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We all have those moments where we pause and think…
“Wait… can I actually do that?”
Instead of guessing - or worse, assuming - this is your opportunity to get real answers.

In this session, you’ll:

1. Get clarity on real-world compliance gray areas
2. Learn how to approach tricky scenarios with confidence
3. Understand how regulators may view common “everyday” situations
4. Strengthen your decision-making before issues arise
5. Walk away with practical takeaways you can implement immediately

This isn’t a lecture - it’s a conversation. A chance to learn from real examples, ask real questions, and gain real clarity.

Compliance doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or intimidating. With the right guidance, even the stickiest situations can be handled with confidence.

We get it - this is new and fresh, and you’re wondering - is it too soon to ask your new referral partner to chip in for their meal? Should we go stag or do I look cheap for bringing a “buy 1, get 1” coupon to this dinner?

Even the best first dates can go sideways with one awkward misstep and in mortgage lending, RESPA Section 8 is where that happens fast. A well-intentioned referral or payment decision can quickly turn into a serious compliance problem.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand the purpose and scope of RESPA Section 8
• Identify what qualifies as an illegal kickback or unearned fee
• Recognize high-risk fee scenarios that trigger regulatory scrutiny
• Strengthen your understanding of what’s fees can be shared with your marketing partner

Whether you’re working through lender fees, third-party services, or navigating the fine line between permissible and prohibited payments, this session will give you the clarity you need to stay compliant and confident.

From misunderstood comp agreements and surprise clawbacks to regulatory audits and red flags in new LO contracts, LaDonna and Jeana cut through the noise with straight talk, real-world examples, and actionable steps you can take today to protect your income and stay compliant.

In this session, you'll learn:

• The #1 reason LOs lose money when changing companies — and how to protect yourself before you leave
• When clawbacks are actually legal under TRID, Dodd-Frank, and Reg Z — and when they're not
• How to spot vague or unenforceable language in your comp plan before it comes back to hurt you
• Why comp plans don't have to be complicated — and how simplicity protects everyone
• What regulators look for in an LO comp audit and how to make sure your documentation holds up
• Red flags every new or transitioning LO should watch for before signing anything

Whether you're a loan officer, broker, branch manager, or lender, this conversation gives you the clarity to advocate for yourself, structure fairer agreements, and stay ahead of the compliance curve in a shifting regulatory environment.

MaxClass is proud to introduce our new, live 20-Hour Federal Pre-Licensing Webinar, designed to do more than simply prepare students to pass the NMLS SAFE Exam. This course is built to set future Mortgage Loan Originators up for real-world success from day one.

At MaxClass, we believe pre-licensing education should empower, not overwhelm. That philosophy is reflected in this interactive, instructor-led experience that blends foundational knowledge, regulatory clarity, and practical application.

A Strong Foundation For A Strong Career

The course begins with a comprehensive overview of the mortgage industry, including regulatory authority and essential industry terminology. Students gain a clear understanding of not just what the rules are, but why they matter.

From there, the curriculum dives into critical federal laws and regulations, including:

• Truth in Lending Act (TILA)
• Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
• TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (TRID)
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
• Other key federal laws and guidelines

This structured approach ensures students are equipped to operate confidently and compliantly in a highly regulated environment.

Practical Knowledge That Goes Beyond Compliance

Passing the exam is essential — but building a lasting career requires more.

Students will gain practical insight into mortgage loan products and programs, the loan inquiry and application process, and the full lifecycle of a loan through qualification, processing, underwriting, and closing. The course also covers the financial calculations every successful MLO must master.

Equally important, we emphasize fair lending practices, ethical decision-making, and fraud prevention — because professionalism and integrity are what truly set industry leaders apart.

Course Details

Live Webinar
Live Webinars are virtual classes taught by a live instructor at a specific date and time. Students must be available to attend at the scheduled times.

March 26–28, 2026

Day 1
Instructor: Jeana Lanktree
Start Time: 11:30 AM EST / 9:30 AM MST / 8:30 AM PST
Approximate End Time: 6:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM MST / 3:30 PM PST

Day 2
Instructor: Alex Berberian
Start Time: 11:30 AM EST / 9:30 AM MST / 8:30 AM PST
Approximate End Time: 6:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM MST / 3:30 PM PST

Day 3
Instructor: Jeana Lanktree
Start Time: 11:30 AM EST / 9:30 AM MST / 8:30 AM PST
Approximate End Time: 5:30 PM EST / 3:30 PM MST / 2:30 PM PST

Exclusive Bonus: Free Maxster Test Prep

As a special addition for this webinar only, registration includes complimentary access to MaxClass’s brand-new Maxster Test Prep.

