Retail Mortgage Loan Originator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Retail Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) plays a key role in helping customers secure financing for the purchase or refinance of residential real estate. This position requires a strong ability to gather and analyze financial information, review credit profiles, and clearly explain loan options to borrowers. Success in this role also depends on the ability to self‑generate business through networking with real estate agents, builders, and other referral partners, as well as maintaining strong relationships with past clients to encourage repeat business and referrals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Loan File & Pipeline Management

• Gather loan file conditions and obtain missing or supporting documentation.
• Manage an active pipeline daily, including new application reviews, condition reviews, and other origination tasks within established turn times.
• Submit complete, accurate loan packages to processing.
• Lock interest rates in accordance with company policies and market conditions.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate with processing and underwriting teams to clarify outstanding conditions, resolve deficiencies, and interpret underwriting guidelines.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries regarding rates, products, and loan status to ensure a high‑quality customer experience.
• Resolve file issues, bottlenecks, and qualifying challenges throughout the production and underwriting process.

Financial Analysis & Product Selection

• Analyze income from salaried, commissioned, self‑employed, investment, and fixed‑income sources.
• Review and evaluate asset statements across various account types.
• Assess credit reports and overall financial scenarios to determine appropriate loan products.
• Run DU and LP findings and reconcile variances in accordance with published guidelines.

Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

• Maintain full compliance with RESPA, Regulation Z, Fair Lending, HMDA, the Bank Secrecy Act, and all other regulations governing the mortgage application process.
• Stay current on company loan guidelines, investor requirements, pricing policies, and VA regulations.
• Meet expectations for attendance, punctuality, and adherence to company standards.

Business Development & Marketing

• Generate new business through networking with real estate agents, builders, and other referral sources.
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing customers to encourage repeat business and referrals.
• Coordinate, create, track, and distribute marketing materials.
• Manage client and referral partner databases to support ongoing business development efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong critical thinking and sound judgment, with the ability to evaluate data, anticipate downstream impacts, and assess risk.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment with a strong sense of urgency.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Intermediate math proficiency.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Professionalism and patience when interacting with internal and external customers.
• High ethical standards and alignment with company values.
• Proficiency with data entry, PDF software, Microsoft Word, and Excel.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Active NMLS license required.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent, must also be 18 years or older.
• Minimum of 2 years of recent mortgage loan origination experience.
• Experience with automated underwriting systems (DU/LP) required
• Current knowledge of FNMA/FHLMC, FHA, USDA, and VA guidelines, standards, and practices required
• Previous experience with Encompass software preferred