Mortgage Closer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a mortgage closer job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a mortgage closer. Feel free to use our mortgage closer job description template to produce your own mortgage closer job description. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a mortgage closer.
Who is a Mortgage Closer?
A mortgage closer is a specialized loan officer who works with borrowers to help them obtain mortgages. A mortgage closer receives mortgage applications and confirms employment, assets, liabilities, and other critical details required to qualify for a mortgage. They check each closing document individually for accuracy and the presence of all necessary signatures after confirming that all necessary closing documents have been submitted.
He or she also prepares all closing instructions for each closing they handle. Due to the importance of the financial and legal documents that mortgage closers must review, they must be meticulous. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as previous work experience in the banking and loan industry. An associate’s degree in business or finance is advantageous.
Mortgage Closer Job Description
What is a mortgage closer job description? A mortgage closer job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a mortgage closer in an organization. Below are the mortgage closer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a mortgage closer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a mortgage closer include:
- Acting as a single point of contact for all parties involved in mortgage loan transactions.
- Answering all questions about loan processing procedures.
- Collaborating with appraisers to ensure accurate appraisal performance in accordance with industry standards.
- Arranging for loan processing to be completed on time.
- Answering the phone for their company, responding to emails, and dealing with customers.
- Calculating and showing the current principal balance and interest rate.
- Calculating the taxes due at closing based on mortgage interest.
- Preparing loan closing documents such as loan commitment letters, promissory notes, and other legal documents.
- Maintaining a record of recent mortgage closings and updating the loan calendar.
- Developing, assembling, reviewing, and finalizing loan packages or loan files.
- Providing on-time information entry on loan closing documents.
- Providing excellent customer service and ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Assisting the HR department in the recruitment and onboarding of new employees.
- Ensuring that the loan complies with all applicable state and federal laws, investor and mortgage lending program requirements, as well as regulations and policies.
- Assisting with loan terms that must be negotiated and documented, such as interest rates and repayment schedules.
- Ensuring that all closing paperwork, third-party orders, closing packages, and loan files are accurate and properly signed.
- Preparing and carrying out lender funds disbursement.
- Resolving any post-closing issues as quickly as possible.
- Maintaining good relationships with vendors and applicants.
- Keeping up with the latest market developments and trends.
Qualifications
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- A business associate degree is beneficial.
- Two years of experience in mortgage processing, lending, or closing.
- 3 years of experience as a Mortgage Closer or a comparable position in the Accounting department is required.
- Understanding of mortgage industry regulations from origination to closing.
- Excellent communication skills, both in writing and speaking, are required.
- Strong organizational, time-management, and analytical abilities.
- Knowledge of industry software and fundamental computer programs.
- Strong working knowledge of the mortgage industry’s rules.
- Knowledge of different loan types should be demonstrated.
Essential Skills
The required skills needed to fill this job role include:
- Detail-oriented Observation:
Mortgage closers must pay close attention to detail to ensure they complete all necessary steps in the mortgage loan process. Paying attention to details can help you ensure that you have all of the information you need to complete a mortgage loan, such as verifying the borrower’s income and assets, ensuring the borrower has enough cash flow to make their monthly mortgage payments and ensuring the borrower has enough cash flow to pay closing costs. This ability can also help you ensure that you have all of the paperwork needed to complete a mortgage loan, such as checking to see if the borrower has signed all required paperwork and providing all required information.
- Communication Ability:
Mortgage closers work with customers and other professionals to explain the mortgage application process and answer questions. Additionally, they communicate with customers to respond to loan inquiries and clarify any changes that occur along the way. Mortgage closers consult with other professionals to ensure that all paperwork is in order and that the client understands each step of the process.
- Technology Skill:
Mortgages are complex financial products with a lot of paperwork. Mortgage closers use technology to scan and store documents electronically, as well as organize and track them. They use technology to monitor the status of their mortgage applications and to submit them to lenders.
They should also be familiar with basic computer skills, such as how to use a mouse, keyboard, and other common computer hardware. They should also be comfortable with a wide range of computer programs, such as those used for accounting, mortgage loan applications, and other financial records.
- Abilities in Mathematics:
Mortgage closers use mathematical calculations to determine financial data such as interest rates, monthly payments, and loan amounts. They also use their mathematical skills to enter data into spreadsheets and computer programs.
- Pressure Adaptability:
Mortgage closers are frequently required to meet rushed deadlines while working in a fast-paced environment. They must be able to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to ensure that the mortgage loan closing process runs smoothly.
- Organization Skill:
Mortgage loan closers use organizational skills to keep track of paperwork and due dates. They also use organizational skills to ensure they have all of the information they need to complete a mortgage loan. This includes keeping track of client and lender paperwork and data.
- Time Management:
Because mortgages are frequently long-term financial commitments, mortgage loan closers must effectively manage their time. This allows them to ensure that they provide high-quality service to their clients while meeting their company’s expectations. Before a client signs a contract, they should ensure that they have enough time to go over all of the details of a mortgage with them.
- Financial knowledge:
Mortgage closers have a thorough understanding of the financial markets and the various types of mortgage loans available. Mortgage closers use financial knowledge to help clients find the right loan for their needs. Mortgage closers also have a strong understanding of the current mortgage rates and how to find the best rates for their clients.