Maxster includes:

• 5 full-length practice tests
• 1,000+ practice questions
• Detailed study guides and workbooks
• Interactive tools and flashcards
• Scenario-based questions for real-world application

Special pricing and free Maxster Test Prep offer apply to this webinar only. No coupon codes allowed.

Whether you are entering the mortgage industry for the first time or intentionally building a long-term career path, this course is designed to help you begin with clarity, confidence, and integrity.

Learn more and enroll by clicking here.

If passing your NMLS SAFE exam is on your to-do list (or looming very close), this is the update you’ve been waiting for.

For a very limited time, MaxClass is offering an exclusive $110 discount on our Maxster MLO Test Prep—and yes, it really is like putting money in the bank for your actual NMLS licensing exam.

This isn’t just test prep. It’s a confidence-builder, a strategy guide, and a reality check—all rolled into one powerful study experience designed specifically for Mortgage Loan Originators.

Built to Help You Pass with Confidence

The MaxClass MLO Test Prep Package is an all-in-one study solution created to help you master the material, understand how questions are actually asked, and walk into exam day feeling prepared—not panicked.

Inside the program, you’ll find:

Five full-length practice tests that simulate the real exam experience and help you track your readiness along the way.
Detailed workbooks and study guides that break down essential concepts in a way that actually makes sense.
Interactive learning tools and engaging exercises designed to reinforce what you’ve learned.
Flashcards for quick reviews—perfect for squeezing in study time whenever you can.
Scenario-based questions that connect test concepts to real-world lending situations.
And over 1,000 practice questions to sharpen your skills and pinpoint exactly where you need more focus.

Whether you’re preparing for your first attempt or brushing up after time away from the material, this test prep was built to meet you where you are—and move you forward with clarity and confidence.

Study Smarter. Pass Stronger.

At MaxClass, we believe education should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Our MLO Test Prep is designed to give you more than just answers—it gives you insight, structure, and the confidence to perform when it counts.

Loan Officer life is closer than you think.

Take advantage of this limited-time $110 discount, get confident, and take your studying to the MAX. 💜

Missed the CE Deadline?

Missing a continuing education (CE) deadline can be a stressful experience for Mortgage Loan Originators. With busy schedules, fluctuating markets, and year-end demands, it’s more common than many MLOs like to admit. The good news is that missing the deadline does not automatically mean the end of your license or your ability to work. There is a clear, approved path forward: Late CE.

Late CE courses are specifically designed for MLOs who did not complete their required continuing education hours before the annual deadline. These courses allow you to satisfy outstanding requirements and move back toward compliance in a way that is recognized by state regulators and the NMLS.

MaxClass offers NMLS-approved Late CE courses built to help MLOs get back on track quickly and confidently. You can explore available options at https://www.maxclass.com/education/late-ce.

What Happens If You Miss the CE Deadline?

Continuing education is a mandatory requirement for licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. When the deadline passes without completion, your license status may change to inactive or expired, depending on your state. This can prevent you from legally originating loans until the required education is completed and reported.

While this situation can feel overwhelming, it is important to understand that it is fixable. Regulators anticipate that some licensees will miss the deadline and have created Late CE requirements specifically for that reason. Acting promptly is key, as delays can lead to additional fees or extended downtime.

What Is Late CE and How Does It Work?

Late CE refers to continuing education taken after the official deadline has passed. These courses cover the same core content required for standard CE, but they are categorized and tracked differently to reflect late completion.

Late CE courses must be NMLS-approved and properly reported in order to count toward reinstating your license. Once completed, your credits are submitted to the NMLS, allowing your licensing status to move forward.

MaxClass Late CE courses are structured to meet these requirements while offering a more engaging and efficient learning experience than traditional CE programs.

Why Choose MaxClass for Late CE?

When you are already behind, the last thing you want is a slow or frustrating course experience. MaxClass approaches Late CE with the understanding that MLOs need clarity, efficiency, and quality.

MaxClass courses are designed to be engaging, modern, and easy to follow, helping learners stay focused and retain key information. Rather than simply reading slides, students experience dynamic content that respects their time while still delivering meaningful education. All Late CE offerings are NMLS-approved and built to support accurate reporting and compliance.

For MLOs who value both professionalism and a better learning experience, MaxClass offers a practical and reliable solution.

