It’s not been a bad year for JPMorgan Chase. In spite of the financial meltdown and the recession, JPMorgan has managed to see good profits, and stabilize. The company has even managed to be part of what are expected to be record bonus payouts this year for Wall Street types. And now JPMorgan plans to hire more mortgage loan officers.

Even though there was a lull in mortgage applications as would-be home buyers awaited the fate of the first time home buyer tax credit, it is likely that, with an extension to said credit, mortgage applications will pick up again. Additionally, refinancing is quite popular right now, with the lower rates and government programs aimed at helping home owners get out of their current mortgage arrangements. And with the recession over, and with the housing market expected to pick up, it is little surprise that the financial giant is looking to meet what is expected to be great demand.

The only question is what happens when the housing market is no longer supported with tax credits and special government programs. Will a round of layoffs ensue?