MEET

A nationally recognized expert in real estate finance, Debra Killian brings over 45 years of experience in financial services, mortgage banking, and professional education. As founder of CLOES.online and a NAR-approved instructor, she empowers real estate and mortgage professionals nationwide. Mortgage and Finance Specialist; Advanced Finance Skill Trainer; Convention Speaker; Loan Originator Licensing Trainer

Mortgage and Finance Specialist

Advanced Finance Skill Trainer

Loan Originator Licensing Trainer

Schedule Debra to elevate your members’ financial expertise.

Real Estate Courses

  • Using AI For Your Mortgage Questions…And Everything Else!

AI is changing the way clients expect information — especially when it comes to financing.

In this 60–75-minute session, you’ll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to confidently respond to common financing questions without overstepping licensing boundaries. We’ll cover the right way to prompt AI for clear, client-friendly explanations, how to verify accuracy, and when to bring in a trusted lender.

  • Money for Sale and The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)

Recognize red flags, understand regulatory expectations, and apply practical measures to protect clients and their businesses. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) strongly encourages voluntary compliance—and this course equips you with the knowledge and tools to meet that standard while strengthening integrity and professionalism across the industry.

  • Inside the Mortgage Process: What Every Real Estate Professional Should Know

Take a deep dive into the mortgage process and uncover what every real estate professional should know. Learn the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval, what really happens from application to closing, and how to set realistic expectations for your clients.

  • The Rate Equation: Understanding What Drives Borrower Interest Rates

    "A Guide for Real Estate Agents to Decode Mortgage Pricing"

Ever wonder why mortgage rates differ from one borrower to another? This course gives real estate professionals a clear understanding of how lenders determine interest rates based on credit, loan-to-value ratios, and other risk factors. Learn why two identical loans can yield different rates—and how this insight helps you guide clients confidently and collaborate more effectively with lenders.

  • The Rate is WHAT? Maximize Your Commission: Master Mortgage Interest Rates

Unlock the secrets behind mortgage pricing and learn how lenders determine interest rates, assess risk, and structure loans. Tailored for real estate professionals, this course breaks down complex financing concepts into practical strategies you can use to guide clients and strengthen offers. Discover how understanding rate dynamics can help you save deals, build trust, and close more transactions with confidence.

  • A Real Estate and Lending Compliance Program

Gain the tools to navigate real estate and mortgage compliance with confidence. This 6-hour CE course covers key regulations—Fair Lending, ECOA, TILA, RESPA, TRID, and GLB—while helping you spot fraud, protect client data, and uphold ethical standards through BSA and AML awareness. Strengthen your professionalism and guide clients safely from contract to closing.

  • When Pre-approvals Fall Short: Understanding the Risks and Realities

Demystify the mortgage process and gain the insight to guide your clients with confidence. This course breaks down each stage of lending, clarifying what really happens behind the scenes. Learn the critical differences between pre-qualifications and pre-approvals—and why understanding these distinctions helps set clearer expectations and build stronger client trust.

Mortgage Course Description

  • Pre-Licensing Course

    NMLS Approved Course #7366

    MLO 20-hour Federal SAFE Course :

    (required for state-licensed mortgage loan originators)

Launch your mortgage career with confidence in this engaging, instructor-led course that fulfills the 20-hour SAFE Act pre-licensing requirement for all 50 states. Taught by a 30-year industry veteran, the program blends federal law, ethics, and real-world lending practices to help you originate compliant loans and avoid costly mistakes. Gain the foundation, confidence, and skills to pass the National MLO Exam and build a successful career in mortgage lending.

  • First Year Originator Training (Post-Licensing) Accelerated Mortgage Career Development Plan

Kickstart your mortgage career with this accelerated six-month program designed to take you from newly licensed to confidently producing. Through a structured blend of origination training, compliance courses, and marketing strategies, you’ll gain the skills to generate business, protect clients, and build a thriving, sustainable career in mortgage lending.

  • Origination Best Practices…The Key to Your Success!

Kickstart your mortgage career with this accelerated six-month program designed to take you from newly licensed to confidently producing. Through a structured blend of origination training, compliance courses, and marketing strategies, you’ll gain the skills to generate business, protect clients, and build a thriving, sustainable career in mortgage lending.

  • LO Compensation Rule Compliance

Gain a clear, practical understanding of the Loan Originator Compensation (LO Comp) Rule and its impact on today’s mortgage industry. This course explains key provisions—such as prohibited compensation structures, steering restrictions, and compliance best practices—through real-world examples and case studies. Learn how to apply the rule confidently, protect consumers, and maintain integrity within your organization.

  • MLO 20-hour Federal SAFE REVIEW Course

MLO-Review is a 20-hour, on-demand course for depository Mortgage Loan Originators seeking a solid understanding of mortgage origination fundamentals. Adapted from the NMLS-approved SAFE Act Pre-Licensing Course, it covers key laws, compliance standards, and best practices for ethical lending. Led by industry expert Debra Killian, this course transforms regulations into real-world insight—helping MLOs build confidence, competence, and long-term success in mortgage lending.

  • Your First Year in Mortgages: From Licensing to Mastery

A comprehensive program that guides new Mortgage Loan Originators from licensing to long-term success. Participants complete the 20-hour SAFE Act education, gain practical skills in credit analysis, loan structuring, and client communication, and learn to build strong relationships with real estate partners. This program bridges classroom learning with real-world application, giving new MLOs the tools and confidence to launch a successful career in mortgage lending.

  • Compliance Management, Oversight and Reporting for Mortgage Companies

In today’s regulated mortgage industry, strong compliance management is key to maintaining integrity and consumer trust. This course provides a clear framework for building and maintaining an effective Compliance Management System (CMS), covering risk assessment, internal controls, monitoring, and reporting. Through practical examples and best practices, mortgage professionals learn to identify compliance gaps, strengthen oversight, and foster a culture of ethics and accountability across their organizations.

  • Mortgage Processing Fundamentals

In today’s regulated mortgage industry, strong compliance management is key to maintaining integrity and consumer trust. This course provides a clear framework for building and maintaining an effective Compliance Management System (CMS), covering risk assessment, internal controls, monitoring, and reporting. Through practical examples and best practices, mortgage professionals learn to identify compliance gaps, strengthen oversight, and foster a culture of ethics and accountability across their organizations.

  • Build Your Own Branded Compliance Program

A customizable training solution for mortgage companies, banks, and real estate organizations seeking to deliver professional, branded compliance education. Choose from a wide range of expertly developed courses covering AML, Fair Lending, TILA, RESPA, TRID, LO Comp, and more—each tailored to your company’s policies and culture. Programs can be delivered on-demand, live, or hybrid, giving you the flexibility to train teams effectively while reinforcing your brand and compliance standards.

confidence with clear, actionable strategies.

A mortgage expert and educator who empowers professionals with practical, compliance-driven training designed by an originator for originators.