How to Become a Mortgage Broker in Indiana

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What Types of Mortgage Broker Licenses Are Issued in Indiana?

Indiana licenses mortgage brokers through the Office of the Secretary of State, though applications are processed through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). Don�t confuse a mortgage broker license with a mortgage lending license, which permits loan origination as well as mortgage brokering. Mortgage lending licenses are issued by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Our focus here is on mortgage broker licenses.

There are two types of mortgage broker licenses in the state:

  • Company – for sole proprietorships and companies representing residential clients
  • Branch – for additional locations operated by a licensed mortgage broker

What Does the Licensing Process Involve?

The Indiana Loan Broker Act imposes a continuous education requirement on principal managers during their first year as licensed mortgage broker, but no exam is required before applying for a license. There is, however, a residency requirement and principal managers must have two years of relevant experience. All applicants for a mortgage broker license must purchase a surety bond and submit it through the NMLS website along with other required documents. Some paperwork must be sent directly to the Secretary of State’s office.

Why Is a Surety Bond Required?

A surety bond indemnifies the state against legal liability for any financial loss suffered by consumers as a result of the unlawful or unethical actions of a licensed Indiana mortgage broker. The surety bond is the licensee�s guarantee to abide by all relevant rules and regulations of the Indiana Loan Broker Act and other laws of the state of Indiana, all of which are spelled out in the terms of the surety bond agreement.

What Happens if a Claim is Filed?

In the event that a licensed mortgage broker acts in a manner that causes a financial loss to another party, the injured party has the right to file a claim for damages against the mortgage broker�s bond. The first thing the surety company will do is make sure the claim is valid. The usual practice is for the surety company to attempt to negotiate a settlement, but if that�s unsuccessful, the surety company will go ahead and pay the claim as an advance on the mortgage broker�s behalf.

However, every surety bond contract includes an indemnification clause that relieves the surety company of any financial responsibility for paying claims. Paying claims is the legal responsibility of the mortgage broker who purchased the bond. Consequently, the mortgage broker must reimburse the surety company in full.

What Does a Mortgage Broker Bond Cost?

Surety companies calculate bond premiums as a small percentage of the total required bond amount. In Indiana, the required bond amount depends on the previous year�s loan volume:

  • $50,000 for a loan volume of up to $5 million
  • $60,000 for a loan volume of $5 million to $20 million
  • $75,000 for a loan volume over $20 million

The surety company assigns each applicant a premium rate based on the applicant�s personal credit score and financial condition. Applicants with good credit will pay between 1% and 3% of the required bond amount. Applicants with credit problems will likely pay a higher premium rate.

Get Bonded Today

Apply online today for a mortgage broker bond that will allow you to get or renew your Indiana mortgage broker license.

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