Legislation was introduced today in New Jersey that would create stricter requirements for mortgage solicitors in an attempt to reduce the growing number of foreclosures, according to the Herald News.

Currently in the Garden State mortgage solicitors — who are also known as loan officers or originators — need to fill-out a one-page form and fork over about $100 to issue loans on behalf of New Jersey lenders.

It’s not much in terms of applicant due diligence, considering families often plunk down hundreds of thousands to realize their dreams of homeownership.

And that’s the reason Trenton politicians and two state mortgage associations are throwing their support behind this bill.

Here’s a snip:

“… [the] legislation today that would require training, licensing exams and criminal background checks for loan officers. While mortgage-company owners must follow certain regulations, few of their employees do…. Many experts think the profitable commissions and low-education requirements for loan officers help contribute to skyrocketing foreclosure rates — as homeowners are pushed into mortgages they can’t afford.

Housing advocates stress that licensing requirements aren’t a magic bullet. Pending legislation in Congress and some state legislatures could do more to clean up the mortgage industry, they say, by holding lenders responsible for a borrower’s best interest.

According to the clip, as the housing market boomed over the last several years, the ranks of unregulated loan officers increased and flocked to the subprime market because these loans translate into big commissions.

In these cases, it appears that the mortgage servicers are looking out for their own interests rather than the homebuyers.

The moral of the story: Find a loan officer with a solid track record — one who comes highly recommended. Ask friends, family members Realtors® — anyone who has experience buying homes — about a trustworthy mortgage servicer.

It will pay off in the long-run … literally.