Can Realtors Be Loan Officers at The Same Time?

---

Can Realtors Be Loan Officers? Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Many real estate agents ask the same question over and over: Can realtors be loan officers? The short answer is yes, but the rules, guidelines, and lender policies can be confusing. Some mortgage companies allow it, while others require agents to put their real estate licenses in “hibernation.” It looks like in 2025, there will be more chances for real estate agents to step into loan officer roles and make money from both ends of the deal.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about being both a Realtor and a loan officer, including the benefits and risks, and how Gustan Cho Associates helps agents succeed without overlays.

Can Realtors Be Loan Officers in 2025?

Yes, realtors can also be licensed loan officers. To do this, you need to:

• Have an active real estate license in your state.
• Get your NMLS mortgage loan originator (MLO) license.
• Work with a mortgage company or broker that allows dual licensing.

Not all lenders permit this. Many banks and mortgage companies don’t want their loan officers also working as real estate agents because of conflict of interest concerns. However, with no lender overlays, brokers like Gustan Cho Associates allow dually licensed professionals to serve borrowers on both sides of the transaction.

Why Do Some Lenders Say No to Realtors Being Loan Officers?

One of the most confusing aspects of the question “Can realtors be loan officers” is that the answer depends on the lender.

Here’s why:

• Compliance and conflict of interest: Some lenders believe being both could create a conflict, especially on FHA loans.
• Investor requirements: Secondary market investors (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.) sometimes limit when a dually licensed agent can handle the same transaction.
• Company policy: Some mortgage companies require real estate agents to “park” their license inactive if they want to originate loans.

At Gustan Cho Associates, the rules are different. We allow realtors to keep both licenses active while following regulations.

FHA Guidelines Update: What Changed in 2023 and 2025

For years, dually licensed realtors and loan officers could not originate FHA loans for their real estate clients. But in February 2023, guidelines changed, allowing more flexibility.

Here’s the current rule for 2025:

• Realtors who are also loan officers cannot represent the same buyer on an FHA loan.
• They can originate their real estate clients’ VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo, Non-QM, and portfolio loans.
• They can originate FHA loans for clients they are not representing as their Realtor.

This is a huge step forward for real estate professionals who want to expand their careers and income potential.

Can Realtors Get Paid on Both Sides of the Transaction?

Yes! A dually licensed Realtor/Loan Officer can legally earn income from commissions and loan origination fees—if their mortgage company allows.

At Gustan Cho Associates, we offer a Preferred Realtor Partner Network Program to assist realtors in becoming loan officers. This program allows agents to select their preferred level of involvement.

They can either take on the role of the loan officer of record, managing the mortgage process from start to finish, or serve as a loan officer assistant, supporting the mortgage process while primarily concentrating on real estate sales.

This flexibility allows agents to maximize income while maintaining compliance.

Do Homebuyers Like Working With a Realtor Who Is Also a Loan Officer?

Most homebuyers prefer simplicity. They like dealing with one trusted professional who can help them find the right home and secure the right loan.

Benefits for homebuyers include:

• One point of contact instead of two.
• Faster communication.
• Stronger trust and confidence.
• Streamlined process from showing homes to closing loans.

This is why the question “can realtors be loan officers” isn’t just about legality—it’s also about convenience and client trust.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being Both a Realtor and a Loan Officer?

Pros:

• Earn money from both sides of the deal.
• Gain more control over transactions.
• Provide better service and convenience to clients.
• Build stronger long-term relationships.

Cons:

• Must carefully follow compliance and disclosure rules.
• Some lenders may not allow dual licensing.
• More work and responsibility.

Must balance two demanding careers.

What Regulations Should Realtors Who Want to Be Loan Officers Know?

Realtors who become loan officers must follow Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rules, RESPA guidelines, and state licensing laws.

Key rules:

• Realtors must disclose to clients if they are also acting as loan officers.
• Realtors cannot steer clients into loan products that benefit them financially but harm the client.
• Realtors cannot represent the same client on FHA loans if they are also the loan officer.

Transparency is key. Clients must always know both roles are being filled.

How Can Realtors Become Loan Officers at Gustan Cho Associates?

At Gustan Cho Associates, we make it easy for real estate agents to become licensed loan officers.

Here’s how it works:

1. Get your NMLS license. We’ll guide you through the process.
2. Work with our branch managers. Learn how to originate loans while selling real estate.
3. Choose your role. You can be a full loan officer or partner with an experienced loan officer while you focus on sales.
4. Receive exclusive leads. We provide leads seven days a week to help you close more transactions.

