgage license or to gain their Mortgage Broker license, you can use the additional 2 hours of Ethics towards your 8 or 28 core hours requirement.

Module IV - Calculating Payments, Secondary Market, Rate Sheets and Qualifying the Borrower

This module will start with mortgage math basics including LTV and CLTV calculations, learning to calculate the payments including principle, interest, taxes and insurance.  You will learn how to qualify the borrower and help them   In addition we will cover the secondary market. learn how loans are priced and how to ask customers the right questions which enable us to help them select the right product.  We spend a full 1/2 day on learning programs, products and pricing. 

Module V - Basic Knowledge of Underwriting / FHA and VA Loans

Basic Underwriting Guidelines
Learning to trouble shoot your loan application from the beginning is part of the packaging the loan for success.  If you don't learn the basics on how underwriting looks at files, you won't know how to troubleshoot.  We will cover the basics of employment, qualifying income, funds to close and credit.  This will lead into a detailed program for government loans.

FHA — For Originators & Processors

HUD is changing the way Brokers are approved to do business with them and so this may become the mainstream of your new business plan, or, if your office just received your HUD approval and recently started originating FHA loans, this course is a MUST.

With HUD making major changes regarding non-allowables and appraisals, the loan is now easier to originate and process. There are many advantages to the FHA loan that allow borrowers to qualify for more home and be more flexible in obtaining their funds for closing. The course is written in easy to follow instruction and gives information you can't find in the manual.

Learn how to:

  • Sell the FHA Loan
  • Identify the differences in Employment and Income
  • Identify the differences in Assets and Credit
  • Complete the FHA required disclosure and submission documents including the MCAW, appraisal request, case number assignment, and HUD Addendum
  • Surf the government website for the information you need

VA — For Originators & Processors

Even though the VA loan is processed basically as any other loan, there are intricacies that you need to be aware of to be sure you are utilizing all the programs available to the veteran. This course will walk you through the VA process and from loan application to approval.

  • Learn how to complete the VA Loan Analysis
  • Learn how to calculate Veteran's Eligibility
  • Learn how to order the VA Appraisal
  • Know the required disclosures
  • Review of the loan program available through the Texas Veterans Land Board
  • How to calculate Interest Rate Reduction Refinances
  • Know the allowable fees and how to complete your good faith estimate

Module VI - Learning to take the Loan Application and Complete the Good Faith Estimate

The loan applications and good faith estimates are the beginning of the loans success.  You will learn how to take the loan application and ask the sometimes difficult questions that you need to turn your application into a closing.  Your good faith is also the measurement by which your honesty and integrity will be measured.  What you charge for your services will have to be explained to the borrower and most likely their Realtor so being able to do so quickly and efficiently will be very important.  This class will walk you through each fee, why it is charged and whether or not it impacts the Annual Percentage Rate. 
You will learn what fees it takes to close a mortgage loan, what the reasons the fees exist and how they affect APR.  Definition of PFC and how to identify them.


Module VII - FACTA, Mortgage Insurance and Commercial Loans

This module will cover FACTA, The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act where we you will learn how to read the credit report and explain it to the customer.  We will also cover the details of the Texas Home Equity Law and how to be sure you don't end up buying back a loan.  With the market changing, being diversified will help tremendously so we will also cover Commercial loans and how you can make money.

Mortgage Insurance
The tax deductibility and the credit challenges most borrowers will face in 2008 will increase the need for Mortgage Insurance.  As a result you will need to know what loans can be covered and what types cannot be covered.  We will review of mortgage insurance, its impact on the loan approval, define mortgage risk, exposure and coverage.

Module VIII - Detecting Fraud, Texas Home Equity and Re-Cap

Detecting Fraud - The ABC's of Quality Control
We will cover red flags on the application, bank statement, verification of deposit, verification of employment, pay stubs, W-2's or 1099's, tax returns, and sales contract.  In addition we will cover the Texas Home Equity Program and Laws that apply.  This will be your chance to re-cap the class and where we take the Mock test.  Prepare your questions as this will be the time to ask them.
 This is the only module that is not individually approved for credit.

 

 

  • Frequently Asked Questions Made Simple - Licensing Requirements Below This

    What should I bring with me to Promissor for my test?

  • 2 forms of identification (no exceptions)
  • Promissor confirmation
  • Two #2 pencils
  • Failed test (if applicable)


  • What kind of fees are involved?
  • Test
          Broker $42.00
          Loan Officer $42.00
  • Fingerprinting**
          Broker $17.50
          Loan Officer $17.50
  • Application to TSLD
          Broker $280.00
          Loan Officer $155.00
  • Background Check
          Broker $39.00
          Loan Officer $39.00
  • Recovery Fund
          Broker $20.00
          Loan Officer $20.00

  • All fees payable are non refundable. Tardiness will result in forfeiture of the fee.
     


    **The Department of Public Safety has contracted with a company called Identix to offer convenient, reliable, affordable applicant fingerprinting within the state of Texas. Because of this, it is not necessary for SML’s in-state applicants to submit fingerprints with the application. Instead, once the department has processed your application, a Fast Pass certificate will be mailed to your home address. This certificate will contain all the necessary information and instructions to contact Identix, set an appointment, and have your fingerprints submitted directly to the DPS and FBI and the results forwarded to our department. The TSML believes that utilizing this system will reduce the number of fingerprint rejections and the time required to conduct a background investigation. If you have any further questions about this, you may contact Identix through their website,
    https://tx.iisfingerprint.com/, or you may contact the licensing investigator, Robin Bradford, at rbradford@sml.state.tx.us.



