Top 12 Mortgage Originator Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive world of mortgage origination, standing out as a candidate requires showcasing a unique set of skills on your resume. This article highlights the top 12 skills that mortgage originators should emphasize to demonstrate their proficiency in navigating the complex mortgage landscape and their capability to effectively serve clients.

Mortgage Originator Skills

1. Underwriting
2. Salesmanship
3. Compliance
4. Customer Service
5. LoanSifter
6. Encompass
7. Calyx Point
8. Risk Assessment
9. Financial Analysis
10. Networking
11. Ellie Mae
12. CRM Software

1. Underwriting

Underwriting, in the context of a mortgage originator, is the process of assessing the risk of lending money to a borrower by evaluating their financial status, creditworthiness, and property value, to decide whether to approve or deny a mortgage loan.

Why It's Important

Underwriting is crucial for a Mortgage Originator because it assesses the borrower's creditworthiness, ensuring the loan meets specific financial criteria and reduces the risk of default, safeguarding both the lender's and investor's interests.

How to Improve Underwriting Skills

Improving underwriting for a mortgage originator involves enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and customer experience. Here are key strategies:

1. Leverage Technology: Implement advanced underwriting software and AI tools to automate data collection and analysis, reducing errors and speeding up the process. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer technology solutions that can be integrated into the mortgage process.

2. Data Analytics: Use data analytics to better understand risk factors and adjust underwriting criteria accordingly. This helps in making more informed decisions. CoreLogic provides analytics for property data that can be crucial in the underwriting process.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated with current regulations to ensure compliance and reduce legal risks. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers resources and guidelines for mortgage originators.

4. Training and Development: Regularly train underwriting staff on new technologies, regulations, and market trends to improve their decision-making skills. Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) offers courses and certifications for mortgage professionals.

5. Customer Communication: Enhance communication with applicants to ensure timely collection of necessary documents and to keep them informed throughout the process. This improves customer experience and can speed up underwriting.

By focusing on these strategies, mortgage originators can significantly improve their underwriting process, leading to more accurate loan decisions, increased efficiency, and better customer satisfaction.

How to Display Underwriting Skills on Your Resume

2. Salesmanship

Salesmanship, in the context of a Mortgage Originator, involves the skillful persuasion and strategy used to engage potential clients, understand their needs, and effectively present mortgage products as solutions that meet those needs, ultimately leading to successful loan origination.

Why It's Important

Salesmanship is crucial for a Mortgage Originator because it enables them to effectively communicate and persuade potential clients of the benefits and suitability of mortgage products, build trusting relationships, and navigate the competitive market to secure financing deals that meet the clients' needs.

How to Improve Salesmanship Skills

Improving salesmanship, especially for a Mortgage Originator, involves enhancing skills in communication, understanding customer needs, and building trust. Here are concise tips:

1. Know Your Product Inside Out: Understand all mortgage products you offer to confidently address client questions. Investopedia's Mortgage Basics is a good starting point.

2. Understand Your Client: Tailor your approach by listening to their needs and financial situation. The CFPB's guide can help you understand potential client concerns.

3. Build Trust Through Education: Educate your clients about the mortgage process, helping them make informed decisions. Freddie Mac's CreditSmart offers valuable resources.

4. Improve Communication Skills: Be clear, concise, and positive. Toastmasters International can help improve public speaking and communication.

5. Follow Up and Provide Exceptional Service: Keep in touch with clients and update them regularly, showing your commitment. Tools like HubSpot’s CRM can help manage interactions.

6. Ask for Referrals: Satisfied clients are often happy to refer others. Nielsen's insights highlight the power of recommendations.

7. Continuously Learn: Stay updated with market trends and regulatory changes. Mortgage Bankers Association offers courses and certifications.

Implementing these strategies can significantly improve salesmanship by creating value for clients, fostering trust, and building lasting relationships.

How to Display Salesmanship Skills on Your Resume

3. Compliance

Compliance, in the context of a mortgage originator, refers to adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines governing the mortgage industry to ensure ethical and legal lending practices.

