What does a mortgage processor do?
When someone applies for a new home loan or refinance, a mortgage processor puts together a file that contains the application information, supporting documentation and a credit report that they pull and analyze. Then, that file goes to the underwriter, who is responsible for determining whether to approve the application and setting the terms of the mortgage agreement for approved loans.
During underwriting, the mortgage processor regularly communicates with both the underwriter and the mortgage officer to answer questions, obtain missing information and handle other tasks. Once a loan is approved, the mortgage processor is responsible for drawing up all the necessary paperwork and organizing it for the closing.
Mortgage processor skills and qualifications
Those who are successful in mortgage processor careers typically possess certain key skills. When evaluating candidates’ resumes and conducting interviews, look for the following qualifications:
- Effective oral and written communication skills to ensure a smooth flow of information between the mortgage officer and the underwriter
- Organizational skills to ensure mortgage files and closing documents are complete and simple to use
- Multitasking skills to keep track of multiple loan applicants’ information at one time
- Knowledge of mortgage financing to seek supporting information for applications and preparing documents
- Understanding of banking and finance regulations needed to ensure compliance with federal and state laws
- Analytical skills to evaluate credit histories and spot potential errors
- Computer skills to use e-mail, spreadsheets, underwriting software, customer relationship management programs and other software
- Time management skills to comply with all deadlines
Mortgage processor experience requirements
The amount of experience needed to proficiently complete mortgage processor job duties varies. If you represent a small financial institution or mortgage company, you may wish to consider all applicants with the necessary training and education. Larger companies and institutions that produce a high volume of loans may prefer candidates with at least one year of previous work experience as a mortgage processor.
However, if you have one or more seasoned processors already on your team to serve as trainers and resources to new hires, candidates may not need prior experience to succeed.
Mortgage processor education and training requirements
Generally, a high school diploma or GED is the minimum education required to work as a mortgage processor. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who hold associate or bachelor’s degrees in finance, business, accounting or a related field. In most states, mortgage processors must hold mortgage licenses.
Normally, a minimum number of hours of training and successful completion of a written examination are necessary for licensing. You may wish to prioritize candidates who hold Certified Mortgage Processor NAMP-CMP certification. These individuals must complete four online training classes sponsored by the National Association of Mortgage Processors and pass an online exam.
Mortgage processor salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a mortgage processor is $55,311 per year. The actual salary a mortgage processor earns depends on their experience, education and the job market conditions in their geographic area.
Mortgage processor salary expectations
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Common salary:
22.14 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
10.35 -38.25 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
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Mortgage processor job description FAQs
Who does a mortgage processor report to?
Who a mortgage processor reports to depends on the structure of the financial institution or mortgage lender. Some companies may have a head mortgage processor or mortgage processing supervisor who oversees all mortgage processors. Alternatively, the mortgage underwriting manager or loan services manager may supervise processors.
How do mortgage processor job duties vary based on the employer?
At very small mortgage brokerages and companies, the mortgage processor role may be combined with other roles. Sometimes, the mortgage processor also serves as the mortgage officer and is responsible for explaining different types of mortgages to customers and filling out their applications. At other companies, the processor may complete all the underwriting.
What qualities should I look for in a mortgage processor?
Although many mortgage processors don’t have direct contact with clients, they still need to have a strong commitment to customer service to ensure the needs of clients are met. Attentiveness to detail and the ability to perform well in fast-paced environments are also beneficial traits for prospective processors.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.