A mortgage loan officer’s job is to help you secure a mortgage that fits your needs and financial situation. Here’s a closer look at their responsibilities:

• Assess information on the loan application. They review your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Provide advice on the best program based on your application. Loan officers recommend mortgage products that match your financial profile.
• Explain the fee breakdown after the application and before closing. They provide detailed information about the costs associated with your loan.
• Collect supporting documents. This includes gathering all the necessary paperwork for your loan application, such as proof of income, bank
  statements, and more.
• Track deadlines and ensure closing. They keep the process moving smoothly toward the final step—closing on your home.

Your mortgage loan officer is there to guide you through the entire process, answering any questions or concerns you may have along the way. They are also knowledgeable about any changes or updates in mortgage regulations and can advise on what these changes may mean for your loan options.

How mortgage loan officers help borrowers.

Mortgage loan officers bring a wealth of expertise to the table. Their deep industry knowledge allows them to work effectively with lenders and borrowers, ensuring you receive personalized service tailored to your unique financial situation. You’ll also benefit from their understanding of the market, which can lead to more accurate, increased, and realistic borrowing and purchasing power.

Where can you find mortgage loan officers?

When you embark on the home buying process, you may wonder where to look for the right mortgage officer. Here are some common places to start:

• Real estate agent. While it is often better to start with a Mortgage Loan Officer—they can make sure you have what you need to work with a quality real estate agent, including a pre-approval—if you already have a trusted agent, they are likely to have a network of reliable mortgage loan officers they can refer you to. This option can be convenient, ensuring a smoother collaboration between your agent and the loan officer.
• Friend or family referral. Sometimes a personal referral can lead you to a reliable loan officer. Who better to trust than someone close to you with a great
  experience?
• Online lender. A quick internet search can connect you with online lenders and loan officers who are ready to assist you. The convenience is great, but it might lack the personal touch some prefer, and the lack of local knowledge might
  prove problematic. You should also carefully research the lender to ensure they are reputable.
• Local bank or credit union. Local mortgage lenders, such as a regional bank or credit union, can introduce you to loan officers who understand your local market well because they are a part of the community themselves. You will likely find personalized, engaged service with a strong support structure, clear communication, and accountability. Check out online reviews to get a sense of the institution’s reputation in the local community.
• Mortgage broker. A broker can help you find a loan officer while shopping around for mortgage rates. Be mindful that brokers might charge a fee for their services and may not offer the best rates, so be sure to check multiple sources for rate options.
• Housing counselor: You can also consult with a housing counselor for unbiased advice on the entire home buying process. They may be able to refer you to reputable loan officers, although some counselors may not do so for
  reasons of objectivity.

It’s important to research and compare multiple loan officers. You should find someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and responsive. The home buying process is personal, and you should feel comfortable with the person handling such a significant financial transaction.

How to choose a well-qualified mortgage loan officer.

If issues arise during the application process, the right loan officer can help you find solutions for your situation. Here are five steps to find the right loan officer for you.

Step 1. Ask about their experience and areas of expertise

When choosing a mortgage loan officer, it’s essential to inquire about their experience and areas of expertise. Consider asking about the following:

• Years of practice. Find out how long they’ve been a loan officer. More years can mean a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record. You can look them up on the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System to check their
  records and whether any complaints have been filed against them.
• Specialization. Some may specialize in specific loan types, like FHA or VA loans. Ensure their expertise aligns with your needs.
• Local insight. Check if they have experience with homes in your area, as local knowledge can be invaluable. Local lenders should be able to provide insight into local demographics, history, and economic trends.
• Success stories. Ask for examples of how they’ve helped others secure homes, which can prove their ability to assist with your unique situation.
• Support structures. Given the often-sensitive timing involved with buying a home, it’s important to know what support is in place in case an emergency happens and your loan officer is not available at a critical time in the
  transaction.
• Check the reviews. Look for reviews of the loan officer to gauge their reputation and how their clients feel about their experience.

If they can’t answer these questions confidently, or you feel less than fully satisfied with their responses, continuing your search for a more qualified loan officer may be best.

Step 2. Ensure they have the time, tools, and ability to provide custom assistance

• Availability. Your loan officer should be reachable during your house-hunting schedule. Can they commit the necessary time? Verify that their working hours suit your needs. This is another reason to consider applying for pre-
  approval before actively shopping for houses.
• Resources. They need the right tools to give you tailored advice. This includes access to the latest loan information, automated loan origination systems, and calculators to plan your budget.
• Expertise. Your loan officer should have experience and the ability to apply it to your unique situation. Discuss the options available and ask the loan officer how they resolved similar situations for other borrowers.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions that come to mind and clarify any potential concerns. Your loan officer should be willing to address any doubts or uncertainties you may have. Remember, this is a major investment, so it’s important to feel confident in your chosen loan officer’s abilities.

Step 3. Look for good service

A dedicated loan officer will provide valuable insight throughout the entire process, guiding you from the first “what’s this?” to the final “sign here” with wisdom and patience. They should outline the entire process and communicate clearly about deadlines and other requirements, so you know exactly what to expect and when, and they should respond quickly to questions or when you provide the required information. They will keep the process running smoothly, and you should always know where you stand and what is needed next. By making sure that every “i” is dotted and “t” is crossed on time, they’ll ensure you’ll have a better chance at dodging extra costs or interest
hikes. It should always feel like a conversation, and they should never be condescending.

Step 4. Assess whether they can help improve your qualification chances

Meeting with a loan officer is about more than filling out paperwork and submitting documents. It’s also an opportunity to discuss your unique financial situation and address any potential barriers or concerns. This is your chance to explain any missed payments, gaps in employment, or other factors that may affect your creditworthiness. A good loan officer will take the time to understand these details and work with you to find potential solutions that may help improve your chances of qualifying for a mortgage. They may also have resources to offer, such as home buying seminars, to increase your knowledge of and preparation for the process.

Step 5. Consider if they’re a good communicator

Effective communication is key in your journey to buying a home, both for educational purposes and to help you feel empowered and confident. Make sure your loan officer is on the same page with your preferred way of chatting—be it texts, emails, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings, whatever makes you feel most comfortable. They should be flexible and keep you in the loop, as well as coordinate smoothly with your realtor and others involved. Do they provide quick, clear updates and answers to your questions? Do they consistently have availability? This is what you’re looking for.

Work with an OnPoint Mortgage Loan Officer.

When you’re ready to take the first step toward homeownership, OnPoint Community Credit Union provides personalized guidance through our team of skilled mortgage loan officers. Each officer brings a wealth of knowledge to help you find the right home financing options.

Why choose OnPoint?