Lately, I’ve noticed a huge increase in emails and marketing from mortgage companies encouraging real estate agents to also become licensed mortgage loan originators. The pitch is always the same: “Why not make money on both sides of the transaction?”
And maybe I’m old school, but I have to admit… something about it feels a little uncomfortable to me.
Now, before anyone gets defensive, I know there are agents out there doing both legally and ethically. This isn’t me accusing anyone of wrongdoing. I’m genuinely curious how consumers — and other agents — feel about it.
Because from my perspective, there’s something important about having separation between the person helping you buy the home and the person approving your financing.
When those roles start blending together, I wonder if the lines can get blurry.
For example, what happens when a buyer is struggling to qualify for a loan? If the same person stands to make money as both the Realtor and the lender, does that create extra pressure to “make the deal work” at all costs? Does it create situations where someone might overlook red flags, push a little harder than they should, or become less objective than they otherwise would be?
Again, I’m not saying that automatically happens. But I do think it’s fair to ask the question.
There’s also another side to this that I think consumers should consider: specialization.
Real estate is already a full-time profession. A good Realtor should be focused on pricing strategy, negotiations, inspections, contracts, timelines, marketing, communication, and protecting their client throughout the transaction.
Meanwhile, a good mortgage professional is focused on lending guidelines, underwriting, rates, loan products, debt ratios, compliance, and navigating financing hurdles.
Those are both incredibly detailed careers.
So when one person tries to do both, I can’t help but wonder if something gets diluted somewhere along the line.
Personally, I’ve always liked having strong lenders I can refer clients to — people who live and breathe financing every single day. I want someone whose entire focus is getting my client the best loan possible while I focus on getting them the best house and protecting their interests during negotiations.
That separation has always felt healthier to me.
Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe this is simply where the industry is headed. But I do think it raises some fair ethical questions worth discussing.
And honestly? I’d love to hear what other people think.
Would you feel comfortable having the same person represent you in the purchase AND originate your mortgage loan? Or would you rather keep those roles separate?
Because with the amount of recruiting emails agents are getting right now pushing this model, I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot more of it.
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David Dorman
Broker-Associate | CENTURY 21 Carioti
📞 407-948-8295
📧 david@daviddorman.com
🌐 DavidDorman.com