Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO Career Opportunity

Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO: Double Your Income, Double the Opportunity

Are you a real estate agent looking to boost your income, grow your career, and take full control of your deals? Becoming a dually licensed Realtor and MLO might be your smartest move this year.

At Gustan Cho Associates, powered by NEXA Mortgage, we offer select real estate agents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to become dually licensed and get paid on both sides of the transaction. If you’re already helping homebuyers find their dream home, why not help them finance it, too?

Table of contents "Click Here"

What Does It Mean To Be a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO?

A dually licensed realtor and MLO is basically a real estate agent who also has a mortgage loan originator license. This means you can represent the buyer in the home search and also secure their mortgage loan. You’re not just closing real estate deals—you’re closing home loans, too.

You stay compliant, earn more money, and give your clients a smoother, more personal homebuying experience.

Why More Real Estate Agents Are Becoming Dually Licensed

In today’s competitive market, buyers and sellers want simplicity and trust. Having the same person handle both sides of the transaction builds loyalty and speeds up the process. And the income potential? Huge.

Being a realtor and mortgage loan originator (MLO) at the same time is becoming a popular choice, and for good reasons.

First, it lets you earn extra cash without chasing down more clients. Second, you get more say in the mortgage process, making life easier for you and your clients. Having that extra skill also gives you an edge over the competition. And last but not the least, you end up relying less on outside lenders, which keeps the whole process smoother for everyone involved.

Being a dually licensed Realtor and MLO puts you in the driver’s seat for every transaction you touch.

Ready to Expand Your Career as a Loan Officer?

Apply Now And Get recommendations From Loan Experts

Get A Quote

Is This Legal? What About RESPA?

Great question. RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) has strict rules to prevent kickbacks. But when you’re licensed as both a Realtor and MLO and perform work in both roles, you can legally earn income on both sides.

NEXA Mortgage’s Realtor-MLO Partner Program is fully RESPA-compliant. You must:

Be licensed as an MLO in your state
Submit and complete the required loan documents yourself
Be disclosed as both agent and loan officer on the transaction

Real-Life Example: How Much Can You Make?

You can make extra money from your transactions if you are a dually licensed realtor and MLO. For example, if the average home sells for $348,000, and you earn a mortgage commission of 0.50 basis points (which equals $1,740), you can make quite a bit over time. If you close just one deal each month, you would earn an extra $20,880 in a year.

This shows how being both a realtor and a mortgage loan officer can help you increase your income. And that’s in addition to your real estate commission. Imagine doubling your income without doubling your workload.

Becoming a dually licensed Realtor and MLO lets you maximize each client you already have.

How to Become a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO

Here’s the step-by-step process to get started:

1. Get Your NMLS Number

The first step to become a licensed mortgage loan originator is to get your NMLS number. You can do this easily and at no cost on the NMLS Consumer Access website. After you register, you will receive a unique NMLS ID. This ID is essential in the mortgage industry because it helps you follow rules and regulations.

2. Take Your Pre-Licensing Education

Completing your pre-licensing education is super important. You’ll start with a 20-hour SAFE course that’s the same across the country, then jump into a shorter, state-specific course that usually takes about 2 to 8 hours. All of this adds up to around $300. A pretty reasonable investment in your career.

If you want to cut costs, consider OnCourse Learning. They frequently offer package deals that can ease the financial burden for this important training.

3. Pass the NMLS Exam

If you want to pass the NMLS Exam, which costs $75, be ready for a bit of a tough ride. But if you’re already a licensed Realtor, you’re probably ahead of the game since your real estate know-how can help you. With some dedication and prep work, future mortgage loan originators can tackle the exam’s challenges and boost their professional credentials.

4. Apply for Your State License

The application usually costs around $400, but this amount can vary based on your state’s requirements. Getting this license makes your practice official and helps you follow local rules and standards, setting you up for success. Before you start the process, check with your state’s licensing board for the most accurate information about fees and requirements.

Total estimated cost: $775. A one-time investment for a lifetime of dual income potential.

What Support Do You Get at Gustan Cho Associates?

When you join us, you’re not alone. You become part of a nationwide network of professionals already winning with this dual model. We provide:

Marketing and branding support
Licensing guidance
Mentorship from top-producing Realtor-MLOs
Custom tools and templates
A full back-end loan processing team

Since we’re powered by NEXA Mortgage, the largest mortgage brokerage in the U.S., you have access to over 200 wholesale lenders and all loan programs—FHA, VA, Conventional, Non-QM, and more.

What Makes the Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO Program at Gustan Cho Associates Unique?

Other companies might talk about it. We’ve perfected it. Here’s how we stand out:

Fast closings: You control both sides of the deal.
High payouts: Paid as both agent and loan officer.
Total support: You’re never left guessing.
No overlap conflict: Fully RESPA-compliant structure.

How to Market Yourself as a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO

Your clients want one person to guide them. When you are the Realtor and MLO, that person is YOU.

Here are some smart ways to promote yourself:

Social media posts about “one-stop home buying”
Email campaigns highlighting your dual expertise
Blog content on topics like “Tips for First-Time Homebuyers”
Offering pre-approval during home tours

You become the go-to resource for all things homebuying. Simple. Trustworthy. Efficient.

Start Earning More Today: Join Gustan Cho Associates

You already help buyers find homes. Now help them finance it too.

Becoming a dually licensed Realtor and MLO with Gustan Cho Associates is your chance to grow your income, streamline the process for your clients, and stand out in your market.

Apply now to take the next step. We’ll help you get licensed, trained, and ready to go. Let’s make 2025 your breakthrough year—by earning more and doing more with every client you already serve.

Take First Step Toward Making Your Dream A Reality

Apply Now And Get recommendations From Loan Experts

Get A Quote

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO:

Q: What is a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO?

A: A dually licensed Realtor and MLO helps clients buy homes and get mortgages. You act as both the real estate agent and the loan officer.

Q: Can I Get Paid as a Realtor and a Loan Officer on the Same Deal?

A: Yes, if you are a dually licensed Realtor and MLO, you can legally earn money from both sides of the deal, as long as you follow the rules and disclose everything.

Q: Is it Legal to be Both a Realtor and MLO?

A: Yes! It’s legal as long as you are licensed in both roles and follow RESPA laws. The program at Gustan Cho Associates is fully RESPA-compliant.

Q: How Much Does Becoming a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO Cost?

A: It costs around $775 total. That includes licensing courses, the NMLS test, and your state application fee.

Q: How Much Extra Money Can I Make as a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO?

A: If you close just one extra loan each month, you could earn around $20,880 more per year, on top of your real estate commissions.

Q: How Long Does it Take to Get My MLO License?

A: Most people complete the courses and pass the exam in a few weeks. The whole process depends on your schedule and your state’s timeline.

Q: What Kind of Help Will I Get from Gustan Cho Associates?

A: You’ll get full support, including training, mentorship, marketing tools, and loan processing help. You’re never on your own.

Q: Why Should I Become a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO?

A: You can boost your income, save your clients time, take control of your deals, and stand out from other agents in your market.

Q: How do I Market Myself as a Dually Licensed Realtor and MLO?

A: You can share content on social media, send emails, blog about your dual role, and give mortgage pre-approvals when showing homes. Clients really dig having everything they need in one spot.