Why It's Important

Compliance is crucial for a Mortgage Originator because it ensures adherence to legal and regulatory standards, minimizing legal risks, avoiding penalties, and maintaining trust and credibility with clients and regulators.

How to Improve Compliance Skills

To improve compliance as a Mortgage Originator, focus on these key strategies:

1. Stay Updated on Regulations: Regularly review updates from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to ensure you're aware of current laws and guidelines.

2. Implement Robust Training Programs: Develop continuous education programs for your team on compliance matters. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) offers resources and training courses.

3. Adopt Technology Solutions: Utilize compliance software tools that help in tracking regulatory changes and ensuring document accuracy. Platforms like ComplianceEase can automate compliance checks.

4. Conduct Regular Audits: Perform internal audits and engage external auditors to review your compliance with mortgage lending laws and regulations. This helps in identifying and rectifying gaps.

5. Foster a Culture of Compliance: Encourage open communication about compliance issues and make it clear that compliance is a priority at all levels of the organization.

By focusing on education, technology, audits, and culture, you can significantly improve compliance in your mortgage origination operations.

How to Display Compliance Skills on Your Resume

4. Customer Service

Customer service for a mortgage originator involves providing support, guidance, and assistance to clients throughout the process of obtaining a mortgage, ensuring a smooth, understandable, and efficient experience.

Why It's Important

Customer service is crucial for a Mortgage Originator because it builds trust, fosters client loyalty, and generates referrals by ensuring a smooth, transparent, and supportive home financing process.

How to Improve Customer Service Skills

Improving customer service, especially for a Mortgage Originator, involves enhancing communication, personalizing the customer experience, and leveraging technology for efficiency. Here are concise steps to achieve this:

1. Enhance Communication: Establish clear, timely, and proactive communication with clients. Utilize CRM tools to keep track of interactions and preferences.

2. Personalization: Understand your customer's unique needs and preferences. Offer personalized solutions by staying informed about current mortgage trends and products.

3. Efficiency through Technology: Implement mortgage origination software that streamlines the application process, making it faster and more transparent for the client.

4. Educate Your Clients: Provide clients with resources and tools to understand the mortgage process. Websites like Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offer valuable insights.

5. Follow-Up and Feedback: After closing, follow up with clients to ensure satisfaction and seek feedback to improve services. Utilize platforms like SurveyMonkey for collecting feedback efficiently.

By focusing on these areas, a Mortgage Originator can significantly improve customer service, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume

5. LoanSifter

LoanSifter is a comprehensive product and pricing engine (PPE) that helps mortgage originators compare, select, and offer the best loan options for their clients by sifting through rates and criteria from various lenders.

Why It's Important

LoanSifter is important for a Mortgage Originator because it provides a comprehensive and real-time pricing and product eligibility platform, enabling them to efficiently compare various lenders' rates and terms, and find the best mortgage options for their clients.

How to Improve LoanSifter Skills

Improving LoanSifter for a Mortgage Originator involves several key steps focused on leveraging technology, enhancing user skills, and optimizing the system for efficiency and accuracy:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update LoanSifter software to ensure you have the latest features and security enhancements. This can improve speed and efficiency.

2. Training: Invest in comprehensive training for users to fully understand and utilize all LoanSifter features effectively. Online courses or webinars offered by Banker's Academy can be beneficial.

3. Customization: Customize LoanSifter settings to match your specific business needs and preferences, enhancing productivity. Refer to the LoanSifter User Guide for detailed customization options.

4. Integration: Integrate LoanSifter with your CRM and loan origination software (LOS) for seamless data flow and improved efficiency. Information on integration can be found on the Encompass Integration Guide.

5. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop with users to identify pain points and areas for improvement within LoanSifter. This can lead to tailored solutions that enhance user experience.

6. Market Analysis Tools: Utilize LoanSifter’s market analysis tools to stay competitive with loan pricing. Regularly review market trends and adjust your pricing strategies accordingly.

7. Customer Support: Make use of LoanSifter’s customer support for troubleshooting and advice on best practices. Engaging with the LoanSifter Community Forum can also provide valuable insights from peers.

