How to Become a Mortgage Loan Processor
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If you have an interest in the financial industry and want to learn how to become a mortgage loan processor, read this blog post. You’ll learn about the job duties, education requirements, and necessary skills for the position.
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Introduction
Mortgage loan processors are responsible for verifying and collecting documentation needed to approve a loan application. They also ensure that the information provided by the borrower is accurate and complies with lending guidelines. Theprocessor reviews the loan application and supporting documentation to determine if the borrower meets the requirements for approval. If everything is in order, they will forward the file to an underwriter for final review and approval.
Loan processors typically work for banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. Some may work remotely, but most are employed in an office setting. The hours are usually regular, Monday to Friday during business hours. Some overtime may be required when deadlines need to be met.
What Does a Mortgage Loan Processor Do?
A mortgage loan processor is a professional who handles the paperwork and communication involved in originating a mortgage loan. The processor is responsible for reviewing and verifying a loan applicant’s documentation, such as employment history, tax returns, and credit reports. He or she also obtains any additional required information, such as property appraisals. Once the documentation is complete, the processor prepares a loan package for submission to the underwriter for final approval.
The job of mortgage loan processor is often confused with that of loan officer, but there are important differences. Loan officers are responsible for taking loan applications and assisting borrowers in choosing the best type of financing, whereas processors primarily focus on putting together the documentation needed to approve the loan. Some larger organizations may have both positions, with the loan officer responsible for originating the loan and the processor responsible for completing the paperwork. In smaller organizations, one person may perform both roles.
Becoming a mortgage loan processor typically requires at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education or certification. Mortgage bankers, credit unions, and other financial institutions usually provide on-the-job training for entry-level processors. Some community colleges offer certificate programs in mortgage processing, which can be helpful in obtaining a job but are not always required.
Qualifications for a Mortgage Loan Processor
Mortgage loan processors need to have excellent customer service skills to build relationships with potential borrowers. They also need strong math skills to calculate interest rates and monthly payments, as well as the ability to pay attention to detail in order to catch errors. Some processors become certified through the Mortgage Bankers Association. Although certification is not required, it might give jobseekers an edge when competing for jobs. Processors typically need at least a high school diploma, although some employers prefer candidates who have taken some college coursework in business or finance.
How to Become a Mortgage Loan Processor
A mortgage loan processor is a professional who handles the administrative duties associated with originating and approving mortgage loans. Mortgage loan processors working in banks and other financial institutions typically need to have at least a few years of experience working in the industry before they can be promoted to this position. Some processors may also need to complete additional training or education, although this is not always required.
The primary responsibility of a mortgage loan processor is to collect and review all of the documentation that is necessary to approve a loan application. This includes things like tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and other financial documents. The processor will also verify that the borrower meets all of the eligibility requirements for the loan program that they are applying for. Once all of the required documentation has been collected, the processor will submit it to the underwriter for approval.
Mortgage loan processors need to have strong communication and organizational skills in order to be successful in their role. They must be able to effectively communicate with both borrowers and underwriters in order to collect all of the necessary documentation and ensure that loans are approved in a timely manner. Additionally, processors must be able to keep track of multiple loan applications at once and make sure that each one is progressing smoothly through the approval process.
Mortgage Loan Processor Certification
A mortgage loan processor is responsible for preparing mortgage loan files for residential and commercial properties. He or she collects and verifies the required documentation from the borrower, co-borrowers, employers, and other sources. The processor then submits the file to the underwriter for approval.
To become a certified mortgage loan processor, you must complete a Mortgage Loan Processor Certification program. There are many certification programs available, but not all are created equal. Some certification programs are more comprehensive than others and will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this career.
When choosing a Mortgage Loan Processor Certification program, look for one that is accredited by an organization such as the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) or the National Association of Mortgage Processors (NAMP). These programs offer comprehensive training that covers everything from mortgage law to ethics to risk management. It is also important to choose a program that offers job placement assistance so you can find a job after you complete your certification.
Mortgage Loan Processor Salary
The median annual wage for mortgage loan processors was $51,740 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,530.
Job Outlook for Mortgage Loan Processors
Mortgage loan processors prepare loan applications for approval and review by underwriters and ultimately ensure that documentation is in order so the loan can be funded. They might also handle customer service inquiries about their applications. Mortgage loan processors typically need at least a high school diploma, although some companies prefer applicants who have an associate degree in business or a related field. Certification from the Mortgage Bankers Association is also available and may be required by some employers.