Back in 2011, amidst the housing crisis, a unique mortgage networking group called "Brokers and Bagels" sprouted in Clearwater, Florida. The members included independent mortgage brokers, mortgage wholesale lenders, and other mortgage professionals, all grappling to find their footing in the industry.

Rising from the Ashes: Learning the New Mortgage Landscape

The group's popularity soared as word got out that this was the place to learn the ins and outs of the new, stricter mortgage landscape. Mortgage brokers transformed into licensed independent loan originators, and an ironic twist due to stricter mortgage regulations leveled the playing field between retail lenders and licensed mortgage broker companies with a cap on compensation.

Helping Clients Overcome Life's Hurdles

With clients still in need of homes, mortgage professionals had to navigate a complex world of helping those with life-altering events, such as divorce or job loss, which often led to damaged credit and foreclosures or short sales. And the challenge didn't end there—many mortgage colleagues found themselves in similar situations while guiding others through the process.

Reminiscent of past support received from “Brokers and Bagels” to the mortgage broker community, it's time to make changes to Clients2Homeowners.com.

The initial creation of Clients2Homeowners.com was to help buyers overcome obstacles preventing homeownership. But now more than ever, MLO's are  experiencing major changes. Good mortgage products are coming out continuously but the battle to find available affordable homes, coupled with the highest interest rates in decades, is resulting in less use of these programs.

MLOs need to think outside of the box to make these mortgages work. So clients2homeowners.com is now pivoting to promote and share ideas that work for MLOs with these good mortgage products to help get real estate agents  and clients across the finish line. 

Embracing Change: The Site's Exciting Pivot

Clients2Homeowners.com is now shifting gears to be a resource center primarily for mortgage loan originators, offering mortgage "how-to" guides and introducing explanation of new loan products that loan originators can use to make it easier for realtors to assist clients looking to buy homes.

A Nostalgic Twist: "Brokers and Bagels" Reimagined

Paying homage to its roots, Clients2Homeowners.com is launching "Brokers and Bagels on Zoom," a monthly virtual meeting where the mortgage community can come together to share ideas and collaborate on getting clients into their dream homes.

MLO Collaboration is Welcome!

Collaboration was a key benefit learned from the original Brokers and Bagels. Networking with industry colleagues always leads to new, novel ideas! Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to transform your mortgage business and help clients achieve their dream of homeownership. Connect with the new Clients2Homeowners.com community today and be a part of the innovative mortgage collaboration that's changing the game. Click here to sign up for our monthly 'Brokers and Bagels on Zoom' meetings and start making a difference!

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Sincere thanks to Bryan Ehrlich, CEO and General Counsel of Innovative Mortgage Services, Inc., for starting "Brokers and Bagels" years ago. This group uplifted us and infused synergy much needed as we struggled through the housing crisis. "Brokers and Bagels on Zoom" hopes to carry on that synergy and enthusiasm again!