How to Get Back on Track Quickly

If you’ve missed your CE deadline, the first step is to confirm your state’s specific Late CE requirements. These can vary, so understanding what applies to your license is essential. From there, enrolling in an NMLS-approved Late CE course allows you to begin making up the required hours immediately.

Completing your coursework online provides flexibility, allowing you to learn on your schedule without disrupting your business or personal commitments. Once finished, your credits are reported so you can move forward with restoring or maintaining your license.

Turning a Missed Deadline Into a Learning Opportunity

While missing a CE deadline is never ideal, it can serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of proactive license management. Many MLOs find that taking a more engaging, well-designed course helps them reconnect with the purpose of continuing education rather than viewing it as a yearly chore.

Late CE is not about punishment; it’s about compliance, growth, and getting you back to doing what you do best.

If you’ve missed your deadline, now is the time to act. Learn more about MaxClass Late CE courses and start your path back to compliance today at https://www.maxclass.com/education/late-ce.

How MLOs Can Renew Their License Without the Stress

If you’re a Mortgage Loan Originator, you already know your license is the heartbeat of your career. Each year, renewing through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) keeps you compliant and able to originate loans. But if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the steps, the deadlines, or the alphabet soup of CE requirements, you’re not alone. Here’s a straightforward look at how the process works—and how to stay ahead of it.

Renewal Season: When the Clock Starts Ticking

Every fall, the NMLS opens its renewal window on November 1. That’s your green light to start the process. You have until December 31 to wrap everything up on time. Miss that window, and you’ll slide into the “reinstatement period,” which runs through the end of February. You can still renew then, but it comes with extra fees and more stress. Wait past that, and your license expires—which means you’re sitting out of the game until you reapply.

The best strategy? Don’t wait. Think of November as your kickoff month and December as your backup plan.

Step One: Knock Out Your CE

Before you can even think about clicking “renew” in your NMLS account, your continuing education has to be complete and reported. For most MLOs, that means eight hours of CE each year: federal law, ethics, non-traditional lending, and an elective. Some states layer on additional hours, so it’s worth double-checking your state’s rules before you sign up.

At MaxClass, we’ve made this easier with our 7-hour federal core plus a 1-hour elective. That way, if your state requires a specific elective, you can mix and match to get exactly what you need without taking extra time you don’t have. Find your required courses here →

Not sure if you've already completed your CE requirements? Learn how to check your NMLS record.

Step Two: Renew Through NMLS

Once your CE credits are reported, the real “renewal” part begins. You’ll log in to your NMLS account, choose which licenses you’re renewing, and pay the required fees. If you work for a company, they may also need to sign off on your renewal request. If you’re independent, you’ll handle the whole process yourself.

This part is usually pretty quick—assuming your CE is squared away and you don’t run into any last-minute surprises.

Step Three: Watch for Approval

Submitting your renewal isn’t the finish line. Your state regulator still has to review and approve it. Keep an eye on your NMLS dashboard for updates or outstanding requirements. Once your license shows as “approved,” you’re officially cleared to keep originating into the new year.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

It happens. If December 31 passes you by, you can still renew during January and February. It’ll cost you more in fees, but you won’t lose your license right away. The real trouble starts if you miss February 29—at that point, your license expires, and you’ll need to reapply to get back in the business.

The Bottom Line

Renewing your MLO license doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does take planning. The key is to finish your CE early, log into NMLS as soon as the window opens on November 1, and give yourself plenty of cushion in case something unexpected pops up. Procrastination is the number one reason MLOs run into trouble with renewal, and it’s totally avoidable.

At MaxClass, we’re here to make the CE side of things simple, engaging, and actually useful. Once that’s out of the way, the rest of the process is a breeze.

FAQs About MLO License Renewal

When does NMLS license renewal open?
The renewal window opens every year on November 1 and closes on December 31.

What is the reinstatement period?
If you miss the December 31 deadline, you can still renew between January 1 and February 29, but you’ll pay extra fees.

How many hours of CE do I need to renew my license?
Most MLOs need 8 hours of CE: 3 hours federal law, 2 hours ethics, 2 hours non-traditional mortgage lending, and 1 elective. Some states require additional hours.

Do I need to take state-specific CE?
Yes, if your state requires it. You’ll take the 7-hour federal core plus the 1-hour (or more) state elective(s). Find out what your state requires here →

Can I renew my license before completing CE?
No. Your CE must be completed and reported to NMLS before your renewal request can be approved.

