Key skills
Communication
About this role
If you are motivated and believe in the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," join our team!
Purpose
Entry level real estate lending position with focus on development and training. The Associate Mortgage Loan Specialist position is responsible for obtaining the required knowledge and experience needed to guide current and prospective members through the real estate loan application process.
Duties
- Receive and assist in the completion of real estate loan applications, while serving as the primary point of contact for applicants during the origination process.
- Assess, underwrite, and make recommendations for decision on loan applications considering applicant(s) credit worthiness, ability to repay, collateral valuation, and organizational risk. Communicate approval or denial decisions to members in a clear and professional manner.
- Evaluate and verify income documentation, including personal and business tax returns, to make informed approval or denial decisions.
- Counsel potential home buyers and existing homeowners, while taking complete and accurate real estate loan related applications and obtaining required documentation to facilitate initial loan approval with assistance when needed.
- Seek guidance for complex lending situations and approval authority from an MLS or above.
- Proactively stay updated on market trends, interest rates, and changes in lending policies and regulations to provide members with accurate and timely information.
- Assist membership with servicing of existing mortgage and home equity loans.
- Follow up with prequalified applicants and on other leads in a timely and effective manner.
- Price and disclose loan applications by determining the interest rates and fees associated with a loan, based on factors such as borrower’s creditworthiness, loan amount, term and market conditions.
- Successful completion of Consumer Lending Program courses and subsequent exam is required. After completion and proficiency shown, granted initial lending limits (Tier 1) with SVP recommendation.
- Coordinate member engagement with the Real Estate Lending Processing Center within Loan Administration.
- Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all real estate lending products, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
- Educate members on available services and make referrals for other Credit Union products and services based on their needs.
- Ensure well documented, easy to review loan application history notes within the Loan Origination System.
- Work with Lending Contact Center to provide assistance with mortgage lending calls when needed.
- Support branch employees with all real estate related needs and ensuring employees have the information needed to be comfortable referring all potential applicants to discuss mortgage lending opportunities.
- Work various contact and follow-up reports to cultivate member engagement throughout the home buying process and make SECU their lender of choice.
- Assist as needed with community engagement by meeting with realtors and other third parties as well as attending community events to build and maintain mortgage loan volume.
- Consumer unsecured lending as assigned.
- Answer phone and perform other clerical duties as needed.
- Complete additional tasks as assigned by management.
- Participate in additional training and continuing education to enhance knowledge of mortgage originations.
Requirements
- Must have high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Preferred – bachelor’s degree, or CCUE Certification, or Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science degree via the North Carolina Community College Transfer Program (NC-CTP).
- Attend Excel and Elevate – New Employee Training (E&E).
- Real Estate Lending Program (RELP) completed within 6 months.
- The following 10 Core Modules will be completed after E&E and subsequent training sessions:
- Checking Accounts
- Member Eligibility
- Money Market Share Accounts
- SECU Policies Overview
- Share Accounts
- Lending Overview
- NCUA Coverage
- Cooperative Principles
- Online Services
- We Are SECU!
- Additional Modules Required:
- SECU’s Member-Facing Websites
- Branch Security Measures
- Account Titling & Designations
- Funds Transfer
- Member Identification
- Check Acceptance
- MARGO Platform
- Account and Profile Maintenance
- Advances
- Safe Deposit Boxes
- The following 10 Core Modules will be completed after E&E and subsequent training sessions:
- Previous SECU and/or lending experience preferred.
- Minimum tier one lending limits assigned at this level.
- Completion of all requirements of the Associate MSO position preferred, but at a minimum must learn the following quick actionable items:
- Notaries
- Safe deposit box entrance
- Opening and closing of the branch
- Front desk duties
- Other dual control assistance as needed.
- Approving Wires and Cashier’s Checks
- Must possess the highest level of integrity and objectivity.
- Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Must be able to communicate with SECU personnel, VPs, SVPs, attorneys, members, appraisers, realtors, etc.
- Must have strong networking and relationship development skills.
- Meets compliance and regulatory standards.
- Makes lending decisions consistent with SECU loan policies.
- Has or is eligible to be registered as an active MLO with the NMLS.
- Must be organized and meticulous.
- Must be willing to engage in ongoing training and professional development.
- Must have basic computer skills with an ability to learn more complex software for processing of applications and completing loan servicing.
- Has completed all required quarterly training courses & other training assigned by management.
- Consistently demonstrates SECU’s Core Values.
- Recommendation of VP/SVP for advancement to this level.
- Must be able to speak and write English fluently.
- Must understand and be dedicated to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
- Must adhere to the work schedule and attendance policies established by the Credit Union.
- Must complete the Credit Union’s Core Module Program within 12 months of hire date as a condition of employment.
Job Environment
- Office setting with physical proximity to other employees and members.
- Some background noise from other employees, copy machine, and telephone.
- Some local travel may be required.
Physical Demands
- Must be able to comprehend and carry out job requirements.
- Job requires a substantial amount of sitting.
- Use hands and fingers to press keys on a computer keyboard to enter or retrieve information.
- Use hands and fingers to press telephone keypad and lift telephone receiver.
- Answer and operate a telephone.
- Lift up to 10-15 lbs.
SECU provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law.
Disclaimer
State Employees' Credit Union reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower level based on business need.