Which of the following statements about mortgage bankers is correct?

Mortgage bankers play a unique role in the real estate financing industry by originating and processing mortgage loans. One key aspect that sets them apart from traditional banks is that they do not have depositors. Instead, they operate by borrowing the funds they use to finance the loans from other lenders or by selling the loans in the secondary market shortly after closing. This means they focus exclusively on the mortgage lending process rather than accepting customer deposits like banks do.

While it's true that mortgage bankers are primarily involved in lending, the distinction lies in their operational model, which is why the statement regarding not having depositors is particularly accurate. This foundational fact helps to differentiate them from other financial institutions that typically involve deposit accounts and a broader range of banking services.