Mortgage Loan Originator

Mortgage Loan Originator

First Entertainment Credit Union is seeking a motivated, service-oriented, and licensed Mortgage Loan Originator to join our Real Estate Lending team. This is an entry-level sales lending role requiring someone who excels in lead conversion, member engagement, and pipeline management particularly with home equity loans and lines of credit. This role is internally focused, with the majority of loan volume originating from internal referral channels such as branches, call centers, and community engagement events. You will be responsible for converting inquiries into funded loans, providing members with guidance on how to responsibly access and leverage the equity in their homes. While the focus is 90% home equity, the Mortgage Originator (Home Equity) may also originate first mortgage loans (10%) and should be comfortable navigating both product sets. Reporting to the Director, Real Estate Lending Operation, this is a hybrid based in our Hollywood, CA office.

Responsibilities

• Proactively follow up on warm leads, referrals, and member inquiries with urgency and professionalism.
• Educate members on home equity and first trust deed mortgage options, including loan terms, documentation requirements and lending process, recommending solutions aligned with their financial needs to meet or exceed monthly funding targets for home equity originations.
• Maintain high conversion rates through consistent outreach, timely communication, and needs-based recommendations.
• Build trust and rapport by demonstrating empathy, transparency, and excellent service.
• Submit complete and accurate loan applications into the Loan Origination System (Encompass and Opening Act).
• Coordinate with processors, underwriters, and funders to ensure efficient loan process.
• Monitor loan status closely and proactively resolve issues that could delay closing.
• Provide clear and consistent updates to stakeholders and high-touch services from end to end.
• Ensure compliance with applicable mortgage regulations (RESPA, Reg Z, TRID, etc.) and internal policies.
• Maintain strong knowledge of current mortgage guidelines, investor policies, and First Entertainment Credit Union's products.
• Participate in educational seminars, webinars, and community-facing events to promote lending services and generate new business.

At First Entertainment, your role and every role are essential to our Mission [We build lifelong financial relationships with the people in entertainment based on a deep understanding of how they live and work], Core Values [Members First + Ownership + Integrity + Innovation + Inclusivity + One Team], and we expect you to uphold them.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum three (3) years of recent experience in mortgage lending with member first focus.
• Proven track record of consistently meeting or exceeding mortgage production goals.
• Active NMLS license in good standing, and compliant with S.A.F.E. Act and Regulation Z requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of residential loan products, underwriting guidelines, and compliance regulations.
• Proficiency with loan origination systems (LOS), preferably Encompass 360.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly and effectively.
• Strong networking skills and comfort presenting to small and large groups.
• High level of integrity and ability to build trust quickly with clients and partners.