Almost anything can be made into a "smart" device, such as security cameras and sensors, TVs, garage door openers, door locks, wearable devices, pacemakers, and even cars. These devices are what we refer to as the "Internet of Things" (IoT), which holds the promise of adding a whole new level of convenience and connectedness to everyday life. Having that many new, connected computing devices, most of which record activity, presents new challenges for security and privacy. This course teaches employees the best practices for IoT devices both at home and at work.

Federal laws play an important role in addressing discriminatory practices in mortgage loan origination. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act establish personal characteristics that are protected by federal law and may not play a role in making a lending decision. This course will review these laws.

The continued health and growth of the mortgage market depends greatly on the ethical conduct of those engaging in mortgage loan transactions. Honesty, awareness, and compliance with the law are key to ensuring that the mortgage business is conducted according to a sufficient ethical standard. With regulators making consumer protection in the mortgage market a renewed priority, it is important to understand how ethical principles can be applied in the practice of loan origination.

This course will explore concepts related to ethical behavior in loan origination. Topics addressed include company compliance, consumer complaints, homebuyer education, and more.

Though federal and state measures in place do a great deal to deter unscrupulous conduct on the part of mortgage professionals and consumers alike, there may be some individuals who feel compelled to take advantage of access to the financial marketplace.

This course will briefly discuss the impact of unethical behavior by consumers and how it may be detected.

The appraisal of real estate used as collateral for a mortgage loan is one of the most critical components of the entire transaction, as the loan amount is directly tied to the value of the property. Appraisals are also the component of mortgage lending transactions with which unethical actions are most commonly associated.

This course will review the importance of ethical conduct in the appraisal process.

Ethical considerations are the basis for most federal lending laws. The importance of ethical lending practices cannot be understated.

This course will focus on an overview of the relationship between ethical business and federal mortgage laws, as well as a review of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.

Ethical considerations are the basis for most federal lending laws. The importance of ethical lending practices cannot be understated.

This course will focus on an overview of two federal laws that are important to ethical mortgage business: the Truth-in-Lending Act and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

The concept of financial responsibility as it relates to mortgage origination refers to both the individual loan originator's qualifications and his or her handling of loan transactions. Financial responsibility can also refer to the loan originator's compliance with regulations such as the ATR Rule and the Loan Originator Compensation Rule. Showing regard for the consumer's ability to afford a mortgage loan, and ensuring loan suitability, also demonstrate the loan originator's ability to make sound financial judgments.

This course will review the importance of financial responsibility as a mortgage professional.

Loan originators are in a strong position to detect the unethical behavior of borrowers, including attempts to complete fraudulent mortgage transactions. A mortgage professional can often detect and address issues of mortgage fraud with a thorough analysis of the loan file. There are many indicators a mortgage professional can use to become alert to the possibility of fraud.

This course will review a variety of indicators of fraud on everything from applications to income documentation and more.

Mortgage professionals are in a unique position when they engage in loan transactions with consumers. They have the opportunity to complete transactions for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and they have access to personal consumer information. Mortgage professionals in this position, however, may also be tempted to use this for nefarious means and engage in fraud. Conversely, these individuals are also able to detect attempts at fraud by consumers.

This course will review methods of how fraud may be attempted, detected, and penalized.