The Association of Independent Mortgage Experts is fighting to change public perceptions of the industry and boost members’ business
A new organization has launched to fight for independent mortgage experts, with the goal of doubling their business within three years.
Anthony Casa, Garden State Home Loans president, said he founded the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME) to provide “real tangible financial value” for brokers, loan originators and processors who work for companies that don’t underwrite their own loans.
“There will be no confusion about the association’s agenda, in terms of ‘is it pro-broker or pro-banker?’” said Casa, who also launched the Brokers Rallying Against Whole-Tail Lending (BRAWL) movement. “The purpose of AIME is to fight solely for independent mortgage professionals in as biased a way as possible…”
AIME will work to boost the wholesale channel beyond a 20% share of the mortgage market by 2020. Part of that strategy is consumer-focused. AIME plans to implement an aggressive campaign to rebrand mortgage brokers as “mortgage advisors” in the public eye. The campaign will target homebuyers, realtors, builders, financial advisors and real estate attorneys to advocate for independent mortgage experts.
AIME will also become a community platform, helping mortgage professionals share ideas, providing exclusive member benefits and lobbying for progressive legislative and social measures.
Several hundred supporters have already joined the organization.
Marc Summers, president of Advantage Mortgage and AIME, said he hopes to change public perceptions.
“People have had a misinterpretation of our profession for years, and the goal of AIME is to shift that into a more positive light,” he said. “Independent mortgage experts are more than transactional middle-men that push money from Point A to Point B; they are true specialists in the mortgage field within their respective local communities. Just like financial advisors are trusted resources for families’ finances and investments, independent mortgage experts are that go-to professional advisor for borrowers and real estate agents.”
AIME membership benefits will include:
- Recurring regional and state multi-day training sessions designed to help independent mortgage experts build their business through hands-on training and consultation
- Discounted lead generation through major industry partner companies
- Talent development opportunities for loan originators and processors who support AIME members
- A range of other discounted services, including Mortgage Educators and Compliance (MEC) training, and additional benefits are listed on the association’s website
AIME membership costs $79 annually. AIME Fuse 2018, the first official AIME event and national conference, is scheduled for Oct. 20 in Las Vegas at the Bellagio.
The association is actively seeking sponsors and vendors for the October event, as well as members interested in joining the inaugural AIME community.
For more information, visit www.AIMEGroup.com.
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BRAWL gaining ground in fight against ‘whole-tail’ lending
