Branch Mortgage Loan Officer

About the role

This position is responsible for educating and counseling members and prospective members seeking FHA and conventional real estate loans to advance Blaze growth objectives. The Branch Mortgage Loan Officer completes loan applications, gathers necessary paperwork, and prequalifies members to facilitate the loan origination process. This role exemplifies superior member service, builds positive member relationships, and acts as a resource to credit union staff and members by displaying knowledge and expertise in the real estate field. The position requires travel between the Mora and Pine City locations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the real estate lending process to deliver Blaze products, promote positive member relationships, and meet mortgage lending objectives.
• Interview loan applicants in-branch and over the phone: prepare applications, collect and complete necessary information for loan submission, and send out all disclosures within 3 business days of application.
• Run loans through a secondary market underwriting system for initial decision.
• Inform members of Blaze loan products and discuss options (rates, projections, payment schedule, etc.); recommend appropriate products and terms.
• Solicit additional products members qualify for per underwriting.
• Obtain additional information from members, run debt ratio, analyze credit, calculate or verify income, and contact members to review rate, term, rescission, promo, credit bureau, and lock the mortgage with the investor.
• Pre-qualify members on their maximum loan amount qualifications.
• Advise applicants of initial underwriting decisions and provide advice on counteroffers.
• Re-price real estate loans based on changes to loan scenarios and send out appropriate disclosures.
• Work with the Mortgage Loan Processor to facilitate the loan process, inform members of loan file status, and answer real estate lending-related questions.
• Recommend, consult, and sell Blaze products and services to maintain an active pipeline of real estate loans through company-generated leads and referral sources.
• Identify members’ financial needs and market appropriate products and services to meet those needs and Blaze’s growth objectives.
• Maintain an acceptable application-to-close ratio.
• Record referrals for future reference and follow-up contact, including correspondence and telephone referrals.
• Initiate contact or follow up on all leads in a timely manner with outbound calls and/or correspondence.
• Provide support to the real estate department to ensure department efficiency.
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
• Exhibit Blaze’s Core Values: Better Lives, Thoughtfully Compassionate, Minnesota’s Best, and Give Back.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support effective department operation.

Requirements

• Minimum high school degree or equivalent.
• Minimum 2-3 years of similar or related financial experience.
• Required to obtain or possess a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) qualifier (e.g., registration number).

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer skills including Microsoft products.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of Encompass is a plus.
• Previous sales experience is a plus.
• Ability to proactively respond to members/employees to problem-solve based on guidelines; written communications are based on templates but can be modified.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand; answer calls; operate a computer.
• Interact with internal employees and members on the phone.
• Travel to designated offices.
• Lift up to 20 lbs.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $50,000 base (paid hourly) with additional earning potential through a monthly incentive plan.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical insurance (as low as $20 a paycheck).
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Quarterly bonuses.
• Generous vacation and sick time hours.
• Paid leave options.
• Up to 6% 401k contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.