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What Do Loan Processors Do? In Short, Everything to Close Your Loan!

paperwork

I’ve already covered the mortgage underwriter’s role, so let’s take a look at what “loan processors” do seeing that they’re also key to getting your loan closed in a timely fashion.

Once a loan is originated by the mortgage broker or loan officer, the corresponding paperwork is sent along to a loan processor.

The loan processor is responsible for prepping and organizing the file and getting it over to the bank or mortgage lender for approval.

Loan Processors Are Very Important

loan processor

  • Loan processors assist mortgage brokers and loan officers
  • By compiling important paperwork from the borrower
  • And looking out for any red flags along the way
  • Before submitting the loan file to the underwriter

Loan processors don’t just grab the loan file and submit it; they double-check everything like debt-to-income ratios and employment information to ensure the file will actually be approved.

For this reason, they play a critical role in the loan approval process, as mistakes made by the loan originator could be caught and corrected before the file lands in the unforgiving hands of an underwriter.

After all, once it gets to the underwriter there’s no going back. Sure, you can fix some things, but not without a lot of red tape.

Assuming the loan is approved, the processor will receive a list of prior-to-document conditions (PTDs) that must be met before loan documents are released by the bank.

It is the processor’s job to work with the loan originator, title and escrow companies, and various others to get all the necessary paperwork to fulfill those conditions; and things can get very complicated in no time at all.

You May Spend More Time Working with the Processor

  • It’s common to talk more with the processor than with the loan officer or broker
  • Once you submit your loan application they may be your main point of contact
  • Since LOs/brokers have to spend more time selling and finding new prospects
  • The good news is processors are often very knowledgeable and hardworking

While the loan officer or broker may be the person who “got you the loan” to begin with, it’s the processor that will likely take over once you’ve been “sold.”

That sold part is pretty important because loan processors aren’t supposed to offer or negotiate mortgage rates or loan terms. Their role is to assist the originator, whose job it is to sell the rate/product, and organize the loan file.

However, some processors are actually more knowledgeable than the more sales-oriented loan officers because they handle more volume and may have more years of mortgage experience under their belt.

If the loan is originated via the wholesale channel (mortgage broker), there are essentially two loan processors working together on the file.

One who works on behalf of the mortgage broker and one that works at the bank, typically referred to as an Account Manager (AM).

The loan processor who works with the broker will essentially send conditions to the AM that works at the bank so they can be signed off.

If the loan is originated via the retail channel, the AM will work with the loan officer at the bank to get the conditions cleared.

Loan processors may also act as liaisons between the broker/loan officer and the underwriter.

In a nutshell, the loan originator hustles to bring in new borrowers and the loan processor hustles to get the loans funded, while both may irritate the underwriter in the process. : )

Loan Processor FAQ

Do loan processors need to be licensed?

Some independent processors might need licenses, but those working for licensed mortgage lenders or under the direction of licensed mortgage originators may be exempt. This can vary from company to company and by state.

Do loan processors make commission?

They certainly can and often do. It depends how they set up their pay structure with their employer. They may get paid per loan file funded or a base salary AND a bonus for a certain volume of funded loans each month.

How much do loan processors make per loan?

Again, it depends on the company and perhaps on what their base salary is. If their base is low or nil, they’ll probably make a lot more per loan. The downside is they are then working a performance-based job.

Do loan processors work weekends?

The job might require work on the weekend if a particular lender or broker is busy, or has busy periods. However, many processors just work Monday through Friday like most other bankers.

Do loan processors work from home?

They can work remotely or from home depending on the preferences of their lender or broker. Or if they’re independent they can run their own home office.

What are loan processing fees?

These are very real fees for the loan processor’s hard work. As I mentioned, loan processors might do more of the work once the saleswoman (or man) gets you in the door. This fee could be anywhere from $200 to $700 or more. Some may refer to it as a junk fee but only if it’s charged on top of a hefty origination fee. Sometimes the latter includes the processor’s work.

(photo: kozumel)

28 thoughts on “What Do Loan Processors Do? In Short, Everything to Close Your Loan!”

  1. As someone who is versed in the industry. Would you be able to recommend a class/training method for someone who is looking to get into mortgage underwriting? thanks in advance.

  2. TU,

    Typically whatever company hires you will have you go through a training course over the course of a few weeks. However, the best way to learn quickly is when you are truly hands-on. Generally you work under a more seasoned individual first, assisting them while learning about the processes involved.

  3. I just passed the test. Now, should I apply for Loan Officer or Processor. Which one is of “new comer”? And how do you get paid commission as realtor? Please help.

  4. Lydia,

    A loan processor deals with lots of paperwork and basically assists the loan officer in closing the loan. Conversely, both loan officer and real estate agent jobs are sales job that require selling and finding clients. So it depends where you personality puts you. Real estate agents get a portion of the sales price, say 3%, but have to give some of it their listing brokerage. LOs also get paid commission for closing loans and processors may get an hourly and also bonuses for closings lots of loans each month.

