New Mexico SAFE / Mortgage Licensing
About New Mexico Mortgage Licensing: How To Get A New Mexico NMLS Mortgage License
Looking to become a New Mexico Mortgage Broker or Loan Officer to serve communities in Sante Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, and other cities in New Mexico? If yes, you've come to the right
place!
The Mortgage Training Center offers a variety of New Mexico mortgage licensing and training courses to help you earn your New Mexico mortgage license or continuing education credits.
What Does A New Mexico Mortgage Broker Do?
A mortgage broker is a licensed professional that acts as a middleman between lenders and purchasers. The broker works to find a mortgage lender with terms and rates that best fit the customer's needs, then going through the required processes and working with the mortgage underwriter to get the loan approved.
What Is The Difference Between A Mortgage Broker And A Mortgage Loan Officer?
Basically, the Mortgage Broker is the business owner and the Mortgage Loan Officer is an employee of the Mortgage Broker. In some instances, like a single-person shop, the Mortgage Broker does the work of the Loan Officer. Bottom line, the Mortgage Broker is responsible for the work output and complying with applicable laws.
What Does A Mortgage Loan Officer Do?
A Mortgage Loan Officer starts the mortgage application process by gathering from potential borrowers the information needed to start that borrower's loan review process. This includes things like W2s, 1099s, bank statements, tax returns, etc.
They are responsible for working with the borrower to complete mortgage loan application, submitting the application to underwriting, following up on any additional information needed or requested from the underwriter, then communicating the loan decision to the potential borrower.
How Do Mortgage Brokers Make Money?
Mortgage brokers make money by dealing with lenders who discount the cost of their mortgage product to allow a mortgage broker the ability to charge a fee by submission of a loan package for funding. This relationship between a mortgage broker and a lender is called wholesale lending.
About The New Mexico Mortgage Broker Licensing Requirements: How Do I Get A Mortgage License In New Mexico?
You earn a mortgage broker license in New Jersey by completing your pre-licensing course, passing your mortgage licensing exam, then applying for your license through the NMLS. Get started by selecting a mortgage pre-licensing course from the list below.
Find Seminars, Webinars, And Online Training In Your Area
New Mexico Mortgage Licensing Requirements
The SAFE Act requires states to establish minimum rules and standards for the licensing and registration of mortgage loan originators. This allows easy access to a Loan Officer and Mortgage Broker's credentials and allows the public to know what kind of mortgage history these providers have.
Essentially, the SAFE Act requires that state-licensed Mortgage Loan Originators pass the 20-hour NMLS licensing exam, and take eight hours of annual continuing education courses.
For further details on New Mexico Mortgage Broker Licensing requirements, go to:
Financial Institutions Division
2550 Cerrillos Road, 3rd Floor
Santa Fe, NM 87505
[505] 476-4885
[505] 476-4670 Fax
Disclaimer: This information provided is based on state laws and regulations, and is subject to change. While we make every effort to asure this information is current and accurate, it is not engaged in rendering legal or professional advice, and shall not be held responsible for inaccuracies contained herein.
Mortgage Loan Companies and Mortgage Loan Originators FAQs
What is a mortgage loan company?
A “mortgage loan company” means any person who, for compensation or gain, or in the expectation of compensation or gain, either directly or indirectly:
- Accepts an application for a mortgage loan, negotiates terms for a mortgage loan, or solicits, processes, originates, brokers or makes mortgage loans for others;
- Closes mortgage loans that may be in the mortgage loan company’s own name with funds provided by others and that are assigned to the mortgage lenders providing the funding of such loans; or
- Offers to:
i. Accept an application for a mortgage loan;
ii. Negotiate terms for a mortgage loan; or
iii. Solicit, process, originate, broker or make mortgage loans for others.
Is New Mexico a licensing state for mortgage loan companies?
Yes. All mortgage loan companies doing business in New Mexico must obtain a license through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System [NMLS].
Who can be a qualified manager for a mortgage loan company?
Anyone who is a control person or an employee of a mortgage loan company, so long as they meet the requirements of a qualified manager, which are:
- they must be a licensed mortgage loan originator; and
- they must have verifiable experience in the mortgage lending industry for at least two of the past four years.
Do mortgage loan company branches need to be licensed?
Yes, if they are conducting business in New Mexico on residential property.
Are mortgage loan companies required to maintain a physical location in New Mexico?
No.
Does the mortgage loan company license cover first and subordinate lien mortgage transactions?
Yes. It covers all residential mortgage loan products and transactions including chattel.
Does New Mexico provide any mortgage exemptions for mortgage loan companies?
Yes, the following persons are exempt from all provisions of the Mortgage Loan Company and Loan Broker Act [§ 58-21-1, et seq., NMSA 1978]:
- banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations, credit unions, insurance companies, and real estate investment trusts as defined in 26 US Code § 856;
- an attorney licensed to practice law in New Mexico who is not principally engaged in the business of negotiating loans secured by real or personal property, when the person renders services in the course of his practice as an attorney;
- a New Mexico-licensed real estate broker rendering service in the performance of his duties as a real estate broker who obtains financing for a real estate transaction involving an actual bona fide sale of real estate or real estate contract handled by the broker and who receives only the customary real estate broker’s commission in connection with the transaction;
- a person doing an act under order of a court;
- an individual making a single mortgage loan in a calendar year with the individual’s own funds for the individual’s own investment without the intent to resell the mortgage loan;
- the United States of America, State of New Mexico, or any of their branches, agencies, departments, boards, instrumentalities, or institutions, and all political subdivisions of the state and their agencies, instrumentalities, and institutions; and
- a company licensed as a small business investment company under the federal Small Business Investment Act of 1958.
