How to Get a Mortgage Broker License in New York State

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To get a mortgage broker license in New York State, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) is the regulatory body responsible for licensing mortgage brokers. You'll need to submit an application and pay the required fee.

The DFS also requires a background check, which includes a fingerprint check and a review of your credit history. This is to ensure you're trustworthy and capable of handling sensitive financial information.

To get started, you'll need to take a pre-licensing course and pass a licensing exam. This is a crucial step, as it demonstrates your knowledge of mortgage regulations and practices.

Steps to Become a Mortgage Broker in NY

To become a mortgage broker in NY, you'll need to meet the state's licensing requirements.

The first step is to meet the age requirement, which is at least 18 years old.

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You'll also need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants must also have a minimum of 20 hours of pre-licensing education, which covers topics such as mortgage law and ethics.

The education requirement includes 3 hours of federal law, 3 hours of ethics, and 14 hours of elective courses.

You'll need to pass the SAFE MLO test to demonstrate your knowledge.

The test has 125 multiple-choice questions, and you'll need to answer at least 75% correctly to pass.

After passing the test, you'll need to apply for a mortgage broker license through the NMLS.

The application fee is $200, and you'll also need to pay for the background check and credit report.

Licensing Requirements and Process

To get a mortgage broker license in New York, you'll need to meet the state's licensing requirements. There are three major license types: company, individual, and branch. In New York State, you'll typically need to obtain a company or individual mortgage broker license.

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To start the process, you'll need to submit an application to the New York State Department of Financial Services. You'll also need to pay the required licensing fee. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of license you're applying for.

In New York, the licensing process typically takes several months to complete, so be sure to plan ahead.

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Licensing Requirements

To become a licensed mortgage broker in New York State, you'll need to navigate the state's licensing requirements. There are three major license types: company, individual, and branch. For most purposes, you'll focus on the company and individual licenses.

In New York, you'll need to obtain a company license if your mortgage brokerage is a business entity. This license type is required for companies that want to operate as mortgage brokers.

The individual license, on the other hand, is required for individuals who want to work as mortgage brokers. This license type is necessary for anyone who wants to originate, negotiate, or arrange mortgage loans.

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You'll need to gather a list of documents to submit with your mortgage broker license application. Here's a rundown of the required documents:

  • Company Form (MU1)
  • Credit report
  • Business plan
  • Formation documents
  • Surety bond form
  • Certificate of Authority issued by the Secretary of State

In addition to these documents, you'll need to pay a few fees when submitting your application. These fees include:

  • $100 NMLS processing fee
  • $1,500 investigation fee
  • $15 credit report fee

How EZ Surety Bonds Can Help

EZ Surety Bonds can offer a free online quote for your New York mortgage broker bond once you're ready to start the licensing process.

To become a licensed mortgage broker in New York, you'll need to take several steps, and having the right bond can help you navigate the process.

EZ Surety can provide you with a free online quote for your New York mortgage broker bond, giving you one less thing to worry about as you work towards your license.

The specific steps and requirements for obtaining a mortgage broker license in New York are outlined in the licensing process section of this article.

A different take: Mortgage Broker Bond

Costs and Financial Aspects

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To become a licensed mortgage broker in New York, you can expect to pay a fee of $300 for the initial application.

The cost of the pre-licensing education course is around $300 to $500, depending on the provider.

You'll also need to pay for the licensing exam, which costs $125.

The total cost of becoming a licensed mortgage broker in New York can range from $725 to $925.

To maintain your license, you'll need to complete 8 hours of continuing education every year, which can cost around $200 to $300.

The New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires mortgage brokers to have a surety bond, which can cost up to $25,000.

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Who Can Become a Mortgage Broker in NY

To become a mortgage broker in New York, you'll need to choose the right license for your business. The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) handles licensing for mortgaging activities in the state.

There are four main types of mortgage company licenses in New York: Mortgage Broker License, Mortgage Banker License, Mortgage Loan Servicer Registration License, and Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License. Each license has its own specific responsibilities.

