What does a Mortgage Originator do?

The Mortgage Originator’s job is to get a client approved for a mortgage. They start by assessing the client’s needs and advising them on the best mortgage solution for their situation.

Mortgage Originators guide clients through the application and approval process, starting with collecting financial information to completing the application. They monitor the progress and address any issues, such as the need for additional documentation. Mortgage Originators typically work for banks or credit unions.

Mortgage Originator skills and qualifications

Being successful in the role requires specific skills and qualifications. Consider these options for your Mortgage Originator job description:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Exceptional customer service skills

• Familiarity with handling confidential information

• Knowledge of mortgages and relevant regulations

• Sales and marketing skills

• Ability to collaborate with others involved in the mortgage process

• Organization and time management skills

• Comfort with numbers and financial data

Mortgage Originator experience requirements

It’s common to expect applicants to have previous mortgage or financial experience to become a Mortgage Originator. You might accept previous experience in a customer-facing role in a financial institution if the candidate hasn’t worked as a Mortgage Originator.

Mortgage Originator education and training requirements

There aren’t typically any education requirements to become a Mortgage Loan Originator. However, it’s common for companies to look for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in a financial or business major.

Mortgage Originators typically need to be licensed by the state. A standard 20-hour pre-licensure education course is required, and some states might require additional education or training to become licensed. After completing any educational requirements, the candidate must pass a written exam to become licensed. Current Mortgage Originators need to take continuing education classes annually.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Mortgage Loan Originator job description isn’t what you need, consider these similar positions:

• Loan Officer

• Relationship Banker

• Mortgage Processor

• Underwriter

Mortgage Originator job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Mortgage Originator and a Mortgage Underwriter?

Mortgage Originators and Mortgage Underwriters work on the lending process, but they handle different aspects of it. The Mortgage Originator has a customer-facing role. They work directly with clients to get information and documentation. Mortgage Underwriters work behind the scenes to process the documentation and application to determine risk and eligibility for the mortgage. These two positions may interact during the processing phase if the Underwriter needs clarification or additional documentation.

What are the daily duties of a Mortgage Originator?

Each morning, a Mortgage Originator arrives at the financial institution where they work. They often catch up on emails and phone calls. Mortgage Originators may have appointments scheduled with new or existing clients throughout the day where they discuss mortgage options and go over details. When they aren’t with clients, they follow up with clients and work with their colleagues to process applications. They might also network with other real estate professionals to find new clients.

What qualities make a good Mortgage Originator?

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important for Mortgage Loan Originators since they work directly with clients. Being able to obtain the information they need and explain how mortgages work can help them keep customers happy. Having strong attention to detail and financial skills can also help them determine if a client might be approved for a mortgage. Mortgage Loan Originators should be organized and stay calm when managing multiple clients and mortgage applications at once.

How can I make my Mortgage Originator job description stand out?

When you write your Loan Originator job description, highlight the mortgage products your company uses. Describe the resources the candidate will have to make their job easier as well as any unique perks you offer. Keep your Mortgage Originator job description direct and easy to read. Additionally, using bullet points to highlight specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications allows job seekers to scan quickly to see if the job is a match.