Yup...still waiting for my license...aaarrrgghhh...seems to be about two more weeks and they'll be processing my application. Man, I'm so excited.

Anyhow, is working as a Mortgage Loan Officer and a licensed RE Agent in California possible? I don't seem to see any regulation preventing this. One thing I know I absolutely won't be able to do is accept kickbacks for referrals of loans per RESPA as federal law (which I won't be). So is working as a loan officer and a licensed real estate agent possible in California?

Yes if the broker allows it, or if you have your own broker license. Not all brokers allow both activities.

Most people will tell you that you will accomplish more if you pick one field over the other. But a few exceptional people have managed to be successful while working in both fields simultaneously.

As an LO:
Know 3 good A Lenders
Know 3 good Subprime Lenders

As an Real Estate Agent:
Become a REALTOR
Know your Neighborhood or pick a Neighborhood of 300 homes and know that very well.

Know your Markets. Know your Rates. Know how to qualify a client just by talking to them. Save you time and money.

Good luck!

Jerry W is correct. Sometimes being an LO and an agent is viewed as "a conflict of interest." Some brokers allow it, some don't. Since in California, once a person obtains a real estate license they are able to originate loans as well, many contemplate doing both. I have learned that originating is not as easy as many think due to the many loan programs, guidelines, people/companies involved in a loan closing. There are so many complexities involved in a loan transaction, that it is difficult to handle both sides of the process without sacrificing efficiency in the other. I would imagine that once a person has an excellent grasp and significant experience doing one of the two ONLY, it would be wise at that point to consider doing both if desired.

A friend of mine who had a nice career in the mortgage business was a part time real estate agent. When she went full time in real estate, she gave up being a Mortgage LO. She felt that between the scheduling demands as a real estate agent and keeping up with the paperwork and miriad of loan programs as a mortgage professional that she couldn't do both well. So far looks like she made the right decision (for her anyway). Good luck whatever you do.
Ron

I do both i like it, but i rather do R.E. loans are a pain