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Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by and edited by , who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Our mortgage reporters and editors focus on the points consumers care about most — the latest rates, the best lenders, navigating the homebuying process, refinancing your mortgage and more — so you can feel confident when you make decisions as a homebuyer and a homeowner. Bankrate logo Editorial integrity
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You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Mortgage loan officers are representatives of financial institutions offering home loans. Also known as , LOs or MLOs, they are licensed professionals authorized by the to advise borrowers on their financing options. What does a mortgage loan officer do
Often, your first interaction with a mortgage lender is with one of its loan officers. The loan officer serves as the point of contact through the , , and — communicating with you, your attorney, your real estate agent and the lender’s underwriting department. Depending on the type of lender they represent, you might meet with one in person at a branch location, communicate with one primarily online or over email or on the phone, or a combination. The loan officer’s main responsibility is to inform you of your mortgage options and help you choose the right program for your situation. This involves checking your credit and collecting documents, such as your pay stubs and W-2s, for the preapproval and application. Lightbulb Bankrate insight Bear in mind: The loan officer ultimately works for the lender, and most are compensated via commission. This might mean the person isn’t always working in your best interest. After gathering information about your credit and finances, the loan officer will present you with mortgage programs you qualify for, with down payment requirements, rate and fee information and other details. Listen carefully and ask questions. Once you decide on a course of action, the loan officer will provide you with a , help get you a preapproval letter so you can make offers on homes, complete an application when you sign a purchase agreement and fill in any gaps in underwriting as you prepare for closing. If you’re not eligible for the lender’s programs, the loan officer might also suggest how to improve your chances of getting approved in the future, such as lowering your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, or refer you to another lender if you ask. Overall, a loan officer’s job is to help you find the best mortgage based on your eligibility and needs, and help ensure your loan closes on time. Broker vs loan officer
A is also a licensed professional, offering services similar to those of a loan officer in almost every respect. The difference: A broker works with instead of one institution, giving you access to a wider range of loans at varying costs. In contrast, a loan officer only offers programs from their lender. If you work with a loan officer at a specific institution, this might mean you’ll have limited options or miss out on the best deal. Brokers also charge a fee, which is often baked into the loan’s pricing versus appearing as a separate expense in your closing costs. Loan officer vs originator
Loan officers are also known as loan originators, and, technically, both terms are correct. “Originator” is a regulatory term used to describe officers. However, “originator” might also refer to the lender originating and funding the mortgage. The term “officer” wouldn’t apply in this instance. How do loan officers get paid
Loan officers are often paid on commission, usually a percentage of the amount you’re borrowing. You don’t pay this commission directly; the loan officer is compensated by the lender. However, you might be charged an , application or underwriting fee. These are part of the loan’s — the primary way lenders make money. How to find a mortgage loan officer
Compare lenders: Begin by comparing at least three mortgage lenders. This might include your bank or credit union and an online lender. Consider your needs: Can the lender close quickly, for example, or does it offer assistance programs? Get referrals: Get recommendations from family, friends and your real estate agent, and check out and testimonials. It might be tempting to go with a big name, but don’t rule out a , especially if it has a longstanding reputation in the community. This type of lender might also be more knowledgable about the local market and have more flexibility compared to a bank. Connect with an officer: Once you have your short list of lenders, get in touch with a loan officer. You can either fill out a form on the lender’s website, call or visit a branch. For some, an in-person interaction helps foster a relationship that might come in handy if issues arise. Questions to ask a mortgage loan officer
When you talk to a loan officer, ask these questions: How long have you been in the mortgage business? What are your hours, and how often will you communicate with me? Will it be by email, phone or text? What is the best mortgage for me? Does the lender offer down payment assistance or first-time homebuyer programs? How much will this loan cost? Does this rate quote include points or credits? Can I prepay, and if so, is there a penalty? Can I make biweekly or extra payments? Will you sell this loan or keep it in your portfolio? Will you service the loan or outsource? What refinancing options do you offer? SHARE: This article was generated using automation technology and thoroughly edited and fact-checked by an editor on our editorial staff. Suzanne De Vita is the mortgage editor for Bankrate, focusing on mortgage and real estate topics for homebuyers, homeowners, investors and renters. Jeffrey L. Beal, president of Real Estate Solutions, has 40 years' experience in multiple phases of the real estate industry. Related Articles