8. Security Measures: Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information. Regularly review LoanSifter’s security settings and recommendations to ensure data is secure.

By focusing on these areas, Mortgage Originators can significantly improve their use of LoanSifter, leading to increased efficiency, better loan pricing, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

How to Display LoanSifter Skills on Your Resume

6. Encompass

Encompass is a comprehensive mortgage loan origination system (LOS) used by mortgage lenders, including originators, to streamline and automate the mortgage application, processing, and closing processes, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and customer service.

Why It's Important

Encompass is important for a Mortgage Originator because it streamlines and automates the loan origination process, improving efficiency, accuracy, and compliance, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and competitive edge.

How to Improve Encompass Skills

Improving your experience with Encompass as a Mortgage Originator involves several strategies focused on optimizing workflow, enhancing data integrity, and leveraging integrations. Here are concise steps:

1. Stay Updated: Regularly update your software to leverage the latest features and security enhancements. Ellie Mae's Updates provide detailed release notes.

2. Customize Templates: Tailor your loan templates to match your most common scenarios, improving efficiency. Encompass Loan Template Guide offers a step-by-step approach.

3. Use Business Rules: Implement Encompass Business Rules to automate tasks and ensure data integrity. This Business Rule Management guide helps in setting up.

4. Leverage Integrations: Utilize Encompass integrations with credit agencies, verification services, and other third-party providers to streamline processes. Explore available Encompass Integrations.

5. Training and Support: Engage in ongoing training through Ellie Mae's Training Services and utilize their support resources for troubleshooting and optimization tips.

6. Feedback and Community: Participate in the Encompass Community to share insights and learn best practices from peers. The Encompass Community is a valuable resource for collaboration.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your proficiency with Encompass, streamline your mortgage origination process, and improve overall efficiency and accuracy.

How to Display Encompass Skills on Your Resume

7. Calyx Point

Calyx Point is a comprehensive mortgage origination and processing software used by mortgage originators to streamline and manage the loan application process, from pre-qualification to closing.

Why It's Important

Calyx Point is crucial for Mortgage Originators because it streamlines the loan origination process, enabling efficient application processing, underwriting, and closing, thereby enhancing productivity and improving customer service.

How to Improve Calyx Point Skills

Improving your experience with Calyx Point as a Mortgage Originator involves enhancing efficiency, customizing to fit your workflow, and utilizing integrations. Here’s a concise guide to achieving that:

1. Customize Templates: Tailor your templates for forms and reports to match your specific needs. This reduces manual data entry and errors. Calyx Template Guide

2. Automate Tasks: Use the scripting features to automate repetitive tasks, such as data collection and document generation. This speeds up your workflow. Calyx Automation

3. Utilize Training Resources: Enhance your knowledge and skills by accessing Calyx’s training resources. Familiarity with advanced features can greatly improve efficiency. Calyx Training

4. Implement Integrations: Connect Calyx Point with other software tools you use for CRM, marketing, or loan servicing. This creates a seamless workflow and saves time. Calyx Integrations

5. Regular Updates and Maintenance: Ensure that you regularly update Calyx Point to access new features and security improvements. Also, perform routine database maintenance to keep the system running smoothly. Calyx Support

6. Feedback and Suggestions: Actively use the feedback option within Calyx Point to suggest improvements or report issues. This can lead to customizations and enhancements that benefit your specific processes.

By focusing on customization, automation, education, integration, and maintenance, you can significantly improve your efficiency and effectiveness as a Mortgage Originator using Calyx Point.

How to Display Calyx Point Skills on Your Resume

8. Risk Assessment

Risk assessment, in the context of a Mortgage Originator, is the process of evaluating the potential risks involved in lending money to borrowers. It involves analyzing the borrower's creditworthiness, property value, and market conditions to determine the likelihood of loan repayment and minimize financial losses.

