Build-A-Broker™

Open & operate your brokerage with confidence.

It's time to be the boss.

Starting a business doesn't have to be daunting. Build-A-Broker™ is a half-day bootcamp designed to help you establish the solid foundation needed to launch your business, or streamline and strengthen your existing one.

Through this program, you'll learn how to start your own brokerage through the basics of setting up your business — from how to rent space, to what accounting programs are recommended — and will also cover topics including choosing your loan origination systems, LO compensation, how to pick a CRM system, and more.

Find a class near you

Next class:

May
07

California Mortgage Expo — Irvine

Irvine

CA

 | 
May 7, 2025
 — 
May 9, 2025
Attend this Build-A-Broker class by registering to attend the 
California Mortgage Expo — Irvine
. Your registration is free when you use our code OCNFREE.
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Virtual Event
Podcast

Build-A-Broker: The Journey

On the Build-A-Broker™ podcast, we meet with newly minted mortgage broker-owners to discuss their journey – from a dream of running their own business, to closing their first loan. You'll hear about their often unexpected origins, their trials and tribulations, and ultimately the rewards of their hard-earned success.

On the Build-A-Broker™ podcast, we meet with newly minted mortgage broker-owners to discuss their journey – from a dream of running their own business, to closing their first loan. You'll hear about their often unexpected origins, their trials and tribulations, and ultimately the rewards of their hard-earned success.

Build-A-Broker™ Near You

Attend Build-A-Broker™ at one of these upcoming events:

Build-A-Broker times, dates, and curriculum vary by show. Please check each event for up-to-date information.
All information copyright American Business Media.

Course Curriculum

Brokerage 101

Brokerage 101 focuses on the foundation for establishing your business, presented by experienced mentors. This course includes topics such as:

  • LO Compensation Basics
  • Choosing an accounting program and payroll provider
  • What is the right corporate form for you? (LLC vs. Corp.)
  • How to determine if your workers are employees or independent contractors.

Getting the Tech Advantage

We have a panel of technology providers to discuss innovative tech tools you can use to set your brokerage up for success, such as:

  • Marketing automation
  • Finding better LOS systems
  • Tracking & mobile tools to dramatically increase your brokerage's effectiveness

Establishing a Competitive Advantage

Few brokerages can fully grow without offering more than the standard-vanilla residential home mortgage. We bring in product experts to discuss an array of diverse products such as:

  • Non-QM loans, and the pros and cons
  • Reverse Mortgages
  • Fix & Flip mortgages
  • and more

Brokerage 102

Brokerage 102 focuses on the additional foundational issues for establishing your business, with topics such as:

  • Policy & Procedures that every company needs, including BSA/AML, Sexual Harassment, and more
  • Marketing & Compliance — under RESPA, TILA, Reg. N, the CFPB, getting leads, co-marketing with Realtors, and more.
  • Compliance training, auditing, and testing.
Please note, this curriculum is typical of most of our Build-A-Broker™ classes, but may vary by location. Please see the main event's agenda for details.