Mortgage Loan Specialist

About the Role

Experienced Mortgage Loan Specialist responsible for the full real estate loan process across all delivery channels. This role requires a solid understanding of the entire real estate loan cycle and servicing functions. Actively identifies, develops, and maintains a source of referrals from realtors, builders, Credit Union colleagues, and the community for new mortgage lending opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Receive and assist in the completion of real estate loan applications, serving as the primary point of contact for applicants during the origination process.
• Independently assess and underwrite real estate loan applications, including evaluating applicant(s) creditworthiness, ability to repay, collateral valuation, and organizational risk. Extend credit or deny applications within assigned tiered approval lending limits.
• Communicate approval or denial decisions to members clearly and professionally.
• Evaluate and verify income documentation, including personal and business tax returns, to make informed approval or denial decisions.
• Counsel potential home buyers and existing homeowners, taking complete and accurate real estate loan applications and obtaining required documentation to facilitate initial loan approval.
• Seek guidance for complex lending situations and approval authority from a Senior Mortgage Loan Specialist or above.
• Proactively stay updated on market trends, interest rates, and changes in lending policies and regulations to provide members with accurate and timely information.
• Assist members with servicing of existing mortgage and home equity loans.
• Collaborate with RELO VP/SVP on training and loan approvals.
• Follow up with prequalified applicants and other leads in a timely and effective manner.
• Price and disclose loan applications by determining interest rates and fees based on borrower's creditworthiness, loan amount, term, and market conditions.
• Coordinate member engagement with the Real Estate Lending Processing Center within Loan Administration and assist members with real estate loan closings.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Educate members on available services and make referrals for other Credit Union products and services based on their needs.
• Ensure well-documented, easy-to-review loan application history notes within the Loan Origination System.
• Work with the Lending Contact Center to provide assistance with mortgage lending calls when needed.
• Support branch employees with all real estate-related needs and ensure they have the information needed to refer potential applicants for mortgage lending opportunities.
• Work various contact and follow-up reports to cultivate member engagement throughout the home buying process and make SECU their lender of choice.
• Assist with community engagement by meeting with realtors and other third parties, as well as attending community events to build and maintain mortgage loan volume.
• Handle consumer unsecured lending as assigned.
• Answer phones and perform other clerical duties as needed.
• Complete additional tasks assigned by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Preferred: bachelor’s degree, CCUE Certification, or Associate of Arts/Science degree via the North Carolina Community College Transfer Program (NC-CTP).
• Successful completion of Real Estate Lending (RELP) courses and subsequent exam is required before moving to this role.
• Additional required modules: Wires, Credit Cards, Estate Basics, Financial Advisory Services (FAS) Overview, Life Stages & Events.
• Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of the Associate Mortgage Loan Specialist role.
• Minimum of 2 years’ mortgage lending experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum tier 2 lending limits assigned.
• Demonstrated proficiency at current lending approval authority.
• Highest level of integrity and objectivity.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to communicate with SECU personnel, VPs, SVPs, attorneys, members, appraisers, realtors, etc.
• Strong networking and relationship development skills.
• Meets compliance and regulatory standards.
• Makes lending decisions consistent with SECU loan policies.
• Has or is eligible to be registered as an active MLO with the NMLS.
• Organized and meticulous.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing training and professional development.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to learn complex software for processing applications and completing loan servicing.
• Completion of all required quarterly training courses and other training assigned by management.
• Consistently demonstrates SECU’s Core Values.
• Recommendation of VP/SVP and RELO VP/SVP required for advancement to this level.
• Ability to speak and write English fluently.
• Understanding of and dedication to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
• Adherence to the work schedule and attendance policies established by the Credit Union.
• Completion of the Credit Union’s Core Module Program within 12 months of hire date as a condition of employment.

Job Environment

• Office setting with physical proximity to other employees and members.
• Some background noise from other employees, copy machines, and telephones.
• Some local travel may be required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to comprehend and carry out job requirements.
• Substantial amount of sitting and computer usage.
• Use of hands and fingers to press keys on a computer keyboard to enter or retrieve information.
• Use of hands and fingers to press telephone keypad and lift telephone receiver.
• Ability to answer and operate a telephone.
• Lift up to 15 lbs.