The Optimum First Certified Originator Program is designed to reward Originators who consistently demonstrate strong sales skills and work ethic with access to increasingly valuable lead opportunities. Certification levels create a clear career progression path while ensuring Optimum First's highest-intent opportunities are assigned to Originators who have earned that responsibility.

Certification scoring is intended to serve as a framework for evaluating an Originator's sales aptitude, sales skills, work ethic, customer satisfaction, and overall readiness for lead opportunities. Up to 50 points may be awarded for Sales Skills, up to 40 points may be awarded for Work Ethic, and up to 10 points may be awarded for Customer Experience. While objective metrics may be considered, scoring is not intended to be a purely mathematical or scientific process. Upper Management will conduct evaluations and determine certification levels based on the overall assessment of each Originator. Originators may request a re-evaluation once per month.

Originators' certification levels will be displayed on their profiles within the Optimum First Company Directory "Yearbook" site.

Certification is not permanent and must be maintained through ongoing performance and activity.

Quarterly Certification Review

All Originators will undergo a certification review once per quarter to ensure they continue to meet the standards associated with their current certification level.

Certification Adjustments

• Originators may test once per month to improve their certification level.
• Certification levels are formally reviewed quarterly.
• Originators who achieve a qualifying score may be promoted to a higher certification level.
• Originators who do not maintain the minimum score for their current certification level may be moved down one certification level during the quarterly review process.
• Management may require re-certification if performance, activity levels, or compliance concerns warrant additional review.

While certification levels determine access to company-provided lead opportunities, every Originator has the opportunity to build and grow their own business through:

• Real Estate Agent Referrals
• Referrals Generated from Closed Loans
• Personal and Professional Networks

Originators are encouraged to cultivate referral relationships and build a long-term book of business in addition to utilizing company-provided lead opportunities. Additionally, any Originator may purchase their own leads from an outside lead source. Leads purchased directly by the Originator are considered that Originator's exclusive leads and will remain assigned solely to that Originator. Any business generated through these methods may be eligible for the higher self-generated compensation under company guidelines. The most successful Originators use company-provided leads as a platform to create future referral opportunities, strengthen referral relationships, and build a sustainable business for years to come.

While the Optimum First Certified Originator Program is intended to serve as the primary framework for lead distribution, no Originator is guaranteed access to any specific lead source, campaign, lead volume, or lead category. Lead eligibility, lead assignments, and lead access may be modified, suspended, restricted, or removed at any time based on business needs, staffing requirements, operational considerations, performance concerns, customer experience issues, compliance matters, or management discretion. While lead sources and campaigns are intended to align with the certification structure outlined in this program, lead distribution may vary. There may be both intended and unintended overlap between certification levels, and Originators may occasionally receive lead opportunities typically associated with another certification level.

Originators are expected to immediately notify management of any customer complaint, customer dissatisfaction, escalation request, negative experience, or situation that may create reputational, compliance, or service concerns. Early communication allows management to assist in resolving issues and maintaining the highest level of customer service.

Failure to maintain service standards, professionalism, compliance expectations, or customer satisfaction may result in the review, modification, suspension, or removal of lead eligibility regardless of certification level.

In addition to the Optimum First Certified Originator Program, Originators may earn specialty certifications for specific loan products or lead campaigns. Examples may include:

Specialty certifications may be required to receive certain lead opportunities associated with those products or campaigns. If Optimum First introduces a specialized lead source, those leads may be distributed exclusively among Originators who hold the applicable specialty certification.