Purpose

The Mortgage Loan Originator is responsible for originating, developing, and managing a residential mortgage loan portfolio by building strong relationships with customers, real estate professionals, builders, contractors, and other referral sources. This position requires that there is work time outside the office generating new business, cultivating referral partnerships, and providing exceptional service to new and existing customers. You will guide the borrower throughout the mortgage lending process by evaluating borrowers' financial needs, recommending appropriate loan products, collecting and reviewing financial documentation, providing required disclosures, coordinating with underwriting and processing teams, and ensuring loans originate in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, investor guidelines, and bank policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain new customer relationships through networking, community involvement, and business development activities.
• Build and maintain referral partnerships with real estate agents, builders, contractors, financial professionals, and other industry contacts.
• Regularly work outside the employer's place of business to solicit new mortgage business and strengthen customer relationships.
• Interview prospective borrowers to assess financial needs and determine eligibility for residential mortgage, home equity, consumer, and construction loan products.
• Originate residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit (HELOCs), construction loans, and other consumer lending products in accordance with bank policies and underwriting guidelines.
• Analyze income, assets, liabilities, employment history, and credit reports to recommend appropriate lending solutions that meet customer needs.
• Explain loan products, terms, interest rates, fees, repayment options, and closing costs to borrowers.
• Collect, review, and verify required documentation to ensure complete and accurate loan applications and supporting files.
• Prepare and deliver all required loan disclosures within regulatory timeframes.
• Monitor loan files throughout the approval process, providing regular updates to borrowers, real estate agents, builders, contractors, and internal partners.
• Coordinate with processors, underwriters, title companies, appraisers, inspectors, and closing agents to facilitate timely loan approvals and closings.
• Attend loan closing as needed and provide ongoing customer support throughout the lending process.
• Review declined loan applications and recommended alternative mortgage, home equity, consumer, or construction lending solutions when appropriate.
• Evaluate loan portfolio performance, monitor industry trends, and identify opportunities to increase production while minimizing risk.
• Collaborate with branch personnel to promote mortgage, consumer, and home equity lending products and cross-sell additional bank products and services.
• Maintain knowledge of residential mortgage, home equity, consumer, and construction loan products, secondary market requirements, and investor programs, including FNMA, FHA, VA, USDA (RD), and NIFA guidelines.
• Ensure all lending activities comply with bank policies, underwriting guidelines, federal regulations, state laws, and industry best practices.
• Maintain accurate customer records and prepare required production, pipeline, and status reports.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of residential mortgage lending, loan origination, underwriting guidelines, and secondary market requirements.
• Knowledge of conventional, FHA, VA, USDA (RD), FNMA, and NIFA loan programs.
• Strong understanding of federal lending regulations, state laws, compliance requirements, and bank policies.
• Excellent sales, customer service, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and financial assessment abilities.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and achieve production goals.
• Proficient in Loan Origination Systems (LOS), Microsoft Office Suite, email, and other banking software.
• Willingness to travel to off-site locations as business needs require.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Position requires National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) registration under the terms of the S.A.F.E. Act of 2008 and Regulation Z
• Minimum 2 -year residential mortgage lending experience.
• Understanding of mortgage processing, underwriting, and closing procedures.
• Understanding of Residential Lending Regulatory Requirements to maintain compliance.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, LOS System, E-sign, Excel etc.).
• High degree of attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and periodically lift 20-50 lbs.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person