Michael R. McFarland, CMB
Vice President-National Account Manager
Stewart Lender Services
Houston, Texas

About Michael:
I've spent 15 years in the mortgage banking industry on the origination side of the business. Most of my career has been focused in or around wholesale sales and production. Today I work for Stewart Lender Services as a regional account manager responsible for providing title solutions to the mortgage industry and agents for Stewart Title.

CMB Motivation and Challenges:
I have been a CMB since September 19, 2007. I was motivated to become a CMB after attending SOMB Course I in 1995 where I discovered how multifaceted our industry is. Since then I have been driven to learn more about how all the parts work to create a mortgage loan. Time was the challenge. Not only time spent in the business earning the points needed to sit for the exam but also the time spent this summer taking the prep course and studying to take the written and oral exams.

Career Impact:
To be determined... I feel I have achieved a higher degree of credibility by a demonstrated a commitment to our business.

Importance:
My company is a vendor providing ancillary services to the mortgage industry with an emphasis on title insurance. A CMB benefits my company because it shows our clients we understand all facets of our clients business to provide the best solutions possible.

What is the most significant issue facing the real estate finance industry today?
Wall Street's foray into the mortgage business and the subsequent demise of the subprime industry. It makes for strange bedfellows when the investor is also the interim lender.

What are the hottest trends you see that will impact the industry in the future?
The entire e-mortgage process will change the face of our industry. Perhaps one day we will close on a mortgage loan as quickly as we can a car loan.

How has your experience as a CMB prepared you to handle the issues and trends you listed above?
Having a CMB provides you with a broader working knowledge of our industry and ultimately what the impact of the issues and trends in our business will be. It has given me the vision to see into and beyond these issues and trends.

What advice do you have for those interested in obtaining the CMB Designation?
Set and achieve goals every year that progress you towards earning the points needed to sit for the exams.

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