OCTOBER 28, 2002 - Melville, NY - On Thursday, November 21, approximately 75 financial professionals will spend the day learning about the trillion-dollar mortgage business and will earn five continuing professional education (CPE) credits for doing so.

At the Vertical Lend seminar on "Mortgage Lending Basics" that runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., certified public accountants and certified financial planners will learn how to help their clients make better decisions about home financing and refinancing. The seminar, held at the Melville Marriott, will teach financial professionals about the different kinds of mortgage loans and legally required disclosures. It will also explain how banks underwrite loans and how to analyze different kinds of loans and use technology to speed the loan approval process.

"Upon completing the course, these financial professionals will be well qualified to advise their clients on home financing and even to originate loans for them," said David Peskin, Vertical Lend's president. "Today's financial professionals are diversifying their business to keep up with the needs of their clients."

According to Steve Albanese, a CPA and financial planner located in East Setauket, NY, and a Vertical Lend Associate, "Clients are looking for one-stop shopping - a single place that can meet all their financial needs. If you can't help them with a major decision like home financing, they'll look for that advice elsewhere - and take the rest of their financial business with them."

The registration fee for the seminar is $150, with breakfast and lunch included. Reservation information can be obtained by calling 1-877-692-7762, ext. 443/426, or by visiting www.verticallend.com.