skillset of a loan originator

Career Qualities a Loan Originator Should Have

Mortgage brokers operate as a middle man among home buyers and lending institutions that offer home loans. They go over in detail mortgage programs that are offered by lenders with the most attractive interest rates and recommend loan products to borrowers. Individuals should have a solid educational understanding in mortgage finance, and sound analytical and negotiation skills to perform well in the mortgage broker industry.

Master the Skills
Outstanding communication,  negotiation and client service skills are key to the proficiency of mortgage originators. They should have smooth and reliable service for their clients; ability to guide them on picking out the right home loan; and work out the best mortgage rates with lenders. 


Prospective mortgage loan originators should have strong analytical skills to evaluate a clients’ financial documents and conclude an precise snapshot of their financial condition. Additional essential qualities for mortgage originators consist of excellent math, organizational skills, high attention to detail, and interpersonal skills.

Potentially interested candidates must pay a fee, and pass a licensing examination for the state(s) you want to do business in as well as a criminal background check. These are part of the fees you’ll pay to the National Mortgage Licensing System.

Client Service
Mortgage brokers also work directly with lenders on the transaction not just their clients. A good loan officer will have plenty of experience dealing with clients and lenders. They need to know how to work with multiple types of personalities with lenders and borrowers; some people are aggressive while others are passive or disinterested in how it all works out.

They should use more patience on the demanding and aggressive clients. The same goes for lenders, some may be flexible, while others are as hard as a rock. A mortgage originator should know how to take care of people from all walks of life. Loan officers should be able to work things out so that all parties are getting a good deal.

Connections
An professional and seasoned loan officer should have plenty of relationships so that you’ll also have many choices with regards to obtaining a loan. The more options you have, the better odds you’ll have to get the best deal. Some loan officers who broker loans restrict their pool of quality lenders, while others will work with any lender they are signed up with.

Salesmanship
A mortgage loan originator is considered a salesperson, he/she needs to have skills that can persuade their client to agree to the lender’s specific terms and conditions. But then again, a mortgage originator should also be able to convince the lender to be flexible with regards to their stipulations for the sake of the client. Buying a home can be a very stressful experience, but when you are a competent loan officer who can guide them, the process and career are a lot easier.