What happens if I don’t renew at all?
Your license will expire after February 29, and you’ll need to reapply with your state regulator before you can originate loans again.

The 8-Hour Federal CE Requirement

Every MLO must complete at least 8 hours of NMLS-approved continuing education (CE) each year. This breaks down into:

• 3 hours of federal law
• 2 hours of ethics (fraud, consumer protection, fair lending)
• 2 hours of non-traditional mortgage lending
• 1 hour elective

Here’s the key: you only need to take this federal requirement once, no matter how many states you’re licensed in.

State-Specific Requirements

Some states go further, requiring additional state-specific electives each year. These hours are focused on local laws and regulations. For example:

• Texas requires 3 hours of state law.
• California DFPI requires 2 hours of state law.
• New York requires 3 hours of state law.

If you’re licensed in multiple states, you’ll need to complete the elective requirements for each of those states.

👉 You can check the full breakdown of state-by-state CE requirements on our State CE Requirements page.

The MaxClass Advantage: Mix & Match

At MaxClass, we make this easy with our 7-hour CORE federal course. That means you can:

1. Take the 7-hour CORE, covering all the federal requirements.
2. Choose your 1-hour elective based on your state’s requirement.

Licensed in multiple states? No problem. You can pair the 7-hour CORE with the appropriate electives for each state, creating the perfect mix-and-match solution without duplicating hours.

Example: Licensed in CA + TX + FL

• 7-hour CORE (federal coverage)
• 2-hour CA state law elective
• 3-hour TX state law elective
• Florida requires no state elective

Total: 12 hours of CE to stay compliant in all three states.

Bottom Line

If you’re licensed in multiple states, you don’t need to retake your federal CE over and over. Instead, complete the 7-hour CORE once and then add on the right electives for each state where you’re licensed. MaxClass makes it easy with bundles and flexible course options so you can stay compliant everywhere without the headache.

👉 Ready to knock out your CE? Explore your state’s requirements here and build your course plan today.

Choosing the best course format can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At MaxClass, we offer three engaging options to fit every learning style: online self-study courses, live webinars, and in-person classroom sessions. There’s no wrong choice—just the right one for you.

What’s the difference between online self-study, live webinar, and live classroom courses?

• Online Self-Study: Learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace. Perfect if you want maximum flexibility and prefer studying solo.
• Live Webinar: Join a real-time class led by an instructor, but log in from the comfort of home. Great for learners who want interaction without travel.
• Live Classroom: Attend an in-person course with peers and an instructor. Ideal if you thrive in a structured, high-energy environment.

How do I know if online self-study is right for me?

Choose online self-study if you:

• Like to learn on your own schedule.
• Prefer flexibility—study in the morning, at night, or on weekends.
• Want to move quickly through material (or take your time to review).

It’s the most convenient way to complete your NMLS CE when life gets busy.

Who should choose a live webinar?

A live webinar is perfect if you:

• Want to ask questions in real time.
• Learn better with an instructor guiding the session.
• Enjoy the accountability of scheduled class times, but don’t want to leave your couch.

Think of it as the best of both worlds—interactive like a classroom, but as cozy as online learning.

Why would I attend a live classroom course?

Pick a live classroom if you:

• Love the energy of a group learning environment.
• Want to network with other mortgage professionals.
• Learn best in person with fewer distractions.

For many, the face-to-face format makes CE feel less like a requirement and more like a motivating, shared experience.

Which course format is easiest to complete?

That depends on your learning style. Self-study gives you full control, webinars provide live interaction with flexibility, and classroom sessions offer structure and networking. Every format meets the same NMLS requirements—so you’ll get credit no matter which you choose.

How do I decide which format is best for me?

Ask yourself these quick questions:

1. Do I need flexibility? → Online Self-Study.
2. Do I want live interaction without travel? → Live Webinar.
3. Do I learn best with peers and in-person energy? → Live Classroom.

Bottom Line

There’s no wrong answer. Every option gives you the engaging, 5-star MaxClass experience—just delivered in the way that works best for you. Whether you’re a night owl, a social learner, or someone who thrives on structure, we’ve got a course format that will help you succeed.

After serving the longest presidency in the Mortgage Bankers Association of New Jersey’s history, Matthew VanFossen reflects on his achievements, including increased engagement and revitalized events. Host LaDonna Lockard and VanFossen emphasize the importance of young professionals entering the mortgage industry to ensure continued growth. VanFossen highlights standout sessions from the recent conference, praising emerging leaders and regional collaboration as keys to the association's success.