Mortgage Loan Officer

Coda Search│Staffing; New Jersey; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Coda Search Staffing is seeking a Mortgage Loan Officer Assistant to manage new purchase applications, issue pre-approval letters, and shepherd loans from contract through close. The role requires collaborating with borrowers, Loan Officers, processors, underwriters, and external partners to ensure timely closings and an exceptional borrower experience.

Strong organization, communication, and regulatory knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Active NMLS license required.
• Experience in mortgage processing, underwriting, loan origination, or related operations.
• Strong knowledge of agency and investor guidelines.
• Ability to analyze cash, credit, and income documentation.

Responsibilities

• Set up new purchase applications and issue pre-approval letters promptly.
• Collaborate with borrowers, Loan Officers, processors, and partners to ensure on-time closings.
• Review 1003s and request necessary documentation from borrowers.
• Monitor pipelines and provide regular loan status updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Desktop Underwriter (DU)

Loan Product Advisor (LPA/LP)

Encompass

ARIVE

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Mortgage Loan Officer Assistant is responsible for accurately setting up new purchase applications, issuing pre-approval letters, and overseeing the successful progression of every loan from contract to close.

This individual will work collaboratively with borrowers, Loan Officers, Loan Processors, Underwriters, and third-party partners to ensure loans close on time while delivering an exceptional customer experience throughout the mortgage process.

This position requires excellent organizational and time management skills, strong verbal and written communication, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of mortgage lending guidelines, including the ability to analyze cash, credit, and income documentation.

Key Responsibilities

Loan Set-Up

• Contact all borrowers within 24 hours of receiving a new application or Loan Officer appointment.
• Review the loan application (1003) with borrowers and request all necessary documentation.
• Analyze borrower cash, credit, and income qualifications.
• Research investor guidelines and remain current on program updates.
• Continue communication with borrowers and referral partners throughout the qualification process.
• Exhaust all available options before declining a pre-approval request.

Pre-Approvals

• Accurately evaluate and pre-approve qualified borrowers.
• Prepare and issue pre-approval letters and supporting documentation.
• Handle payment scenario requests and financing options.
• Communicate all pre-approval terms and conditions clearly with borrowers.
• Contact referring real estate partners within 24 hours of issuing a pre-approval.
• Identify and communicate any potential issues or red flags to the Loan Officer.
• Prioritize urgent pre-approval requests as needed.

Contract to Close

• Onboard newly executed purchase contracts and coordinate rate lock consultations.
• Submit complete loan applications promptly to Loan Processing for disclosures.
• Monitor loan pipelines daily and proactively identify potential delays.
• Provide regular loan status updates to borrowers and business partners.
• Coordinate with processors, underwriters, attorneys, title companies, and real estate agents throughout the transaction.
• Ensure mortgage contingency deadlines are met and proactively request extensions when necessary.
• Review Closing Disclosures for accuracy against the original Loan Estimate.
• Conduct pre-closing calls with borrowers prior to settlement.
• Perform post-closing funding calls and answer any final borrower questions.
• Maintain a high level of responsiveness, including limited after-hours communication when necessary.

Performance Expectations

• Contact new borrowers within 24 hours of assignment.
• Maintain consistent communication throughout the loan process.
• Ensure the majority of loans are cleared to close at least seven days prior to closing.
• Achieve a high percentage of on-time closings.
• Minimize escalations by proactively resolving issues before involving the Loan Officer.
• Deliver an outstanding borrower experience from application through funding.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional, positive, and customer-focused demeanor on every interaction.
• Serve as a trusted resource for borrowers and referral partners regarding loan programs and financing options.
• Attend pipeline meetings and participate in ongoing training.
• Complete all required compliance and regulatory training.
• Collaborate effectively with branch and corporate teams.
• Consistently exceed borrower and referral partner expectations through exceptional service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in mortgage processing, underwriting, loan origination, or a combination of mortgage operations.
• Active NMLS License required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Proficiency with Desktop Underwriter (DU), Loan Product Advisor (LPA/LP), and major Loan Origination Systems such as Encompass or ARIVE.
• Strong understanding of agency and investor guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple loans while meeting deadlines.
• Self-motivated, dependable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Willingness to work Eastern Time business hours.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Why Join Us?

Join a collaborative, high-performing mortgage team dedicated to delivering an exceptional client experience. We value professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement while providing employees with the tools, support, and resources needed to succeed. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mortgage professional seeking long-term career growth within a dynamic and customer-focused organization.