Beth Wells and Liz Bailey of CFA Northwest Mortgage Professionals in Poulsbo are the first two Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists in Kitsap County. There are currently fewer than 2,400 Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists in the nation and only 66 currently practicing in Washington State. Graduates of the CMPS course of study are part of an elite group within the mortgage industry equipped to work with Real Estate Agents, Financial Planners, CPA's, and Estate Planners to create comprehensive financial plans for their clients.

Why is this certification so important? A CMPS graduate undergoes a wide-ranging study of economic issues including market analysis, taxation, retirement and estate planning concepts, equity management, and cash flow/debt analysis. With the current state of the mortgage industry and its effect on the overall economy, it is now more important than ever before that families and individuals make the right financial decisions. Arranging loans to purchase or refinance homes and investment properties as well as managing real estate equity are typically the biggest monetary decisions people ever make. Those decisions must be made in the context of both short-and long-term financial goals, and knowledge, education and teamwork are necessary to make that happen. CMPS certification reflects a commitment to building professional partnerships within the community, investing in ongoing education, and bringing that knowledge and integrity clients.

CFA Northwest Mortgage Professionals, a division of Liberty Financial Group, is a full-service mortgage company headquartered on Bainbridge Island with branch offices in King and Kitsap counties. CFA distinguishes itself by offering innovative mortgage planning services and empowering clients through financial education. CFA sponsors a variety of educational programs about mortgages and real estate investing, as well as free Cashflow Game Nights where participants explore financial planning concepts in a fun and relaxing setting. Visit www.cfahomeloans.com. Beth Wells and Liz Bailey can be reached at 360-779-6413 or bethandliz@cfahomeloans.com.