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You'll need to decide which license fits your business model. For example, if you'll be accepting, soliciting, processing, or negotiating mortgage loans on behalf of third-party home buyers, you'll need a Mortgage Broker License.

To be eligible for a Mortgage Broker License, you'll need at least two years of credit analysis or underwriting experience. This experience will help you understand the mortgage process and make informed decisions for your clients.

Here are the most common types of mortgage company licenses in New York:

  • Mortgage Broker License: Accepts, solicits, processes, or negotiates mortgage loans on behalf of third-party home buyers.
  • Mortgage Banker License: Issues commitments and advances funds to issue mortgage loans.
  • Mortgage Loan Servicer Registration License: Receives loan payments from borrowers and makes payments to borrowers for mortgage conversions.
  • Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) License: Engages in mortgage loan origination activities.

Education and Training

To become a mortgage broker in New York, you must complete the required 20-hour NMLS SAFE pre-licensing course, which includes three hours of New York-specific content.

This course should be taken from an NMLS-approved mortgage school, and it's essential to check that the course meets the 20-hour requirement for all 50 states.

The New York Mortgage Loan Originator License Training Courses offer a 23-hour program that includes test-taking strategy video, New York Mortgage Pre-License Education, and 3 hours of NY SAFE: New York Mortgage Lending Laws.

Check this out: Nmls Search Loan Officer

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The total cost for this program is $285.00, plus a $34.50 NMLS Credit Banking Fee.

To prepare for the mortgage licensing exam, you can take the NMLS Mortgage Licensing Exam Test-Taking Strategy Video Course, which is a self-paced online video course from OnlineEd.

If you're a licensed mortgage loan originator in New York, you'll need to complete continuing education courses to renew your license.

The Late CE 11-hour package for NY MLO licensees includes the 3-hour state-specific requirement and costs $100.50, plus a $16.50 NMLS Credit Banking Fee.

Alternatively, you can take the Late CE 7 Hour SAFE Core: 2024 Originator Fundamentals course, which is 7 hours of Late CE NMLS continuing education, for $65.00.

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Companies and Services

To become a licensed mortgage broker in New York, you need to work with a company that is registered with the New York State Department of Financial Services.

One such company is Guaranteed Rate, which is a national mortgage lender with a presence in New York. They have a team of experienced mortgage brokers who can guide you through the licensing process.

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Another option is Wells Fargo, which offers mortgage services in New York and has a mortgage broker licensing program in place. They provide training and support to help you become a licensed mortgage broker.

The New York State Department of Financial Services also has a list of licensed mortgage brokers and lenders that you can work with. You can check their website for a list of approved companies.

Take a look at this: List of Mortgage Reits

Frequently Asked Questions

To get a mortgage broker license in NY, you must be at least 18 years old.

The NY Department of Financial Services requires a mortgage broker to have a minimum of two years of experience in the mortgage industry or complete a pre-licensing education course and pass the licensing exam.

You'll need to submit an application, pay the required fee, and provide fingerprints for a background check.

To be eligible for a mortgage broker license, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

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The NY Department of Financial Services will review your application and verify your credentials before issuing the license.

You'll need to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years to keep your license active.

The licensing fee for a mortgage broker in NY is $200 for a new license and $100 for a renewal.

You can find more information on the NY Department of Financial Services website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my broker's license in New York?

To become a licensed real estate broker in New York, you must complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education, pass the course final exam, and pass the state licensing exam. Apply for your license after passing the exam to start your career as a New York real estate broker.

How hard is the mortgage broker exam?

The mortgage broker exam is challenging, with only 56% of test takers passing on their first attempt. This difficulty is intentional, reflecting the exam's rigorous standards for mortgage loan originators.

Abraham Lebsack

Lead Writer

Abraham Lebsack is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and insurance. With a focus on educating readers, he has crafted informative articles on critical illness insurance, providing valuable insights and guidance for those navigating complex financial decisions. Abraham's expertise in the field of critical illness insurance has allowed him to develop comprehensive guides, breaking down intricate topics into accessible and actionable advice.

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