Mortgage Loan Originator

About the role

The Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) is responsible for originating their own sales by contacting prospective clients and developing and maintaining referral sources. The MLO spends significant time out of the office conducting sales calls, meeting with borrowers, and attending closings. The role offers flexibility in setting working hours and scheduling daily tasks. Compensation is commission-based.

Responsibilities

• Originate mortgage loans through sales and lead development.
• Maintain ongoing, in-person contact with referral sources (e.g., borrowers, realtors) to ensure continuous leads and relationships.
• Conduct sales calls, attend realtor meetings, open houses, functions, and trainings.
• Take thorough and complete loan applications; analyze and prequalify applicant information to determine loan program viability.
• Pull and analyze credit reports, compare for accuracy with borrower statements, and correct inaccuracies.
• Determine suitable loan options based on the applicant’s situation, future plans, and preferred loan product.
• Provide guidance on risks and benefits of qualified loan programs and explain terms to borrowers.
• Ensure all necessary documents are signed and gather initial documentation for the selected loan program, including disclosures.
• Submit loan packages to the loan processor for review, stacking, and pre-submission audit.
• Collaborate with the loan processor to provide additional documentation or letters of explanation required by underwriting.
• Maintain a working file for compliance purposes.
• Act as a liaison for all transaction parties, including buyers, sellers, realtors, builders, title companies, appraisers, and credit vendors.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert for complex loan scenarios and act as an escalation point for underwriting and borrower issues.
• Exercise independent judgment within investor and regulatory guidelines to recommend loan programs and investors.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of mortgage origination experience.
• Thorough understanding of mortgage products, pricing, and guidelines.
• Up-to-date knowledge of regulatory compliance and participation in required trainings.
• Ability to take accurate and thorough loan applications.
• Working knowledge of credit reports, DTI, LTV, and CLTV ratios.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and outstanding customer service.
• Ability to create, implement, and adapt market penetration strategies for lead development and client conversion.
• Self-sourcing business through sales activities (e.g., cold calling, appointment setting, group presentations).
• Experience creating marketing systems to source new business and maintain relationships with clients, realtors, and builders.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Microsoft Office, Encompass, and similar software preferred.

Working Conditions

• 50% of time spent in a stationary position (e.g., at a desk or computer).
• Frequent use of computers, calculators, copy machines, printers, and other office equipment.
• Occasional movement within the office to access files or equipment.
• Frequent operation of motor vehicles and regular travel to external locations for meetings, trainings, events, and client activities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and exchange accurate information with others.
• Visual acuity (near, far, and peripheral) required for computer work and driving.
• Occasional lifting or moving of boxes/equipment up to 20 pounds.
• Exposure to inside office conditions (moderate lighting, temperature, and noise levels).
• Occasional outdoor exposure to varying weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, humid).

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation plans.
• Total Rewards benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Vacation time.
• Tuition reimbursement.