  5. Found a job posting for “Mortgage Loan Processor Trainee” and mentions no real estate experience needed. They only really require you have a high school diploma. Is this position really something one can pick up without any mortgage/real estate experience?

  6. Liz,

    You can learn pretty quick on the job, like most jobs. You’d probably shadow someone experienced and help them out with basics (doing as they say, getting them X paperwork, etc.) and learn along the way.

  7. I am a real estate agent that is thinking about becoming a Mortgage Loan Originator. I work with a brokerage that does strictly real estate no loans. Can I work both in my real estate office and for a mortgage broker?

  8. Ty,

    Best to check your state licensing rules and speak with your company assuming you are sharing these details with them.

  9. Hi. Am trying to get my mortgage license and I also wanted to know what is the different between mortgage license and mortgage processor. Can I work independently or can I work with a company ie: bank, real estate or mortgage company and how do I start.

  10. Jenney,

    You may need to check the requirements for the state you live in and the company you plan to work for.

  11. I’m a licensed loan originator and want to only process loans for the brokerage company where I’m at currently. If I work for the broker as a contract processor and receive a 1099 do I need to have my own company? Will the broker have to pay me from his origination fee or can it be charged separately? What if I don’t receive a 1099, will I need a company? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  12. Hi, I have on going trainee for the position of Loans processor at the bank here in my country. if I start as a loans processor would there be chances that i’ll be paying for penalties? about my work if ever there are problems.

  13. Charisse,

    I doubt it, but then again I don’t know what the work contract stipulates. Typically companies are on the hook for mistakes their employees make, assuming they aren’t intentional and illegal.

  14. You don’t need a license to become a loan processor. The license you possess is probably for a Loan Originator. Being a Loan Processor, LO, or RE Agent are 3 different jobs and I’m sure you’ve figured it out by now since you question was dated 2015. As a loan processor you have to be very OCD and meticulous on everything from loan opening to loan closing.

  15. The division of duties between LOA and LP vary from company to company and even branch to branch within a company. Some LOAs nearly fully process a loan before submitting it to processing. Some LOs don’t have assistants and can use the Processor as an LOA, although this is frowned upon unless the LP is compensated accordingly. When they are not, it’s called a poor submission and the Processor is covering for the LO in ways they shouldn’t have to and are not compensated for.

  16. I am checking to see what the average contract loan processor makes.
    I had to create and register my own company.
    I had to get a mortgage broker license
    I also had to get a LO license.
    I do not intend to originate but feel that my fee is too low for each loan processed. I want to increase my fee but don’t want to price myself out of the market.
    I have been in the mortgage Business since 1986.

  17. Karan Singh Rai Bhatti

    Hi Collin:
    Very insightful post. It seems like the loan processor has a fair amount of paperwork to do, especially the ones at a brokerage, since they liaison with the account managers at the banks. Just out of curiosity – in the 10 years since this post appeared, has that changed ?

    The AUS seems to have a lot of new integrations for income verification, employment verification, background etc; and yet, loan processing fees being quoted on loan estimates are the same.

  18. Karan,

    That’s a good point, though technology is only as good as the person using it. And it’s still in its infancy. There are newer lenders that don’t charge any lender fees, on the basis that their proprietary tech platforms are doing away with some of these tasks, but a human touch is still very much needed in most cases. That may change as widespread adoption takes place and users become better at utilizing the tech, but until then expect the fees. Lastly, processing fees are easy to tack on and substantiate, even with tech, so it might be hard for companies to give up a profit center.

  19. Jon,

    If the lender is charging a loan processing fee, it should mean it’s coming out of your pocket, though it might be covered by a lender credit.

  20. What is an average charge per file for a Loan Processor? Is there a standard fee or percentage that most use?

  21. Tyler,

    It depends if they’re an internal loan processor or a third-party, and also how their pay is structured. It can vary widely, and often borrowers aren’t charge loan processing fees directly. But if I had to guess I’d say a couple hundred per file maybe, and typically not a percentage-based fee. Any loan processors out there want to chime in?

  22. If I am borrowing funds from family and have drawn up a mortgage contract with them, should we use a loan processor or other professional? They are concerned that they may not be able to get tax write-offs for the loan without this formality. Any advice appreciated.

  23. Eli,

    Not sure a loan processor is the appropriate person for this type of thing. But it may be wise to have a professional of some kind oversee the contract, including a notary. You may want to consult the IRS website regarding seller financing to ensure all conditions are met for tax deductibility.

  24. Sally,

    Good question – it would likely depend on if they work for a company or are self-employed, and if they earn a salary and/or commission/bonuses. In other words, compensation may vary from processor to processor. Some may earn base pay while others get paid per closed loan.

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