What is the difference between a loan officer and an originator?

Asked by: Abe Torp  |  Last update: January 28, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (12 votes)

The easiest way to remember the difference is that loan officers are almost always people while loan originators can be people or financial institutions. Another way to think of it is that a loan officer could be employed by a loan originator.

Is a loan officer the same as a loan originator?

Of all the parties involved in a mortgage, one of the first people you'll probably talk to will likely be a mortgage loan originator, also known as a loan officer. In some cases, this person is a mortgage broker.

What is the primary role of the loan originator?

They are crucial in the mortgage process. Their primary role is to assist clients in finding the right mortgage. They assess each applicant's financial profile to recommend suitable loan options.

How do loan originators get paid?

They're often paid on commission, meaning a percentage of the loan amount will go to the mortgage loan officer. This amount can come from one of two places: either the loan originator (like the bank or mortgage seller), or from a loan origination fee paid by the borrower.

What is another name for a loan originator?

A mortgage loan officer is just another name for an individual who has a mortgage loan originator license. Loan officers typically work for one institution, such as a bank or specialty mortgage lender (think Rocket Mortgage).

What is an MLO? (Mortgage loan originators explained)

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What is an originator also known as?

beginner, father, founder, founding father. a person who founds or establishes some institution. groundbreaker, innovator, pioneer, trailblazer.

What is an example of a loan originator?

The most popular types of mortgage originators are mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers. The creation of a mortgage is primarily carried out by a mortgage originator. They can be a mortgage broker, a mortgage bank, or even a retail bank.

Is being a loan originator worth it?

As an MLO, you may be able to enjoy a flexible schedule, no cap on your earnings, and the opportunity to help people's dreams come true. Plus, because people will always need to buy places to live, you'll enjoy solid job security. It's worth noting, though, that mortgage loan originating is a highly regulated industry.

What is the loan originator rule?

What is the Loan Originator Rule about? The Loan Originator Rule generally regulates how compensation is paid to a loan originator in most closed-end mortgage transactions, including: Prohibiting a loan originator's compensation from being based on the terms of the transaction or a proxy for a transaction term.

What type of loan officer makes the most money?

High Paying Mortgage Loan Officer Jobs
  • Mortgage Sales Manager. Salary range: $75,000-$242,000 per year. ...
  • Commercial Real Estate Lender. Salary range: $95,000-$165,000 per year. ...
  • Mortgage Consultant. ...
  • Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer. ...
  • Mortgage Loan Funder. ...
  • Mortgage Broker. ...
  • Mortgage Banker. ...
  • Mortgage Advisor.

What are the duties of an originator?

An originator is responsible for procuring grain from producers, growers and grain elevators. They maintain and grow business relationships by providing strong, credible and trustworthy services for producers.

What is the difference between a loan underwriter and an originator?

Mortgage Loan Originators work with borrowers to initiate and guide them through the application process, while Mortgage Loan Underwriters assess the risk associated with the loan application and make lending decisions based on established criteria and regulations.

What is the origination fee for a loan?

An origination fee is typically 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount and is charged by a lender as compensation for processing a loan application. Origination fees are sometimes negotiable, but reducing them or avoiding them usually means paying a higher interest rate over the life of the loan.

What is the role of a loan originator?

Mortgage loan originators help borrowers through the mortgage application process, from initial inquiry to closing. Their work can involve collecting your credit and financial information, assessing your needs and what loan options make sense for you, negotiating rates and submitting your application for underwriting.

Why did I quit being a loan officer?

Trying to do too much, not taking time away from work, or using outdated technology are some of the few reasons that loan officers burn out and turn to other career options.

What is the difference between a loan officer and originator?

The easiest way to remember the difference is that loan officers are almost always people while loan originators can be people or financial institutions. Another way to think of it is that a loan officer could be employed by a loan originator.

How do loan originators make money?

In general, mortgage originators make money through the fees that are charged to originate a mortgage and the difference between the interest rate given to a borrower and the premium a secondary market will pay for that interest rate.

What is a mortgage loan originator prohibited from?

Mortgage lending companies, mortgage brokers, and loan officers may be considered loan originators. The rules prohibit dual compensation and steering practices that do not benefit borrowers, as well as prohibit compensating loan originators based on the terms of a mortgage transaction.

How much does a loan originator make on a loan?

The typical MLO is paid 1% of the loan amount in commission.

Do loan originators work from home?

"It's one of the most flexible jobs out there," says Glover. "You can fit your schedule around client meetings, and most employers are supportive of you working from home, in my experience, that's been a common practice for loan officers even before the pandemic."

How do loan originators get clients?

Mortgage loan officers get clients through networking, referrals, online marketing, and community engagement. Relationships with real estate agents, financial advisors, and past clients can generate referrals. Social media, email marketing, and educational workshops can also attract new clients.

Are loan originators in demand?

As a mortgage loan originator, you have an in-demand career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of loan officers is projected to grow by 8% from 2014 to 2024. Imagine never having to worry about not finding another job or losing the one you have.