The Upfront Mortgage Broker concept was conceived by Jack Guttentag (“The Mortgage Professor”) nationally syndicated columnist, consumer advocate, and well-known expert on mortgage loans.

Guttentag developed the idea as a result of his experience as a mortgage adviser to consumers. He realized that shopping for a mortgage loan was a very difficult process for most consumers, and many were victims of predatory lending practices.

With the assistance of actual mortgage brokers, the Upfront Mortgage Broker Commitment was created in July of 2000.

Mortgage brokers were encouraged to conduct their business under the terms of the Commitment. Those brokers who operated under the Commitment were listed on Guttentag's website.

During the next 5 years, the number of Upfront Mortgage Brokers increased, as did consumer understanding and appreciation of the concept. With the growth of Upfront Mortgage Brokers and success of the concept, Guttentag realized that the Upfront Mortgage Broker concept needed a more formal organization in which to operate.

In 2006, the Upfront Mortgage Brokers Association (UMBA) officially came into existence.