Why It's Important

Risk assessment is crucial for a Mortgage Originator because it helps in identifying and evaluating the potential risks involved in lending, including the borrower's ability to repay, market volatility, and regulatory compliance. This ensures informed decision-making, minimizes financial losses, and supports the sustainability and profitability of the mortgage lending business.

How to Improve Risk Assessment Skills

Improving risk assessment for a Mortgage Originator involves enhancing the precision and comprehensiveness of evaluating borrowers' ability to repay loans. Here's a concise guide:

1. Enhance Data Analysis: Utilize advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyze borrowers' financial behavior and creditworthiness more accurately. FICO and VantageScore are examples of models that can be refined for this purpose.

2. Incorporate Alternative Data: Beyond traditional credit reports, include alternative data like rent payment history, utility bill payments, and even social media behavior to assess risk. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides insights on using alternative data for credit underwriting.

3. Automate Processes: Implement automated underwriting systems (AUS) to quickly and more accurately assess risk. Systems like Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter and Freddie Mac's Loan Product Advisor can streamline the assessment process.

4. Regularly Update Policies and Criteria: As economic conditions and regulations change, regularly update your risk assessment criteria to reflect these changes. Staying updated with guidelines from The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) can help.

5. Enhance Training for Assessors: Ensure that your team is well-trained in the latest risk assessment techniques and tools. Professional bodies like the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) offer training and resources.

6. Compliance and Regulations: Stay abreast of and comply with all relevant regulations, including those related to fair lending laws. Regular reviews by The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can guide compliance efforts.

By integrating advanced analytics, incorporating a broader range of data, automating assessment processes, continuously updating policies, ensuring assessor expertise, and adhering to regulatory standards, Mortgage Originators can significantly enhance their risk assessment capabilities.

How to Display Risk Assessment Skills on Your Resume

9. Financial Analysis

Financial analysis, in the context of a Mortgage Originator, involves assessing an individual's financial information, including income, debt, credit history, and assets, to determine their ability to repay a mortgage loan. This process helps in making informed lending decisions.

Why It's Important

Financial analysis is crucial for a Mortgage Originator as it enables the assessment of a borrower's creditworthiness, ensuring loans are provided to individuals who are financially stable and likely to fulfill their repayment obligations. This minimizes the risk of defaults, safeguarding the originator's financial health and maintaining the integrity of the mortgage lending process.

How to Improve Financial Analysis Skills

Improving financial analysis for a Mortgage Originator involves enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and comprehensiveness in evaluating borrowers' financial health and property values. Here's a concise guide:

1. Leverage Technology: Utilize advanced mortgage origination software for automated income verification and risk assessment. Platforms like Encompass or Calyx Software can streamline the process.

2. Educate Yourself: Stay updated with the latest industry trends and regulations through continuous learning. Websites like Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) offer courses and certifications.

3. Data Analysis Skills: Improve your ability to analyze and interpret financial data accurately. Consider online courses on platforms like Coursera or Udemy that focus on financial analysis and modeling.

4. Credit Score Understanding: Deepen your understanding of credit scores and how they affect mortgage terms. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides valuable resources.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure you're up-to-date with mortgage lending laws and guidelines. The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) is a good resource for compliance standards.

6. Networking: Engage with professionals in the mortgage industry through forums and social networks like LinkedIn. Sharing insights and experiences can provide practical knowledge and trends in financial analysis.

By focusing on these areas, a Mortgage Originator can significantly improve their financial analysis capabilities, leading to more informed decision-making and better service for clients.

How to Display Financial Analysis Skills on Your Resume

10. Networking

Networking, in the context of a Mortgage Originator, involves building and maintaining relationships with potential clients, real estate agents, lenders, and other professionals in the housing industry to generate leads, referrals, and increase business opportunities.

Why It's Important

Networking is crucial for Mortgage Originators as it helps build relationships with real estate agents, financial advisors, and existing clients, generating referrals and expanding the customer base, ultimately increasing loan origination opportunities and boosting income.

