CHICAGO (October 12, 2026) The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), in partnership with FirstHome IQ, today at MBA's 2026 Annual Conference and Expo announced the launch of MBA Homebase, a centralized development and engagement platform designed to equip mortgage loan officers with the knowledge, skills, connections, and industry perspective they need to grow their businesses and careers.
Through four integrated pillars, education, coaching, community and advocacy, MBA Homebase provides a comprehensive pathway for loan officers to strengthen their performance, expand their professional influence and become more engaged in shaping the future of the mortgage industry.
Spearheaded by MBA's 2027 Chairman Owen Lee, CEO of Success Mortgage Partners, Inc., MBA Homebase will give loan officers across the country access to professional education, coaching, trust-building resources, market insights, and opportunities to engage in MBA's advocacy efforts. The initiative is open to loan officers at every lender and across every origination channel, regardless of whether their company is an MBA member.
"Loan officers play an essential role in helping Americans navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, yet they haven't historically had a dedicated membership within MBA to support their professional development and connect them more directly to the broader industry," said Lee. "MBA Homebase changes that offering loan officers the resources to become better advisors, build stronger relationships with borrowers and referral partners, and contribute their perspectives to the policies and decisions shaping our industry. By investing in loan officers, we're investing in better outcomes for the consumers and communities they serve."
MBA Homebase is built around four pillars:
- Knowledge: NMLS-approved continuing education through four vetted providers: Diehl Education, a KensieMae Company; Knowledge Coop; Lockedin Learning; and MLO Force.
- Purpose: Monthly coaching sessions and weekly communications with practical guidance to help loan officers develop their skills, grow their businesses and achieve their professional goals.
- Business: The Trust Certification by FirstHome IQ, a credential that equips loan officers with training to strengthen consumer confidence and demonstrate their commitment to serving borrowers responsibly.
- Influence: Opportunities to engage directly in MBA's advocacy efforts, along with market insights loan officers can share with clients and referral partners.
The partnership builds on a shared commitment to strengthening the homeownership journey by equipping mortgage professionals with the knowledge and tools to better serve consumers. FirstHome IQ, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on closing the homeownership education gap, provides homebuyer education and supports a network of more than 160 Ambassadors who educate consumers in their local markets.
The organizations have also worked together to expand loan officers' participation in housing policy discussions. At MBA's 2026 National Advocacy Conference, more than 60 mortgage professionals joined FirstHome IQ in visiting Capitol Hill, most for the first time.
"Homeownership education is most effective when consumers can connect what they learn with a trusted professional who can help them take the next step," said Kristin Messerli, Executive Director of FirstHome IQ. "MBA Homebase brings education, professional development and industry engagement together in one place, helping loan officers build the knowledge and trust they need to guide more Americans toward successful homeownership."
"Our loan officers are the face of our company to every borrower they meet," says Matthew VanFossen, CEO of Absolute Home Mortgage Corp. "MBA Homebase gives them a place to keep growing, with the education, coaching and industry connection that make them better advisors. That's why we're enrolling our team."
MBA Homebase also offers mortgage companies an opportunity to invest directly in their loan officers' professional growth, equipping their teams with resources to build consumer trust, strengthen referral relationships and better navigate a changing mortgage marketplace.
Loan officers and company leaders can join the MBA Homebase interest list at mba.org/homebaseIQ.
Join the Homebase interest list About the partnership
Media contact: kristin@firsthomeiq.com