Mortgage Loan Specialist

State Employees' Credit Union•Fuquay-Varina, NC

About The Position

The Mortgage Loan Specialist (MLS) manages the real estate loan process across delivery channels and serves as the primary contact for applicants during origination. The role requires knowledge of the real estate loan cycle and servicing functions, and involves evaluating, underwriting, pricing, and disclosing mortgage and home equity applications within assigned lending limits. The MLS develops referral sources among realtors, builders, colleagues, and the community, supports members through home buying and loan servicing, and helps maintain mortgage lending volume. The specialist collaborates with the Real Estate Lending leadership team, Loan Administration’s Real Estate Lending Processing Center, branch employees, and the Lending Contact Center. The role also includes educating members about credit union products and services, documenting application histories, contributing to community engagement, and completing additional assigned duties. Work is performed in an office setting, with some local travel potentially required.

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 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 and at 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, executives, 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 application-processing and loan-servicing software.
Completion of all required quarterly training courses and other training assigned by management.
Consistent demonstration of SECU’s Core Values.
Recommendation from 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.
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.

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, serving 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 tiered lending limits.
Communicate 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, collect accurate applications, and obtain documentation needed for initial approval.
Seek guidance from a Senior MLS or above on complex lending situations and approval authority.
Stay informed about 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 with prequalified applicants and other leads.
Price and disclose applications by determining loan interest rates and fees based on relevant factors.
Coordinate member engagement with the Real Estate Lending Processing Center and assist with real estate loan closings.
Maintain knowledge of real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Educate members on available services and refer them to other Credit Union products and services as appropriate.
Maintain clear, comprehensive 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 questions and information needed to refer potential applicants.
Use contact and follow-up reports to engage members during the home-buying process and promote SECU as their lender of choice.
Support community engagement by meeting with realtors and other third parties and attending community events.
Perform consumer unsecured lending as assigned.
Answer phones and perform other clerical duties as needed.
Complete additional tasks assigned by management.