We’re licensed in 50 states, have over 280 wholesale lenders, and do not have overlays on FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. That means we can approve loans that many banks deny.

Can Realtors Use Their Commission as a Down Payment?

Yes, realtors can often use their earned commission as a down payment when buying their own home. However, if they are both the Realtor and the loan officer on their own purchase, the lender may require extra documentation.

It’s important to check with the lender for specifics, but at Gustan Cho Associates, we work with flexible investors who understand these scenarios.

What About Conflicts of Interest and Ethics?

The biggest challenge with being both a Realtor and a loan officer is managing conflicts of interest.

To stay compliant:

• Always disclose your dual role
• Provide alternative loan officer options if clients want them.
• Put client needs ahead of commission.

Handled correctly, dual licensing is legal and beneficial to both clients and professionals.

Why Gustan Cho Associates Supports Realtors Becoming Loan Officers

Unlike many lenders who block this path, Gustan Cho Associates encourages dual licensing because it gives homebuyers more options.

• We are a national mortgage broker with no overlays.
• We hire realtors with or without prior loan origination experience.
• We provide training, technology, and support.
• We allow agents to actively practice both professions.

Our mission is simple: help more borrowers qualify, even if they’ve been denied elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Can Realtors Be Loan Officers?

So, can realtors be loan officers? Absolutely. In 2025, with updated guidelines and supportive lenders like Gustan Cho Associates, it’s more possible than ever.

Realtors who take on both roles can grow their income, help clients from start to finish, and stand out in a competitive market. But it requires careful compliance, transparency, and the right mortgage partner.

If you’re ready to expand your career and become a Realtor and Loan Officer, Gustan Cho Associates is hiring nationwide.

Borrowers who need a five-star national mortgage company licensed in 50 states with no overlays and who are experts about realtors being loan officers, please contact us at 800-900-8569, text us for a faster response, or email us at alex@gustancho.com. The team at Gustan Cho Associates is available 7 days a week, on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions — Can Realtors Be Loan Officers?

Q: Can Realtors be Loan Officers at the Same Time?

A: Yes. Realtors can also be loan officers if they get their NMLS license and work with a lender that allows it. Not all companies say yes, but lenders like Gustan Cho Associates support dual licensing.

Q: Do I Need Two Licenses if I Want to be Both?

A: Yes. To answer the question of whether realtors can be loan officers, you must hold both a real estate license and an NMLS loan officer license. Each has its own rules and classes.

Q: Can Realtors be Loan Officers on the Same Deal with FHA Loans?

A: Not usually. FHA rules do not allow a realtor to act as the same client’s loan officer. However, they can still do VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo, or Non-QM loans for their real estate clients.

Q: Why do Some Lenders Say No When Asked Can Realtors be Loan Officers?

A: It depends on company policy. Some lenders worry about conflicts of interest, so they don’t allow it. Others, like Gustan Cho Associates, make it possible with clear rules.

Q: Can Realtors be Loan Officers and Get Paid Twice on a Home Purchase?

A: Yes, in many cases. A dually licensed professional can earn a commission as the realtor and a fee as the loan officer, as long as the lender permits it and the deal follows compliance rules.

Q: Is it Hard to Manage Both Jobs if Realtors are Also Loan Officers?

A: It can be busy, but many agents do it successfully. The key is time management, strong systems, and working with a company that supports both roles.

Q: Are There Benefits for Buyers if Their Realtor is Also a Loan Officer?

A: Yes. Buyers often like having one trusted person handle both the home search and the loan. This makes the process faster and easier, which is why many ask can realtors be loan officers.

8. What are the Risks if Realtors are Loan Officers Too?

A: The main risk is conflict of interest. A realtor who is also a loan officer must always put the client’s best interest first and be very clear about their dual role.

Q: Can Realtors be Loan Officers With No Past Mortgage Experience?

A: Yes. At Gustan Cho Associates, we help realtors get started even without prior loan officer experience. Training and support are available.

Q: How Can I Get Started if I Want to be Both a Realtor and a Loan Officer?

A: If you’re wondering if realtors can be loan officers and want to do both, the first step is to get your NMLS license. Then, partner with a company like Gustan Cho Associates that allows and supports dual licensing.

This article about “Can Realtors Be Loan Officers at the Same Time?” was updated on August 26th, 2025.