Mortgage Loan Specialist

SECU•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

The Mortgage Loan Specialist (MLS) is an experienced mortgage lending professional responsible for the full real estate loan process across all delivery channels, including a solid understanding of the real estate loan cycle and servicing functions. The role develops and maintains referral sources among realtors, builders, Credit Union colleagues, and the community, and serves as applicants’ primary point of contact during mortgage origination. The MLS receives and assists with applications, independently assesses and underwrites real estate loans within assigned tiered approval limits, communicates decisions, prices and discloses loans, and supports members through loan processing, closing, and servicing. The specialist also helps members understand available Credit Union services, supports employees and the Lending Contact Center with mortgage needs, and builds community relationships to develop lending opportunities. The role requires regulatory compliance, accurate loan documentation, ongoing training, and adherence to SECU’s values and work policies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Successful completion of Real Estate Lending (RELP) courses and the subsequent exam before moving into this role.
Completion of the required additional modules: Wires, Credit Cards, Estate Basics, Financial Advisory Services (FAS) Overview, and Life Stages & Events.
Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of the Associate MLS role.
Minimum tier 2 lending limits assigned and demonstrated proficiency at current lending approval authority.
Highest level of integrity and objectivity.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with SECU personnel, VPs, SVPs, attorneys, members, appraisers, and realtors.
Strong networking and relationship-development skills.
Compliance with regulatory standards and lending decisions consistent with SECU loan policies.
Registered or eligible to be registered as an active MLO with the NMLS.
Organized and meticulous.
Willingness to engage in ongoing training and professional development.
Basic computer skills and ability to learn more complex software for application processing and loan servicing.
Completion of required quarterly training courses and other training assigned by management.
Consistent demonstration of SECU’s Core Values.
Recommendation of the VP/SVP and RELO VP/SVP for advancement to this level.
Fluent spoken and written English.
Understanding of and dedication to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
Ability to adhere to the Credit Union’s work schedule and attendance policies.
Completion of the Credit Union’s Core Module Program within 12 months of hire as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, CCUE Certification, or an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree through the North Carolina Community College Transfer Program (NC-CTP).
At least 2 years of mortgage lending experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive and assist with real estate loan applications and serve as applicants’ primary point of contact during origination.
Independently assess and underwrite real estate loan applications, including creditworthiness, ability to repay, collateral valuation, and organizational risk, within assigned tiered approval limits.
Communicate loan approval or denial decisions clearly and professionally.
Evaluate and verify income documentation, including personal and business tax returns.
Counsel prospective home buyers and existing homeowners, take accurate applications, and obtain documentation needed for initial loan approval.
Seek guidance from a Senior MLS or above for complex lending situations and approval authority.
Stay current on market trends, interest rates, lending policies, and regulations.
Assist members with servicing existing mortgage and home equity loans.
Collaborate with the RELO VP/SVP on training and loan approvals.
Follow up with prequalified applicants and other leads in a timely and effective manner.
Price and disclose loan applications by determining applicable interest rates and fees.
Coordinate member engagement with the Real Estate Lending Processing Center within Loan Administration and assist members with real estate loan closings.
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
Educate members about available services and refer them to other Credit Union products and services based on their needs.
Maintain well-documented, easy-to-review loan application history notes in the Loan Origination System.
Assist with mortgage lending calls through the Lending Contact Center when needed.
Support branch employees with real estate lending needs and provide information to help them refer applicants.
Use contact and follow-up reports to cultivate member engagement throughout the home-buying process.
Support community engagement, including meeting with realtors and other third parties and attending community events.
Perform consumer unsecured lending as assigned.
Answer phones, perform clerical duties, and complete other tasks assigned by management.