Who should be licensed as a mortgage loan originator?
Any individual who for compensation or gain or in the expectation of compensation or gain takes a residential mortgage loan application or offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan.
Do processors or underwriters need a license?
It depends. Processors or underwriters do not need a license if they perform clerical or support duties as an employee at the direction of and subject to the supervision and instruction of a person licensed or exempt from licensing pursuant to the Mortgage Loan Company Act. Processors or underwriters do need a license if they are an independent contractor.
Are there any requirements for licensure for mortgage loan originators?
Yes. A mortgage loan originator must:
- apply for a license through NMLS and obtain a unique identifier number;
- take 20 hours of mortgage education, which will include 3 hours of New Mexico specific classes;
- pass a national and state specific test;
- provide a credit report obtained by the NMLS;
- pass a background check with fingerprints; and
- have a surety bond or be sponsored by a mortgage loan company that is licensed and bonded in the State of New Mexico.
Are there any continuing education requirements for licensed mortgage loan originators?
Yes. A mortgage loan originator is required to obtain 8 hours of continuing education, which includes 1 hour of New Mexico specific education. The continuing education is not required in the same calendar year that the mortgage loan originator first obtains their license.
Does New Mexico provide any mortgage exemptions for mortgage loan originators?
Yes. The following are exempt from the provisions of the New Mexico Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing Act:
- registered mortgage loan originators when acting for an entity defined in § 58-21B-3[P][1] NMSA 1978 of the New Mexico Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing Act;
- an individual who offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan with or on behalf of an immediate family member of the individual;
- an individual who offers or negotiates terms of a real property sale financed in whole or in part by the seller and secured by the seller’s real property; or
- a licensed attorney who negotiates the terms of a residential mortgage loan on behalf of a client as an ancillary matter to the attorney’s representation of the client, unless the attorney is compensated by a lender, a mortgage loan company, or other mortgage loan originator or by any agent of such lender, mortgage loan company, or other mortgage loan originator.
Do I need to get a corporate surety bond?
Yes. Each mortgage loan company or mortgage loan originator, if not sponsored by a mortgage loan company, must maintain a corporate surety bond. The bond must be in an initial amount of fifty thousand dollars [$50,000] for the first year. After the first year, the following scale will determine the surety bond necessary based on loans closed in New Mexico:
- $0 to three million dollars [$3,000,000]: fifty thousand dollar [$50,000] bond;
- Over three million dollars [$3,000,000] to ten million dollars [$10,000,000]: one hundred thousand dollar [$100,000] bond; and
- Over ten million dollars [$10,000,000]: one hundred fifty thousand dollar [$150,000] bond.
When do mortgage loan company and mortgage loan origination licenses expire?
Licenses expire on December 31 of each calendar year.
When are mortgage loan company or mortgage loan originator license renewal application forms and fees due?
All licenses expire on December 31 of each year. All license renewal applications will begin being processed on November 1 of each calendar year and are due by December 31.
What if there is a change of name or address?
Licensed mortgage loan companies and originators must submit any changes to their status through the NMLS and pay a fee of $50.
How long must I keep my mortgage files and records?
The required retention period is six years pursuant to § 58-21-11 NMSA 1978. These files and records can be kept in physical form or can be stored on any accessible electronic medium.
Does the FID conduct examinations of mortgage loan companies or originators?
Yes. As a licensed mortgage loan company or mortgage loan originator with the State of New Mexico, you or any of your branches are subject to an examination of your mortgage files, books, and records.
Is there a fee for the examination?
No, unless the examination results in an investigation of the mortgage loan company or mortgage loan originator.
How many loans can be made in New Mexico without a license?
Unless specifically exempted in statue, none.
What types of mortgage loan products am I allowed to broker or fund?
Any lawful residential mortgage loan secured by a dwelling. A “dwelling” means a residential structure that contains one to four units whether or not that structure is attached to real property. “Dwelling” includes an individual condominium unit, an individual cooperative unit, a mobile home, and a trailer if used as a residence.
Are my internet business activities as a mortgage loan company or mortgage loan originator licensing requirements?
Yes, if you are conducting business involving New Mexico property.
What is a table funding?
Table funding is a simultaneous closing where there is a transfer or sale of a property and the note created between the buyer and seller is purchased by an investor at the same closing table where the real estate transaction is taking place.
Do I need a Certificate of Authority to do business in New Mexico? If I am out of state, do I need to be registered as a foreign corporation to do business in New Mexico?
These are legal determinations to be made by Lenders/Brokers. Forms, applications, and information may be obtained by contacting the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office at 505-827-3600 or www.sos.state.nm.us.
Are there any state specific disclosures that are required by New Mexico?
Yes. There is a mortgage loan summary and a mortgage loan compensation disclosure that are required to be disclosed to the borrower[s] at least two days prior to closing and a Rate Lock disclosure. The requirements for these disclosures are set in Rule 12.19.8.12 NMAC.
Who is required to be licensed?
If the activities performed by an individual or a business involves the activities contemplated in the definition of a “mortgage loan originator” pursuant to § 58-21B-3[K] [the New Mexico Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing Act], and/or the definition of a “mortgage loan company” pursuant to § 58-21-2[I] [the Mortgage Loan Company Act], the licensure requirement is triggered. FID must comply with the letter of the law in considering whether the activities of any person or individual requires licensure and must do so apart from of any other activities or services performed. The statutes do not provide a grace period for licensure for this activity.
Whom do I contact with questions concerning mortgage loan companies and originators?
For questions and concerns about mortgage loan companies and originators, please contact the Mortgage and Escrow Industry Manager.