Mortgage Loan Originator (Self-Source)

First Entertainment Credit Union is seeking an experienced, proactive, and highly motivated Mortgage Originator (Self – Source) to join our Real Estate Lending team. This is a critical growth role for a licensed mortgage professional with a proven ability to generate business independently through a book of business, referral partnerships, and community engagement.

As a Mortgage Originator, you will be responsible for developing and managing a robust pipeline of mortgage loan applications through self-directed, outside sales activities. You will serve as a trusted advisor to prospective members, guiding them through mortgage solutions aligned with their financial goals.

Reporting to the Director, Community Sales, Mortgage Originators will be expected to originate and manage a full pipeline with minimal lead support (90% self-source and 10% internal leads). The targeted pay for this role in California is $36,000 plus commissions.

This is a field-based role – Mortgage Originators are expected to spend the majority of their time out of the office, meeting with clients and prospects face-to-face. You will not be assigned any office or working space within any credit union location and cannot perform any substantial amount of work from any home office. This role is supported by staff to manage in-bound calls and perform administrative functions allowing Mortgage Originators to solely focus on obtaining referrals and new prospects. 

Responsibilities

• Proactively generate residential mortgage business through outside sales/self-sourced activities such as open houses, referral networks, community events, and business-to-business outreach.
• Cultivate, manage, and deepen relationships with realtors, builders, attorneys, financial advisors, CPAs, Select Employer Groups (SEGs) and other Centers of Influence (COIs) to drive consistent referral activity.
• Provide high-touch service throughout the mortgage process, from application through closing, including pre-underwriting analysis, submission, and follow-up.
• Meet with members and prospects to assess needs, advise on loan options, and collect documentation. Meetings will primarily be conducted in person. Any telephonic and/or videoconferencing meetings are expected to be occasional and should not take any significant amount of working time.  
• Maintain strong knowledge of current mortgage guidelines, investor policies, pricing, compliance requirements (RESPA, Reg Z, TRID, etc.), and the credit union's products and services.
• Host and participate in educational seminars, webinars, and community-facing events to promote First Entertainment Credit Union’s lending services, solicit referrals, and generate new residential mortgage business.
• Maintain a detailed pipeline report and ensure clear, consistent communication with all stakeholders throughout the loan process. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum three (3) years of recent experience in mortgage lending with 80% or more of production self-sourced.
• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding mortgage production goals through outside sales and self-sourced strategies.
• Active NMLS license in good standing, and compliant with S.A.F.E. Act and Regulation Z requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of residential loan products, underwriting guidelines, and compliance regulations.
• Proficiency with loan origination systems (LOS), preferably Encompass 360.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly and effectively.
• Strong networking skills and comfort presenting to small and large groups.
• High level of integrity and ability to build trust quickly with clients and partners.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to attend client appointments and events.
• Reliable means of transportation and willingness to spend time traveling with a majority of working hours in face-to-face meetings.