How to Become a Mortgage Broker in Washington State

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What Types of Broker Licenses Are Issued in Washington?

To originate and broker residential mortgage loans legally in the state of Washington, a company or individual must be licensed by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Being properly licensed allows a mortgage broker to originate and broker residential mortgages for residents of Washington and for properties located within the state. If you will be operating a mortgage brokerage company out of more than one location in Washington, each branch must have its own license.

What Does the Licensing Process Involve?

Submitting a license application is not the first step in the process. Before applying, you must first register the business with the Washington Secretary of State, unless you operate as a sole proprietor. You must also obtain a business license from the Washington Business Licenses Services office.

DFI regulates and supervises mortgage broker licenses, but license applications are submitted, processed, and issued through the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). However, certain documents may need to be mailed or e-mailed directly to DFI rather than uploaded into NMLS.

The NMLS website lists all of the items that must be submitted in order for an application to be considered complete, such as a business plan, management chart, and electronic surety bond. A separate application is required for the Designated Broker you will need to appoint. The specific requirements for licensing as a Designated Broker include passing Washington�s Designated Broker Test.

No processing will occur until all items have been submitted. Note that if all documents have not been submitted within five business days of the company�s license application submission, your application could get kicked from the system.

Why Is a Surety Bond Required?

Many state agencies that issue business licenses of one sort or another require a surety bond as a way of protecting consumers from a financial loss due to a licensee�s fraudulent business practices or unethical conduct. Such bonds are typically referred to as �license� or �license and permit� bonds. A Washington Mortgage Broker bond serves as the business owner’s guarantee to carry out its loan brokering and origination activities in accordance with all applicable state laws. Violating any of the terms of the bond can result in claims against the bond.

What Happens if a Claim is Filed?

Upon receipt of a claim against a Mortgage Broker�s bond, the surety company will first investigate to make sure that it is valid. Often, the surety company will go ahead and pay a valid claim on behalf of the mortgage broker and then collect reimbursement from the broker.

This ensures that claims are paid in a timely manner, but it does not mean that the surety company is permanently saddled with the financial burden of paying claims. The terms of a surety bond contract nearly always indemnify the surety company and make the bonded individual solely responsible for covering the cost of claims.

What Does a Mortgage Broker Bond Cost?

Mortgage Broker bond applicants pay a percentage of the required bond amount as the annual premium for the bond. The required bond amount is established by DFI as $20,000 for a new company with no prior sales history. After the first year, the required bond amount is determined based on the previous year�s loan volume�$40,000 for a loan volume between $20 million and $40 million, and $60,000 for a loan volume over $40 million.

The bond premium rate you will pay, however, is typically 1% to 3% of the total bond amount for applicants with good credit. Those with poor credit may pay a higher premium rate.

Get The Bond You Need

When you�re ready to apply for a Washington Mortgage Broker license, we�re here to help you get the surety bond you�ll need. Apply online today!

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