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Don Romano, President Shelter Rock Mortgage Corporation, has worked in real estate finance for over 20 years. During that time he has personally helped over 4,000 people realize the goal of owning their own home and has attained the highest level of certification in the industry, the Certified Mortgage Consultant (CMC). In addition to this, he dedicates a portion of his time to the improvement of the industry. He has been an active member of the New York Association of Mortgage Brokers (NYAMB) since 1986, accepting the position of President in 1996 and again in 2005. When the NYAMB affiliated with the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) in 1990, he also became active on the national level, serving on their Board of Directors for several years as well as on their Executive Committee in 1997. In 2001 he became one of the original members of The UpFront Mortgage Brokers Association (UMBA) and currently serves as their Vice-President. Don Romano has always felt that the Mortgage Broker has a unique position in the real estate transaction, and as such, needs to maintain the highest standards possible. This is why he has been a strong supporter of an educational requirement for Mortgage Brokers. Since 1987 he has been working on drafting and developing support for a State law making ongoing education mandatory for any one who works with a consumer in arranging financing. On December 6, 2006 the then governor of New York, George Pataki signed into law a bill requiring this. Don Romano is proud of his role in making this happen. As an approved Real Estate Instructor, he sees first hand the limited knowledge of the real estate community in New York State. He hopes to make the Mortgage Broker the person to whom the consumer turns to to get the information and advice that's needed to make an intelligent decision. Representing the buyer, in what is probably the most expensive purchase in his life, carries a large responsibility. The Mortgage Broker needs to have the negotiating skills to first assist the buyer in acquiring the house and then to arrange for the right financing package. In arranging for a refinance, the Mortgage Broker needs to take the time to address the issue of how this new mortgage fits into the financial condition of the borrower. He now needs to think not only as a mortgage broker, but also as a financial planner. By looking past the mortgage issue and into the overall financial profile, he can then recommend the right size, term and type of mortgage for his client. "If a broker doesn't bring knowledge and integrity to the transaction, he has no reason to be there." - Don Romano
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