Mortgage Marketplace is seeking an experienced, NMLS-licensed Mortgage Loan Officer Assistant to work alongside our Loan Officers and help manage borrowers from application and pre-approval through closing. This is a high-level mortgage support position for someone with strong knowledge of credit, income, assets, mortgage guidelines, loan structuring, and the overall lending process. You will review and prequalify borrowers, prepare and manage accurate pre-approvals, communicate directly with borrowers and Realtor partners, identify and resolve loan issues, and help oversee the success of loans throughout the committed pipeline. The ideal candidate is highly experienced, resourceful, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable independently researching guidelines and solving problems before escalating them to the Loan Officer. Strong communication and an exceptional client experience are essential. Compensation includes a base salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities, with expected total annual compensation ranging from $62,000 to $92,000 depending on experience and performance. This position may be performed remotely or in person from our Salem, Oregon office.

Compensation:

$62,000 - $92,000 yearly

Responsibilities:

Promptly follow up with newly assigned borrowers and applications, with an expectation of initial contact within 24 hours. Review mortgage applications and borrower documentation to evaluate credit, income, assets, liabilities, and overall loan eligibility. Thoroughly review the 1003 with borrowers, identify missing or conflicting information, and request necessary supporting documentation. Research available loan programs and guidelines and explore viable options before determining that a borrower cannot be pre-approved. Accurately prequalify and pre-approve eligible borrowers and clearly communicate approval parameters. Run and interpret automated underwriting findings, including DU/DO and LPA/LP, and research applicable agency and investor guidelines. Prepare and manage pre-approval letters and supporting pre-approval documentation. Handle borrower payment scenarios and loan structure requests. Communicate proactively with borrowers and Realtor partners throughout the pre-approval and loan process. Notify referring Realtor partners following pre-approval and keep appropriate parties informed of loan progress and potential issues. Identify red flags, qualification concerns, documentation issues, and potential closing problems early. Independently research and resolve loan issues whenever possible, with an expectation of resolving 95%+ of issues before escalating them to the Loan Officer. Onboard newly accepted purchase contracts and help transition loans into processing and disclosures. Actively monitor the committed pipeline, identify loans requiring immediate attention, proactively address obstacles, and work toward a 95%+ on-time closing standard. Coordinate closely with processors, underwriters, borrowers, Realtor partners, and other third parties throughout the transaction. Monitor important contract and loan milestones and proactively address potential delays. Review Closing Disclosures for accuracy against Loan Estimates when applicable. Conduct borrower update, pre-closing, funding, and other required communication. Provide an exceptional, professional client experience from application through closing and post-closing support. Stay current on mortgage programs, agency guidelines, investor requirements, and industry changes.

Qualifications:

Must currently hold and maintain an active NMLS mortgage loan originator license Minimum 5 years of mortgage lending experience in processing, underwriting, origination, or a combination of these areas Strong working knowledge of Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage programs and guidelines Proficiency with Desktop Underwriter (DU/DO), Freddie Mac Loan Product Advisor (LPA/LP), and major agency and investor guidelines Experience reviewing borrower income, credit, assets, liabilities, and mortgage documentation for qualification purposes Experience reviewing 1003 loan applications and structuring mortgage loan options Experience using mortgage Loan Origination Systems Strong verbal and written communication skills Excellent time management, organization, and attention to detail Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to independently research and resolve mortgage-related issues Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and related applications Ability to collaborate effectively with Loan Officers, processors, underwriters, borrowers, Realtor partners, and other parties About Company Mortgage Marketplace is an independent mortgage brokerage based in Salem, Oregon, serving homebuyers and homeowners with a wide range of residential mortgage solutions. We work with first-time homebuyers, repeat buyers, veterans, self-employed borrowers, investors, and clients with more complex financing needs. Our team believes great mortgage lending requires more than simply moving a file from application to closing. We focus on education, communication, thoughtful loan structuring, problem solving, and delivering an exceptional experience for our clients and referral partners. We are looking for experienced mortgage professionals who take ownership of their work, communicate proactively, care about getting the details right, and enjoy finding solutions to challenging loan scenarios.