Mortgage Loan Specialist

State Employees' Credit Union•Raleigh, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

An experienced Mortgage Loan Specialist is responsible for the full real estate loan process across all delivery channels, with 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 a primary point of contact for applicants during origination. The specialist evaluates, underwrites, prices, and discloses loan applications and may extend or deny credit within assigned tiered approval limits. The role also assists members with existing mortgage and home equity loan servicing, loan closings, and connections to other Credit Union services. The specialist supports branches and the Lending Contact Center, collaborates with the Real Estate Lending (RELO) VP/SVP on training and approvals, and cultivates member engagement throughout the home-buying process. Some local travel and community engagement may be required. The job is performed in an office setting with physical proximity to employees and members and some background noise. SECU may fill the role at a higher or lower level based on business need.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Successful completion of Real Estate Lending (RELP) courses and the subsequent exam before moving into the role.
Demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of the Associate MLS role and at the current lending approval authority.
Minimum Tier 2 lending limits assigned.
Highest level of integrity and objectivity.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with Credit Union personnel, VPs, SVPs, attorneys, members, appraisers, and realtors.
Strong networking and relationship-development skills.
Meets compliance and regulatory standards and makes lending decisions consistent with SECU loan policies.
Has or is 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.
Consistently demonstrates SECU’s Core Values.
Recommendation from a VP/SVP and RELO VP/SVP for advancement to this level.
Ability to speak and write English fluently.
Understanding of and dedication to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
Adherence 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.
Ability to comprehend and carry out job requirements.
Ability to sit and use a computer for substantial periods, use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and telephone keypad, lift a telephone receiver, and answer and operate a telephone.
Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

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 the primary applicant contact during origination.
Independently assess and underwrite real estate loan applications, including creditworthiness, ability to repay, collateral valuation, and organizational risk, and extend or deny credit within assigned 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 current homeowners, take complete and accurate applications, and obtain documentation needed for initial approval.
Seek guidance from a Senior Mortgage Loan Specialist 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 promptly and effectively with prequalified applicants and other leads.
Price and disclose loan applications by determining applicable interest rates and fees based on borrower creditworthiness, loan amount, term, and market conditions.
Coordinate member engagement with the Real Estate Lending Processing Center within Loan Administration and assist with real estate loan closings.
Maintain 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 thorough, easy-to-review loan application history notes in the Loan Origination System.
Assist the Lending Contact Center with mortgage lending calls when needed.
Support branch employees with real estate lending needs and provide information that helps them refer potential applicants.
Use contact and follow-up reports to cultivate member engagement during the home-buying process and promote SECU as the lender of choice.
Engage with realtors and other third parties and attend community events as needed to build and maintain mortgage loan volume.
Perform assigned consumer unsecured lending.
Answer phones and perform other clerical duties as needed.
Complete additional tasks assigned by management.