You have two choices when it comes to hiring a professional to assist you with the mortgage application process: a loan officer or a mortgage broker.
They play similar roles. Both a mortgage broker and a loan officer will inquire about your financial condition and assist you in completing and submitting a mortgage application. However, they play extremely different roles in other respects.
A loan officer will only present mortgage plans and also rates that are offered by the bank, credit union, or other mortgage lenders for which they work. A mortgage broker searches for the best rate and loan from various banks on the borrower’s behalf.
Key Takeaway
- What Is a Loan Officer?
- What Is a Mortgage Broker?
- Loan Officer role
- Mortgage Broker role
- The difference between a mortgage broker and a loan officer
- Is a loan officer a mortgage broker?
What Is a Loan Officer?
A loan officer is a lender employee who assists borrowers in applying for mortgages to purchase or refinance their homes. A mortgage loan officer must be licensed to sell a house loan.
Loan officers assist borrowers in determining which mortgage product is appropriate for their circumstances, but they are only permitted to market mortgage products offered by their lender. They are usually paid a salary plus a commission on the loans they generate. Some, though, work solely on commission.
The role of a Loan Officer
Here is the responsibility of the loan officer:
- Maintain and update account information
- Assess customer needs, consider all choices, and introduce several loan kinds
- Create referral networks, provide alternative channels, and cross-sell items and services to meet quotas.
- Go the “extra mile” to establish trust, customer loyalty, and satisfaction throughout the underwriting process
- Follow loan compliance requirements and operate in accordance with laws and regulations.
- Determine creditworthiness by processing loan applications and documentation within defined limitations
- Interview applicants to determine financial eligibility and loan feasibility
- Establish debt payment plans
- Communicate with clients to request or supply information
- Justify and report on decisions (approvals/rejections)
- Complete loan contracts and advise clients on policies and constraints.
- Maintain job knowledge of loan types and other financial services.
What Is a Mortgage Broker?
A mortgage broker is an independent loan officer who operates as a middleman, offering mortgage products from a variety of lenders. Mortgage brokers can either work for a larger organization or operate for themselves.
The mortgage broker reviews the borrower’s application to decide which mortgage products from various lenders are ideal for their condition.
They can obtain the best rates and terms for their consumers by shopping their applications around to multiple lenders. When a loan is closed, mortgage brokers are paid a commission by the lender, the borrower, or both.
The role of a Mortgage Broker
The job and responsibilities of a mortgage broker differ depending on their service offers and liabilities. In general, the responsibilities are as follows:
- Aiding the customer in securing pre-approval for a mortgage loan
- Gathering all necessary paperwork (bank statements, payslips, etc.)
- Completion of the loan application for a mortgage
- Making ensuring the client or borrower understands all legal disclosures
- submitting all required documentation to the lender and ensuring they find a client-saving solution.
- Promoting their services to clients
- evaluating and educating themselves on a possible borrower’s financial situation and circumstances
- conducting market research to find or source a mortgage product that is suited for the client (borrower)
The difference between a mortgage broker and a loan officer
A loan officer and mortgage broker will assist you in completing your mortgage application and follow you through the process until your loan funds are. There are, however, four significant differences between these two mortgage professionals.
- How they get paid:Loan officers work for the lender, but mortgage brokers work independently of the firm. The loan officer is typically paid a salary, a commission, or a mix of the two. The borrower, the lender, or both pay mortgage brokers. Fees paid to a mortgage broker may be hidden from the borrower because they are paid when a lender charges you a higher interest rate.
- How much time you will spend: It is advisable to obtain numerous quotations before deciding on the best one. Mortgage brokers save time and resources by accepting a single application that may be shopped around different lenders. To compare numerous loan officer offers, you must submit mortgage applications to various lenders and receive estimates from each.
- How much you will pay for your loan: Mortgage brokers can look around for the best interest rate and terms on your loan. However, you, the lender, or both pay a charge for their services. Loan officers are compensated whether or not you receive a loan. As a result, there are usually no additional expenses when dealing with a bank directly. Lenders may offer lower interest rates or closing expenses in some situations since they do not have to pay a third party. Furthermore, if you obtain a mortgage from a bank with which you have a relationship, you may be eligible for relationship pricing.
- The number of loan options: A mortgage broker works with various lenders to find the best loan options for your specific situation. Loan officers are only permitted to promote mortgage programs offered by their bank. If those programs do not work for you, you will need to contact another lender to find one that will.
Is a loan officer a mortgage broker?
No, a loan officer works for a bank or other financial institution and only sells mortgage products from that organization. A mortgage broker works with various financial institutions to locate the best package for the applicant’s needs.
Read Also:
10 Best Direct Loan Lenders For Poor Credit With Guaranteed Approvals
How To Get A Loan When You Are On Benefits
How To Calculate Payment On A Loan – An Easy Guide
Conclusion
If you decide to work with a loan officer or a mortgage broker, pay close attention to the costs and charges they will charge.
Before meeting with them, spend some time researching the greatest offers and lending options available at the moment. You will be paying your mortgage for a long time, so it’s important to get it properly.
Reference
https://www.investopedia.com/loan-officer-vs-mortgage-broker-5214354
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