    What is the content of the test?

  • Federal Law and Regulations (50% Approximately 37-38 questions)
          Including Equal Credit Opportunity Act, RESPA, and the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z)
  • Texas Mortgage Broker Licensing Act and Regulations (20% Approximately 15 questions)
  • General Math, Knowledge, Terms, and Concepts (30% Approximately 22-23 questions)
          General loan terms, knowledge, or market practices;
          Application and pre-qualification process and role of the mortgage broker/loan officer;
          Secondary Market or Federal Loan program terminology for HUD, FHA, VA, FNMA, and FHLMC;
          Legal terms - Home equity and Texas high-cost lending;
          Mathematical calculations related to mortgage lending


  • Does a passing test score expire?
    No, there is no expiration of passing score or test date.

    How much time will you have to complete the test?
    You will have 2 hours to complete the test. The test will automatically end at two hours.

    What happens if you pass?
    You will receive a score report and instructions on how to apply for your license. No score will be given.  However, know that a score of less than 70 for Loan Officers will result in a failing score and a score of less than 80 for a Mortgage Broker will result in a failing score. 

    What happens if you fail?
    If you fail you will be given a score report that includes a numeric score and diagnostic information relating to the examination as well as a list of the areas on the content outline where the candidate performed unsatisfactory.

    What are some other suggestions?
  • Arrive 30 minutes early and check in with the facilitator
  • Go through tutorial (does not count towards test time)
  • Test begins when first question is viewed
  • No calculators, cell phones, recording devices, palm pilots, etc.
  • No books, dictionaries, reading material, scratch paper, etc.
  • No large bags, briefcases, purses, etc.
  • No eating, drinking, or smoking
  • No visitors or guests


  • Things to Know
    • All registrations are binding and are subject to penalties for non-cancellation or late cancellation. Reservations must be cancelled 48 hours prior to class or ½ tuition is due.
    • All tuition is non-refundable and must be paid 5 days prior to class. Tuition can be used towards are future class, or we will accept a substitution student.
    • Your seat is not confirmed until payment is processed. Receipts will be given out at class with your materials.
    • Certificates are issued upon class completion. If the certificate(s) is lost or stolen, a duplicate certificate will be issued upon receipt of the following information, 1. Dates of class and Class title. Power Training does not keep electronic records of class attendance so you will need to keep the information readily accessible should you need it. 2. Power Training has confirmed that the State has not received the certificate as part of a Mortgage Broker / Loan Officer Application for Licensing or Renewal. This process can take up to two weeks and a fee of $50 will be assessed for each lost certificate.

    Don’ts

    • There will no recording of class of any kind.
    • Do not duplicate or share material with a person who has not paid for the material. The material is the sole property of Power Training and copyright infringements will be prosecuted.
    • There will be no use of Cellular Phones, Laptop Computers, Blackberry’s or handheld email devices during class, nor may you receive text messages during class.
    • All cell phones, pagers, etc… must be turned to their silent or off modes during class time.
    • There will be no chewing tobacco or smoking during class.

    Agreements

    All attendees will agree to the following:

    • That you will not take longer than the allotted break times and will take breaks only during allotted times, unless arrangements have been made with instructor prior to class.
    • You will not arrive late for class, return late from lunch or breaks. It is understood that if you do arrive late, return from lunch or breaks late, the instructor has the right to refuse you admittance to class.

    By enrolling and paying tuition, Power Training assumes that you have read this FAQ and agree to all terms.

    Experience/Education Requirements Changes for NEW Applicants

    The following combination of experience and education is required for the issuance of an initial license for mortgage brokers and loan officers received by the department on or after 9/1/2007:


    Mortgage Broker

     

    Loan Officer

     

    36 months of loan origination experience

    AND

    90 hours of Core classroom training, including 6 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker or loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including 2 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker under the MBLAct but was previously licensed as a loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    • 18 months of loan origination experience and, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in either finance, banking, or business administration

    AND

    90 hours of Core classroom training, including 6 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker or loan officer under the MBLAct,

    OR

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including 2 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker under the MBLAct but was previously licensed as a loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    • Holds active Texas license as: Real Estate Broker or Attorney or General Lines Agent (Life, Accident, Health, & HMO; or Property & Casualty); Limited Lines Agent (Multiple Lines); or Managing General Agent

    AND

    90 hours of Core classroom training, including 6 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker or loan officer under the MBLAct

    OR

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including 2 hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years if NOT previously licensed as a mortgage broker under the MBLAct but was previously licensed as a loan officer under the MBLAct.

     

     

     

    • 60 hours of Core classroom training, including hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider, taken within the last two years

    OR

    • 18 or more months of loan origination experience

    AND

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years;

    OR

    • Holds active Texas license as: Real Estate Broker or  Attorney or General Lines Agent (Life, Accident, Health, & HMO; or Property & Casualty); Limited Lines Agent (Multiple Lines); or Managing General Agent

    AND

    30 hours of Core classroom training, including hours of Ethics, offered by an SML-approved provider taken within the last two years;

     

     

     
    512-451-9112 voice    512-857-9868 fax info@powertraininginc.com P. O. Box 9256 Austin, TX 78766-9256