[OD] Mortgage Financing Essentials (Course# 1040094)


22 Jan

[OD][25/26] Mortgage Financing Essentials

[OD][25/26] Mortgage Financing Essentials

Thursday, January 22, 2026 (12:00 AM) to Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (12:00 AM)
3.0 Education Credits
SPAAR Community Campus

You're Registered!
ON DEMAND
▪️Courses include technology to guarantee seat-time (Minn. Stat. § 45.301).
▪️Continuing education courses must be attended in their entirety in order to receive credit for the number of approved hours. (Minn. Stat. § 45.30 subd. 4a).
▪️Course completion is defined in the system as having completed all learning modules and activities, and passing the final exam.
▪️Credit may not be earned if the licensee has previously obtained credit for the same course as either a student or instructor during the same licensing period. (Minn. Stat. § 82.61)
▪️The course must be completed prior to the indicated expiration date of the course; continuing education credit will not be awarded for completion after it loses its status as an active/approved course.
▪️Shared email addresses with others impacts your ability to use SPAAR’s On-Demand Education services.
▪️Visit Education Policies for more information.

Mortgage Financing Essentials
This course walks through today’s major mortgage programs, special loan options, borrower eligibility basics, and down payment assistance resources, with a practical focus on how these tools apply in real-world transactions. Participants will gain a clear framework for identifying loan options, evaluating borrower qualifications, and recognizing programs that can help buyers move forward, including Minnesota-specific assistance.

This educational offering is recognized by the Minnesota Commissioner of Commerce as satisfying 3.0 hours of credit toward continuing real estate education, provided by the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®.
(Crs# 1040094, MN DOC Course Approved through 1/31/2028)

SPAAR Community Campus
SPAAR Community Campus
www.spaarcc.com

Andrea Rodriguez
A series of invitations has shaped Andrea Rodriguez’s career in real estate and mortgage
lending. Introduced to the industry as a Realtor in 2008, she was soon invited to join Fairway
Independent Mortgage Corporation—where she has now served for 15 years. Early on, Andrea
discovered a natural fit in the operations side of lending. Her talent for organization, problem solving, and client care quickly stood out, earning her the Operations Professional of the Year
award from the Minnesota Mortgage Association in 2015.

Today, Andrea is a Mortgage Loan Originator who prides herself on delivering a confident,
seamless experience for every family she works for. As a bilingual professional in English and
Spanish, she is especially passionate about ensuring that families of all backgrounds feel
understood, supported, and empowered throughout the homebuying process. Andrea is known
for her ability to educate home buyers, especially first-time buyers—with clear, approachable
guidance that builds understanding without overwhelming.

Her commitment to advocacy and education extends into the community, where she partners
with local nonprofits to teach first time homebuyer classes and support families as they prepare
for homeownership. Andrea also serves as a trustee and a member of multiple committees at
her church, where she is deeply involved in programs that support and integrate the Spanish speaking ministry.

Outside of work, Andrea enjoys volunteering and spending time with her husband, two children, and Maggie, her sweet pit bull.

Jess Koski
Jessica “Jess” Koski

A career shaped by both dedication and discovery, Jess Koski’s path to mortgage lending reflects her deep commitment to service, education, and genuine client care.

Jess earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University in Office Administration, complemented by a minor in Training & Development —an academic foundation that naturally fuels her desire to teach, guide, and empower clients through each step of the homebuying journey. She has attention to detail, a calm problem-solving style, and love of educating and assisting others.

Before entering the mortgage world, Jess spent several years after college, working full-time in a manufacturing setting, an experience she dearly loved for its hands-on pace and tightknit teamwork. Wanting to blend that environment with an office-based role, she became an Office Manager, a position she held for nearly 17 years. There, she sharpened her leadership skills, adaptability, and ability to wear many hats—skills that would later become invaluable in lending.

When the opportunity arose to join Fairway Home Mortgage, Jess was “all-in.” She embraced the chance to bring her signature customer service, organization, and educational approach to a new and meaningful chapter. Starting as a licensed branch processor, Jess quickly became known for her willingness to go above and beyond for both clients and colleagues.

Jess thrives on being versatile—diving into multiple aspects of the loan process, strengthening her technical knowledge, and continually refining the support she provides to every family the team serves. Her goal is always the same: to ensure clients feel informed, understood, and supported from start to finish.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her family, which includes husband Jerry, a blended family of 7 grown children, 2 grandchildren, and their 2 cats, always embracing any opportunity to learn something new. Her passion for helping others, paired with her wide ranging expertise and life experiences, makes her a steady and trusted presence throughout the homebuying process.

The course will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding minimal down time for updating and administration through the indicated expiration date of the course.

The course must be completed prior to the indicated expiration date of the course on the student’s campus account. Continuing education credit will not be awarded for taking the course after it loses its status as an active/approved course.

On-Demand Course Expiration Date
Purchased courses will be available on the student’s SPAAR Community Campus (spaarcc.com) account dashboard for 12 months from the date of registration (purchase date) or until the Minnesota Department of Commerce course approval expiration date, whichever date is sooner.

 Please visit Education Policies for more information.