- Knowledge of the mortgage Industry:
Mortgage closers work in the mortgage industry, it is critical that they understand all relevant rules and compliance requirements. They can ensure that their business remains legal and in compliance with all applicable laws by having an in-depth knowledge of the mortgage industry.
- Negotiation:
Negotiation skills are required to persuade others to accept your ideas. Mortgage closers use negotiating techniques to help clients find the best mortgage loan for their needs. A mortgage closer may bargain with a client to raise the interest rate while lowering the monthly mortgage payment. This allows the client to save money over time while still receiving the mortgage loan.
- Customers’ Service:
Good customer service skills are important for mortgage closers because they make it easier to communicate effectively with clients. During the loan closing process, you may need to inform customers, assuage their concerns, and respond to their questions. Using customer service skills, you can gain your client’s trust and make them feel at ease working with you.
- Loan Closure:
The mortgage process concludes when the borrower receives their loan and funds at closing. You may be in charge of closing loans as a mortgage closer, which requires meticulous attention to detail and familiarity with the procedures involved.
- Problem-solving:
Using problem-solving abilities, mortgage closers can identify problems, devise solutions, and put them into action. This is because in this job role you may be in charge of resolving issues that arise during the mortgage closing process. If a customer is unable to provide the necessary documentation, you may be able to assist them in locating the information they require.
- Interpersonal Skills:
Mortgage closers keep clients up to date on the status of their loans, explain various loan options to borrowers in plain language, and refer clients to useful resources. With the help of interpersonal skills, they can connect with borrowers and streamline the loan process.
How to Become a Mortgage Closer
To become a mortgage closer, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Acquire Education
To become a mortgage closer, you must first complete the necessary education. The majority of employers demand a high school diploma or its equivalent as well as at least one year of experience in the loan processing or mortgage industry. Among your potential employers are banks and other financial institutions. Many entry-level clerk positions in these industries can give workers the experience they need to advance to mortgage closer positions.
- Step 2: Get Certified
Although not required, many employers prefer applicants who have professional certifications. These certifications demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills and experience to work in the field.
Mortgage closers can obtain certification from the National Association of Mortgage Processors in a variety of ways. The Certified Purple processor(NAMP-CPP) is the first certification required for anyone looking to start a career as a loan closer. To be successful, this certification requires a criminal background check, 12 hours of training, an exam, and active association membership.
NAMP provides additional certification for FHA and VA loan processing.
Despite the fact that they are not affiliated with any governmental bodies, these NAMP certifications can provide additional training and knowledge to applicants seeking jobs in the mortgage industry.
Similarly, you could choose to obtain a higher level of certification. For those who want to advance in this field,, the NAMP Master Loan Processor (NAMP-MLP) certification has the same requirements as the NAMP-CPP certification plus an additional 12 hours of training.
- Step 3: Get Experience
You can begin gaining experience as a mortgage closer after completing all educational and licensing requirements. You can work independently, but you should look for your first job at a reputable bank, credit union, or mortgage lending company.
If you have work experience in related fields such as real estate or finance, your skills will grow and you will be better prepared for this position. Working in this position will also give you valuable practical experience. Any additional professional experience will be advantageous if it demonstrates transferable skills such as being well-organized, meticulous, and providing excellent customer service.
- Step 4: Update your Resume:
Once you have the necessary training or certifications and want to work as a mortgage closer, you can update your resume. Include details about your highest level of education, prior experience in related fields, and transferable skills. Draw attention to the skills you demonstrated in each position that qualifies you for a job as a mortgage closer.
- Step 5: Apply for Available Positions:
Look for open positions for mortgage closers in your area, then choose the ones where your education and experience make you the best candidate. Consider entry-level positions before applying for a position as a mortgage closer if you need more experience. Apply for the positions using your most recent resume and a cover letter tailored to each.
- Step 6: Join an Organization
Prospective mortgage closers may want to join the National Association of Mortgage Professionals (NAMB) or the National Association of Mortgage Processors (NAMP). The NAMP gives its members access to job leads, professional listings, networking opportunities, training opportunities, industry-related events, and other career-development resources.
Keep in mind that employers will require at least a high school diploma and possibly some banking or loan-related experience to train a potential employee on the job and then have him or her successful work as a closer who is detail-oriented, has strong customer service expertise, and can review and prepare necessary financial documents under given guidelines and time constraints.
Where to Work as a Mortgage Closer
To work as a mortgage closer, employers will require a detail-oriented candidate with strong customer service skills who can review and prepare necessary financial documents within given guidelines and time constraints. They may also require at least a high school diploma, as well as some banking or loan-related experience.
Mortgage Closer Salary Scale
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Compensation Survey, an entry-level mortgage closer with less than a year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $39,789 per year. An entry-level mortgage closer with 1-4 years of experience can expect to earn $47.594 per year on average. A mid-career mortgage closer earns an average annual salary of $57,000 with five to nine years of experience. A seasoned mortgage closer with 10 to 19 years of experience earns an average annual salary of $66,808. Workers in their late careers (20 years or more) earn an average salary of $80,458.