The Mortgage Loan Officer proactively acquires new residential mortgage business and matches clients with First Reliance's mortgage products to meet established loan quality and production goals. The Mortgage Loan Officer continually identifies, develops and maintains a quality network of business relationships that serves as a recurring source of referrals for new mortgage lending opportunities. A Mortgage Loan Officer's network may consist of Real Estate professionals, Builders, professional and personal contacts, as well as other valuable referral sources, and is enhanced by the Mortgage Loan Officer's regular participation in business related development opportunities, community efforts to promote homeownership and professional organizations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Responds to customer inquiries and referrals that are generated from personal contacts and from other First Reliance Bank's business channels.
2. Conducts interviews with prospective borrowers in order to analyze financial and credit data, determine customer financing objectives, advises borrowers of product/pricing policies and guidelines, and gathers any additional required information.
3. Ensures exceptional customer service by maintaining thorough knowledge of lending programs, policies, procedures and regulatory requirements, demonstrating a commitment to professional ethics, complying with all Federal and State compliance policies and adhering to HMDA requirements.
4. Develops and maintains successful relationships with business referral sources, existing and prospective clients through marketing, cold-calling, prospecting and networking activities.
5. Meets with clients as necessary during various stages of the loan process.
6. Utilizes First Reliance training materials, reference tools and other resources to provide accurate and up-to-date loan program/policy information to both external members and internal business partners.
7. Provides complete loan applications to operation's partners.
8. Ensures exceptional client experience by overseeing loan process from origination to close and providing on-going communication.
9. Oversees and ensures successful completion of all assigned Mortgage Loan Officer Training activities.
10. Works with Mortgage Processor, Underwriter, and all other Mortgage Staff to ensure that loan docs are submitted to processing within a few days.
11. Works with Mortgage Processors and Underwriters to ensure that loan conditions are met.
12. Maintains current and thorough knowledge of all lending programs, policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have sound understanding of standard concepts, practices, procedures, regulations and compliance within the loan origination environment.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of first mortgage real estate lending, including mortgage processing, underwriting, and closing procedures, and any regulatory compliance relating to real estate lending.
• Must show demonstrated success in prospecting, generating leads, closing business and consistently meeting/exceeding production goals
• Must have strong computer skills including a fundamental understanding of MS applications, database management.
• Must have solid time management skills and the ability to organize prioritize and perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Must have ability to analyze and comprehend complex financial data and provide financial alternatives
• Must display professionalism and effective interpersonal skills
• Must have excellent communication skills.
• Must meet requirements to be bonded
• Must be able to complete all assignments with minimal supervision
• Should possess a strong commitment to providing excellent service.

Education and Background

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Finance or related experience with loan processing, or financial services preferred.
• Minimum of 3 year's residential mortgage lending experience with a focus on generating self-sourced business required.