A Georgia mortgage lender bond is a surety bond that provides the obligee with a guarantee that the licensed lender will adhere to the licensing regulations. If the mortgage lender breaks a rule or commits a fraudulent or illegal act, the harmed party can make a claim against the bond. The surety company will pay out valid claims up to the bond amount. However, the principal (the licensed lender) is accountable for reimbursing the surety company for the claim amount plus any legal costs or fees incurred.
The obligee is the entity that requires an individual or business to get a surety bond. In this case, the obligee is a government entity: the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. You can reach them here.
Department of Banking and Finance
2990 Brandywine Road, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30341-5565
Phone: (770) 986-1633
Toll-Free: (888) 986-1633
Email: dbfmort@dbf.state.ga.us
Anyone who plans to operate as a mortgage lender must get a surety bond. The state of Georgia defines a mortgage lender as “any person who directly or indirectly makes, originates, underwrites, or purchases mortgage loans or who services mortgage loans.” O.C.G.A. § 7-1-1000(20).
The purpose of a mortgage lender bond is to protect the public and the government from harmful acts committed by a licensed mortgage lender. The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance requires lenders to get a surety bond before they approve their license. As such, you cannot operate as a licensed mortgage lender without first getting your bond.
The cost of a mortgage lender bond in Georgia depends on your credit. Once the surety company analyzes your credit (using a soft credit check), they will assign you a premium rate. Multiply that rate by the bond amount and you’ve got your premium. Premiums are due upfront as a single payment before your bond is issued.
The premium rate for this bond starts at 0.75%, although it can reach higher depending on your credit. If your credit score is nonstandard, we may ask for personal and business financials to find you a quote. Due to the nature of this industry, finding a surety company to quote individuals with nonstandard credit can be a challenge, but we have several surety companies we will contact to try to find a quote. For those of you with excellent credit, we’ve seen this bond issued for as low as $1,875.
The mortgage lender bond for Georgia has a required minimum bond amount of $250,000. Like the Georgia mortgage broker bond, which you can read about here, this bond has no set expiration date. No matter the time of year you purchase the bond, it will be effective for a one-year term. You must renew your bond for every year you wish your license to remain active.
Applying for a surety bond with us is quick, easy, and free. Simply fill out the application on our website and you should hear back from us with your quote within 24 hours. If you have questions at any point, please reach out to our friendly agents at info@ezsuretybonds.com or 1-866-546-4605.
What’s the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage lender?
A mortgage lender is an individual or institution that makes or underwrites a loan directly to the applicant. A mortgage broker is an individual who finds a lender for you. The mortgage broker may work with multiple lenders to find you the best loan terms.
What is a mortgage loan originator?
As defined by the state of Georgia, a mortgage loan originator is “an individual who for compensation or gain or in the expectation of compensation or gain takes a residential mortgage loan application or offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan.” O.C.G.A. 7-1-1000(22).
I’ve purchased my bond, what are the next steps?
The mortgage lender bond is electronically filed with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). After you’ve purchased your bond, use our National Producer Number (NPN) #8251056 to associate yourself with the Warnock Agency in the NMLS. Once that’s done, we will file your bond electronically with the NMLS for you. Unlike most other bonds, since this bond is electronically filed, we will not mail you a copy of the bond.
What is the NMLS?
The NMLS is the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry, also referred to as the Nationwide Multi-State Licensing System & Registry. The NMLS is a multi-state database that manages the licensing of mortgage brokers, lenders, loan originators, and other mortgage officers.
You’ll know if you need a surety bond because some entity will have required you to obtain one. They must also inform you of which specific bond type you’ll need. There are thousands of bonds across the country, all of which vary by state and industry.
Visit EZSuretyBonds.com to browse hundreds of bonds by state, type, or industry.
