Capital Area REALTORS® Federal Credit Union Need help? Book a call
Agent onboarding

Seven steps to mortgage revenue

Welcome to the Capital Area REALTORS® Federal Credit Union agent program. You can finish steps 1 and 2 today in one sitting. We'll email you as you finish each step, so you always know what's next.

Start with step 1 Download my checklist

Your seven steps

Check off items as you go. Your checkmarks are saved on this device.

  1. 1

    Create your NMLS account

    You are here
    Already have an NMLS ID? Reply to your welcome email with it, then continue with your MU4R in step 2.
    1Go to the NMLS login page›2Need an account?›3Agree to terms›4Individual
    • Screenshot the screen that shows your NMLS ID. It's also your username.
    • Copy the temporary password from your email exactly, with no extra spaces.
    • After you create your account, go back to the NMLS login page to sign in.
    You're done when we have your NMLS ID.
    NMLS step-by-step PDF (screenshots of each screen)
  2. 2

    File your MU4R in the NMLS website

    You are here
    • Only list other names you've actually used. Leave the amended-name fields blank unless you're changing your legal name.
    You're done when your MU4R is submitted and paid. Then book your fingerprints right away in step 3.
    NMLS step-by-step PDF (screenshots of each screen)
  3. 3

    Book and get your fingerprints taken

    You are here

    You paid NMLS for your fingerprints in step 2.

    • Fieldprint needs its own account. Your NMLS login won't work there.
    • Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your ID.
    • Changing or cancelling less than 24 hours before your appointment costs extra.

    NMLS sends your results to the credit union. You don't need to send us anything.

    ⚠Paying in NMLS doesn't book your appointment. Book it as soon as you've paid.
    You're done when you've had your fingerprints taken at the location you chose.
  4. 4

    Complete your background check

    You are here
    You're done when your background check is submitted.
  5. 5

    Sign your agreement and I-9

    You are here
    You're done when both are signed.
  6. 6

    Welcome! Log in to our platforms

    You are here
    You're done when you can sign in to both.
  7. 7

    Take the training class, then send loans

    You are here
    You're done when you've taken the class. Then you're ready to send loans.

After step 7

You're ready to take loan applications. We'll also send your payroll setup and the credit union's compliance training, which you can complete after you start.

Common questions

Before you start

How long does onboarding take?

As quickly as 4 days. The biggest factor is how soon you can get a fingerprint appointment, so book it as soon as you pay.

What do I need before I start?
  • Social Security number and date of birth
  • Your current home address
  • An email you check daily (NMLS sends your username and password there)
  • Every name you've used since age 18
  • Financial services jobs from the past 10 years, with dates and addresses
What does it cost me?

The NMLS fees: $65 for registration plus $36.25 for the background check, $101.25 in total. You pay them in NMLS by card or bank account; cards add a 2.5% service fee. Program fees are waived for our first group of agents.

Will I be an employee of the credit union?

Yes. You'll be a W-2 employee of the credit union. Your employment agreement covers the details, and payroll setup comes after step 7.

Can I keep working as a real estate agent?

Yes. In most states you can be both the agent and the loan officer for your buyer, with a disclosure you'll sign. Utah doesn't allow it. We'll confirm the rules for your state before your first deal.

NMLS registration and fingerprints (steps 1–3)

I already have an NMLS ID. Where do I start?

Reply to your welcome email with your NMLS ID, then continue with your MU4R in step 2.

I had fingerprints taken in the last few years. Do I need new ones?

Maybe not. If NMLS has your prints on file, choose Use Existing Prints in the MU4R instead of Submit New Prints.

How do I avoid getting stuck in NMLS?

Click Save, then Next. Next on its own doesn't save the page. Red messages on sections you haven't filled in yet are normal. The credit union's NMLS ID is 811806.

Do I wait for the credit union before booking fingerprints?

No. Book your appointment right after you pay. The credit union reviews your filing once your prints are taken.

After registration (steps 4–7)

Do I need to do anything while the credit union reviews me?

Yes, one thing: complete the Simpliverified email in step 4 as soon as it arrives. For everything else, we email you as each step clears.

What if something comes up in my background check?

We'll talk it through with you. Reply to any onboarding email if you'd like to raise something ahead of time.

What do I need for my I-9?

Standard ID documents, for example a passport, or a driver's license plus a Social Security card. You complete Section 1 in VerifyToday: watch for an email from VerifyToday, and check your spam folder.

Can I take loan applications before I finish?

No. You can take applications once you've finished step 7.

Do I need compliance training before I start?

No. The credit union's compliance training comes after step 7, and you can start taking loan applications before you finish it.

What happens after the training class?

You can start taking loan applications. We also send your payroll setup and the compliance training.