What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mortgage Loan Officer position at Viking Bank?
Mortgage Loan Officer
As a Mortgage Loan Officer, you will play a vital role in guiding customers through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. From building strong referral relationships to originating, underwriting, and closing mortgage loans, you’ll combine lending expertise with a relationship‑focused approach to deliver trusted advice, sound loan decisions, and an exceptional customer experience - both at origination and throughout the life of the loan.
How You’ll Make a Difference – The Viking Way
Build trusted relationships
- Generate new mortgage business through strong referral relationships with realtors, title companies, and community partners.
- Serve as a trusted advisor by delivering a positive, professional experience from first conversation through closing and beyond.
Guide customers confidently through the lending process
- Interview prospective borrowers to understand financial goals and analyze credit and financial data.
- Explain loan programs, pricing, and terms, helping customers identify the best financing options for their situation.
- Screen loan requests, pre‑qualify applicants, and issue pre-qualification letters as appropriate.
Drive mortgage production and portfolio growth
- Originate mortgage, construction, and consumer loans while servicing and managing an existing loan portfolio.
- Monitor and manage your loan pipeline to ensure timely progress, meet deadlines, and support loan growth and fee income objectives.
- Identify referral opportunities and complete outreach to generate additional business.
Ensure accuracy, compliance, and sound credit decisions
- Prepare and ensure timely delivery of required early disclosures in accordance with regulatory standards.
- Underwrite mortgage loans for both in‑house and secondary market financing, evaluating applications and supporting documentation to assess creditworthiness and repayment risk.
- Stay current on mortgage industry guidelines, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards, including HMDA.
Coordinate the loan process from application to closing
- Work closely with borrowers, title companies, realtors, processors, and underwriters to collect documentation and coordinate conditions of approval.
- Review loan documents, appraisals, title work, surveys, and related materials to ensure accuracy prior to closing.
- Coordinate closing timelines and loan funding to ensure a smooth borrower experience.
Support portfolio quality and risk management
- Monitor the ongoing performance of your loan portfolio, including past‑due accounts, overdrafts, and collection activities as needed.
- Track maturing loans, collateral perfection, and portfolio trends, taking appropriate action to resolve issues and protect the Bank’s interests.
Deliver exceptional service and ongoing support
- Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and referrals from personal contacts and Bank partners.
- Maintain strong knowledge of Bank products, lending policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure consistent, ethical service.
Collaborate, contribute, and grow
- Coordinate FHLB reporting and correspondence and support secondary market requirements.
- Assist with the development and refinement of mortgage lending and servicing policies and procedures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support lending operations and team success.
What We’re Looking For
This role may be filled at varying levels based on experience. Entry‑level incumbents typically work under guidance while developing foundational lending skills, while experienced incumbents independently originate and underwrite loans, manage portfolios, and maintain referral relationships. Scope and compensation will be aligned accordingly.
We’re excited to meet someone who brings:
- Strong knowledge of residential mortgage products, including secondary market lending
- Solid understanding of mortgage lending principles, underwriting, and industry regulations
- Experience managing a personal loan portfolio and referral‑based business preferred
- Organized, motivated self‑starter with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Collaborative team player with a relationship‑focused approach
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Education, Experience & Credentials
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent mortgage lending experience
- Experience with residential mortgage lending; secondary market and FHLB experience preferred
- Working knowledge of federal and state lending regulations, including HMDA
- NMLS registration required (or ability to obtain within required timeframe)
Join Us and Be Part of a Team That’s Truly Invested in Your Journey!
This year, Viking Bank proudly celebrates 45 years of serving our communities, built on relationships, trust, and a commitment to doing the right thing. We believe in supporting our employees just as strongly as we support our customers and communities.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay based on experience and role level
- Comprehensive health benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off
- Profit‑sharing opportunities
- Performance‑based incentive opportunities
- A supportive, community‑focused workplace
Viking Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to a workplace where everyone’s journey matters.