How to Improve Networking Skills

Improving networking as a Mortgage Originator involves building strong, genuine relationships within the industry and local community. Here's a short and concise guide:

1. Join Industry Associations: Get involved with organizations like the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) to connect with fellow professionals.
2. Attend Local Events: Participate in local chamber of commerce meetings and real estate events to meet potential referral partners.
3. Use Social Media: Engage with both clients and peers on platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking.
4. Offer Value: Share your expertise through blogs or webinars, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable resource.
5. Follow Up: After meeting new contacts, follow up with a personalized message to strengthen the connection.

By focusing on these strategies, you can effectively expand your network and generate more business opportunities.

How to Display Networking Skills on Your Resume

11. Ellie Mae

Ellie Mae is a cloud-based platform provider for the mortgage finance industry, offering technology solutions to streamline and automate the mortgage origination process for lenders, enabling them to originate more loans, lower origination costs, and reduce the time to close.

Why It's Important

Ellie Mae is important to Mortgage Originators because it provides Encompass, a comprehensive digital mortgage solution that streamlines and automates the mortgage origination process, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and loan quality.

How to Improve Ellie Mae Skills

Improving your use of Ellie Mae, now known as Encompass by ICE Mortgage Technology, involves leveraging its full suite of tools to streamline the mortgage origination process. Focus on the following areas for improvement:

1. Training: Invest in comprehensive training for your team. Utilize the Encompass Learning Center for webinars, eLearning courses, and certifications to ensure your team is maximizing the platform's capabilities.

2. Automation: Utilize Encompass's automation features to reduce manual tasks. Implement Encompass Auto Loan Officer and Automated Underwriting to streamline the lending process from application to underwriting.

3. Integration: Take advantage of third-party integrations available within Encompass to enhance functionality. Visit the Encompass Partner Connect to explore integrated solutions for credit reporting, verification services, and more to improve efficiency.

4. Compliance: Stay updated with the latest regulatory changes and ensure compliance through Encompass's built-in features. The platform provides Compliance Management tools designed to help you navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

5. Data Analytics: Leverage Encompass's Data & Analytics solutions to gain insights into your operations and market trends. Use these analytics to make informed decisions and improve your mortgage origination strategy.

By focusing on these key areas and utilizing the resources available, you can significantly improve your mortgage origination process with Ellie Mae (Encompass).

How to Display Ellie Mae Skills on Your Resume

12. CRM Software

CRM software for a Mortgage Originator is a digital tool designed to manage, track, and nurture client interactions, streamline loan origination processes, and enhance customer relationships to boost sales and retention rates.

Why It's Important

CRM software is crucial for Mortgage Originators as it streamlines client management, automates communication, ensures timely follow-ups, and enhances customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased conversions and retention.

How to Improve CRM Software Skills

To improve CRM software for a Mortgage Originator, focus on customization, automation, and integration. Enhance user experience and efficiency by tailoring features to the specific needs of mortgage origination, such as lead management, client communication, and loan processing workflows.

1. Customization: Tailor the CRM to cater to the unique processes of mortgage origination. This includes custom fields for application tracking, loan types, and client financial information. Salesforce offers extensive customization options to fit various business models.

2. Automation: Implement automation for repetitive tasks such as data entry, follow-up emails, and appointment scheduling to increase efficiency and reduce errors. HubSpot provides powerful automation tools that can streamline mortgage origination processes.

3. Integration: Ensure seamless integration with other tools used in the mortgage process, such as loan origination systems (LOS), document management systems, and credit reporting tools. This minimizes manual data transfer and enhances accuracy. Zapier can facilitate integration between different software tools without the need for custom coding.

4. Client Communication: Use built-in communication tools for consistent and personalized contact with clients. Features should include automated reminders, status updates, and educational content to guide clients through the mortgage process. ActiveCampaign excels in personalized communication and marketing automation.

5. Security and Compliance: Ensure the CRM adheres to industry regulations and standards for data protection, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the standards set by the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO). Regular updates and security audits are crucial. Microsoft Dynamics 365 is known for its robust security measures and compliance features.

Improving CRM software for Mortgage Originators involves focusing on these key areas to enhance efficiency, client satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.

How to Display CRM Software Skills on Your Resume