What is the difference between a mortgage loan originator and a real estate agent?

A mortgage loan originator is an individual who, for compensation or gain, takes a residential mortgage loan application and offers or negotiates the loan's terms; under the SAFE Act, this person must hold a state MLO license or federal registration and a unique NMLS identifier. A real estate agent is licensed under state real estate law to help consumers buy and sell property. Federal law exempts licensed real estate brokerage activity from MLO licensing, unless the individual is also compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator for origination work.

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