Mortgage Loan Specialist

SECU • Fuquay-Varina, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

An experienced Mortgage Loan Specialist responsible for the full real estate loan process across all delivery channels, including origination and servicing. The specialist 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 role assesses and underwrites real estate loan applications within assigned lending limits, communicates lending decisions, and counsels home buyers and homeowners. It also supports members with existing mortgage and home equity loans, coordinates loan processing and closings, and helps branch and contact center employees with mortgage lending needs.

The position requires comprehensive knowledge of real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance. The specialist builds member relationships, follows up with prospective applicants, makes referrals to other Credit Union services, and maintains thorough loan records. Some local travel may be required. The position is based in an office setting with proximity to employees and members and some background noise.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Successful completion of Real Estate Lending (RELP) courses and the subsequent exam before moving into this role.
• 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 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.
• Must speak and write English fluently.
• Understands and is dedicated to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
• Must complete the Credit Union’s Core Module Program within 12 months of hire.

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 two years of mortgage lending experience is strongly preferred.
• Required additional modules: Wires, Credit Cards, Estate Basics, Financial Advisory Services (FAS) Overview, and Life Stages & Events.
• Recommendation of a VP/SVP and RELO VP/SVP for advancement to this level.

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, within assigned approval limits; communicate approval or denial decisions professionally.
• Evaluate and verify income documentation, including personal and business tax returns.
• Counsel prospective home buyers and existing homeowners, take complete and accurate applications, and obtain documentation needed for initial loan 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 with prequalified applicants and other leads in a timely and effective manner.
• Price and disclose loan applications, determining interest rates and fees based on relevant borrower, loan, and market factors.
• Coordinate member engagement with the Real Estate Lending Processing Center and assist members with real estate loan closings.
• Maintain knowledge of real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Educate members about available services and refer them to other Credit Union products and services based on their needs.
• Maintain comprehensive, clear, and reviewable 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 throughout the home-buying process.
• Meet with realtors and other third parties and attend community events as needed to build and maintain mortgage loan volume.
• Perform consumer unsecured lending as assigned.
• Answer phones and perform other clerical duties as needed.
• Complete additional tasks assigned by management.
• Adhere to the Credit Union’s work schedule and attendance policies and complete the Core Module Program within 12 months of hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED