Quality loan production begins with education. The better educated and experienced you are, the better service and advice you can offer your clients. Originating higher quality loans means happier underwriters and bigger paychecks. Mortgage originators have the opportunity to make an above par living while helping every borrower they meet. But with this opportunity comes the responsibility of reducing market risk and increasing the quality of every loan for all of us. You can do this by familiarizing yourself with the details of your business, by always trying to be the best at what you do, and by delivering top-notch service and quality loans. More than ever in this industry, we are responsible for being responsible.
Face-to-face networking is especially crucial in this tech-laden world. Get involved in a networking group. Make time to interact with other mortgage professionals and teach and mentor them. Get to know your loan partners, too. When did you last ask an underwriter what kind of loans she's seeing and how you can help to submit the best quality files? When did you last sit down with a compliance officer to get updates on the most recent issues? Why not put together a seminar for the originators in your office?
When all is said and done, helping borrowers make appropriate loan decisions is your job. Your advice and guidance are the reasons they've come to you. This is where you can look like the professional you are. Educate yourself first. Do it for you and pass along the benefits to them. Offer only your best possible service to your clients. What goes around, comes around...do it for them and it'll come back to you by way of trust, referrals and income.