Certifications and licensing

Tired of working as a yacht captain, Pancho Jiminez decided to get into real estate even though he knows it's a highly competitive field in Florida.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was created in part to ensure that nonbanks are subject to federal oversight, but the fact is that 99% of banks are exempt from CFPB supervision.

Although property tax loans raise concerns for the mortgage industry, there is a way for property tax lenders and mortgage companies to co-exist.

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposal would limit how much Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data is released to the public in an effort to protect consumer privacy.

Before joining NMN, our new reporter Elina Tarkazikis was a real estate agent. From endless fees to the benefits of working on a team, she explains why many things agents should know entering the business also apply to mortgage loan officers.

Opes Advisors shows would-be borrowers how purchasing a house fits into their total financial picture, now and years into the future. Many of its loan officers are licensed investment advisors.

While compliance costs continue to increase for lenders, the rising age of company owners is what's prompting many independent mortgage bankers to sell their companies.

Restoring consumer confidence in financial services won't be easy after the latest banking brouhaha, but the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can help by proactively holding all mortgage loan officers to the same federal licensing standard.

The number of unique individuals holding state mortgage licenses has risen 7.5% from one year ago, according to the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System.

While many depositories do just enough mortgage lending to low- to moderate-income borrowers to meet statutory requirements, The Federal Savings Bank has made it a backbone for growth.