Mortgage brokers in New York require a specialized type of surety bond before they're granted a license or a license renewal. To put it simply, you can't be a mortgage broker in New York without a surety bond. This guide explains why.
When a mortgage broker violates New York laws applicable to the mortgage industry, the surety bond holds them financially accountable. Under the terms of the bond agreement, the bonded party (eg. the mortgage broker) must compensate anyone hurt by their misbehavior with an amount equal to the resulting damages.
When someone, whether an individual or a regulator, believes a mortgage broker violated applicable law, they may file a claim for damages against the surety bond. The surety agency that backs the bond will investigate the claim, then pay a settlement to anyone with a valid claim. At that point, the victim has been compensated. However, the process isn't over until the mortgage broker pays the surety agency back the full amount of the claim with interest and fees included.
Anyone who plans to work as a mortgage broker needs one, as does anyone currently working as a mortgage broker. Regulators in New York will not grant someone a mortgage broker's license until they provide proof they've met the New York mortgage broker bond requirements. Likewise, renewing a license requires proof of an active surety bond. For all intents and purposes, having a surety bond is a mandatory part of working as a mortgage broker.
This and all other types of surety bonds protect one party from the misdeeds of another. They also hold the party at fault accountable for their actions. In this way, surety bonds discourage illegal, unethical, or otherwise unwanted behaviors. Since mortgage lending can be a sensitive industry, most mortgage brokers, regardless of where they're located, need a surety bond.
There are three parties total:
Applying for a surety bond requires several documents: a completed surety bond application, a copy of the surety bond requirements, and potentially a financial statement. Applicants will also need to submit to a credit check and possibly supply additional documentation if the surety asks for it.
Surety bond costs (called premiums) a small percentage of the bond's total value. The exact cost varies depending on the applicant's credit score and financial history. Scores below 700 or a history of bankruptcy will result in higher premiums. However, bad credit doesn't make it impossible to obtain a bond - work with Viking Bond Service for help finding affordable surety bond options regardless of credit.
Don't just get a surety bond; get a surety bond partner you can turn to throughout your career as a mortgage broker. Viking Bond Service has all the resources you need. So many that we can deliver you a surety bond quote within 24 hours. Apply here at your convenience. You can also send your questions through the contact form on this page or call use at 1-888-278-7389.
Cyber liability coverage may be a necessary tool for modern times. Viking can get you covered.
Find out how to gain access to the SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee program.
Surety bond fraud can be costly for the parties involved. Find out more about the risks of fraudlents bonds and how to prevent them from happening to you.
Quotes are available for clients with low credit. In many cases, a bond is not out of reach simply due to bad credit.