There is no denying there is a huge revolution going on with employment in the mortgage industry. To be honest, this craziness has been going on for a few years now, it’s just that the pendulum has swung back the other way. Though not enjoyable in its current state, we all know it’ll go back to talented ops folks having their pick of the litter when it comes to employment opportunities soon enough (positivity at its finest folks).

For those who are thinking of using their well-built skills in other industries, you should receive nothing but support and encouragement from your peers; you will undoubtedly be an asset to anyone who sees all the talent you have developed over your time in mortgage. To those who plan to stick the landing and keep rolling on this sometimes fun, other times exhausting, roller coaster ride, I have a small piece of advice for you. Stay up to date on news from within the industry. This may mean subscribing to news articles such as Rob Chrisman’s Daily Mortgage News and Commentary (which I highly recommend), or National Mortgage News, but for us operations folks (especially Processors and Underwriters) staying informed on guidelines is probably more important now than ever. Guidelines change more than the weather here in Maryland (if you currently live in, or ever have lived in, MD, you are picking up what I’m putting down there). Staying up to date is a great way to keep your skills sharp and to stay energized about working in this business.

Some may wonder how to do this if they are not currently working for a company and therefore do not have access to the standard tools, so I’ll tell ya. I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that my preferred guideline tool is AllRegs (I know, I know, I can hear the gasps and cries from the crowd now), but if you’re not currently with a company, or paying for this amazing all-in-one guideline service on your own, there are other ways to keep up to date on changes within the agencies. Sign up for guideline updates from the agency sites directly (i.e., FHA Mortgagee Letters, VA Circulars, etc.). Here are a few websites you can go to so you can be sure that you’re at least being given the information as it comes out (these are not the only methods to get signed up btw).

FNMA: https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/

FHLMC: https://www.freddiemac.com/

FHA: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh

VA: https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/resources_circulars_valeri.asp

USDA: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/directives/handbooks

The great part of signing up directly is that you can select which release notes you wish to review and may even learn more about other portions of this industry as a result.

Instead of reading your morning paper (virtually of course), open your email and take a peek at the changes rippling through the industry so you’ll never feel out of touch. That way, when that new amazing employment opportunity presents itself, you will be able to seize the day without the worry that you’ve been somehow left behind.