Originators Certifiable
Loan originators can enhance their image with a seal of approval from various mortgage organizations.

FHA Wave Builds
As legislation that will improve government mortgage programs makes its way through the nation's capital, a number of organizations are sprouting up to help mortgage companies that want to capitalize on this growing sector.

Mortgage Licensees Diminish
New laws designed to make it tougher for mortgage brokers and loan officers to be licensed are living up to expectations in at least two states -- leading to fewer licensed originators. Washington will soon administer written tests to applicants, a process that will likely weed out more brokers and loan officers.

Borrower Education Endorsed
Lenders endorsed a set of standards for professional mortgage counselors. The standards, intended to help borrowers avoid the expected onslaught of foreclosures, come on the heels of a set of servicer principles promoted by a U.S. senator and supported by most big mortgage bankers.

FTC Touts '06 Mortgage Actions
Actions by the Federal Trade Commission last year led to a bankruptcy filing by a subprime mortgage executive and an expansion of educational material for mortgage prospects.

Hyper Mortgage Training
A new Web-based interactive mortgage-training program promises to enhance learning comprehension and retention by using what the developer calls "Super-Learning."

Windfall at Mortgage Education Firm
Growth has exploded at a Carmel, Ind.-based mortgage-training and consulting firm as states have expanded licensing and education requirements for loan originators.