Loan originations are reaching a new high in the post-recession era, according to Magnify Money. As more loans and mortgages are approved, lending companies need more qualified people like you to join their teams so they can meet the needs of homeowners.
But you need to do well in your job interview before you can get a great offer from a top company. Preparing for the interview is the best way to get the answers they want.
If you want to make the best impression at your interview, follow the tips we’ve learned from talking to hundreds of mortgage professionals as a financial services recruiter. Below are some common mortgage job interview questions and how to answer them. These questions will help you if you are a loan officer, processor, underwriter, servicer, or credit investigator.
Interviewing for a mortgage closer role? As a mortgage closer, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the final steps in the home loan process before a mortgage can be funded This is a detail-oriented role that requires strong organizational, time management, and communication skills
To help you prepare for your mortgage closer interview here are some of the most common mortgage closer interview questions you can expect along with tips on how to ace your responses
Why Do You Want to Be a Mortgage Closer?
The interviewer wants to gauge your interest and motivations for becoming a mortgage closer When answering
- Share why you’re excited about this type of role and how your skills would make you a great fit. Talk about why you’re interested in the mortgage industry specifically.
- Demonstrate your understanding of what the day-to-day responsibilities of a mortgage closer entail. Explain why these types of duties appeal to you.
- Convey enthusiasm and passion for helping homebuyers navigate the final stages of their loan. Focus on how you can provide guidance and support through a complex process.
What Experience Do You Have in Mortgage Closing?
For this common question, interviewers want to understand your level of direct experience with mortgage closings. In your response, be sure to:
- Specify any professional experience you have in mortgage closing roles. Detail your specific responsibilities and types of loans you’ve closed.
- If you have no direct mortgage experience, highlight any related skills from past financial or banking positions. Transferable skills like attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and customer service are key.
- You can also call out any relevant academic coursework in finance, accounting, or real estate law. Demonstrating you have the right educational foundation is helpful.
What Do You Know About Mortgage Closing Procedures?
This is where the hiring manager wants to see how much you know about the whole mortgage closing process. When you answer:
- Provide an overview of the key stages of the closing process in chronological order. This displays your understanding of the big picture workflow.
- Go into more detail on the specific responsibilities of the closer throughout the process. This includes reviewing documents, coordinating with various parties, and ensuring adherence to regulations.
- Use mortgage industry vocabulary to demonstrate your familiarity with common terms and acronyms related to the closing process.
How Do You Stay Organized When Handling Many Simultaneous Closings?
As a mortgage closer, you have to be able to keep track of a lot of loan files at once. When answering, highlight your abilities to:
- Prioritize urgent closings without dropping the ball on others. Give examples of systems you’ve used to stay on top of many competing deadlines.
- Quickly locate documents or information needed for a particular loan file when things get hectic. Describe any filing or information management methods you’ve found effective.
- Multitask efficiently when handling overlapping stages on different closings. Share how you shift gears between various closing tasks throughout the day.
How Do You Handle Stressful Situations like Last Minute Closing Delays?
Closing delays and issues are par for the course, so closers need to think on their feet when problems arise. Discuss:
- Your experience dealing calmly and tactfully with frustrated clients. Give examples of how you’ve navigated delicate conversations during stressful times.
- Strategies you’ve successfully used for managing your own stress levels in high pressure situations. This shows emotional intelligence and self awareness.
- How you identify creative workarounds on short notice when usual plans get derailed. Share examples of quick problem solving under pressure.
What Communication Skills Do You Bring to Mortgage Closings?
This question allows you to demonstrate the softer skills crucial for closers. Be sure to highlight abilities like:
- Speaking and writing clearly when explaining complex mortgage information to clients. Provide examples if you have experience simplifying complicated subjects.
- Building rapport and listening carefully to identify client concerns, especially when they are confused or anxious. Share how you make people feel at ease.
- Coordinating smoothly with various parties like buyers, sellers, real estate agents, attorneys, and underwriters throughout the closing. Talk about your collaborative approach.
- Creating professional, accurate written correspondence like email updates for all stakeholders in the transaction. Mention any business writing experience.
How Do You Stay On Top of Changing Mortgage Regulations?
Mortgage regulations are constantly evolving, so continuing education is essential. Discuss:
- How you stay current on regulatory changes that impact the closing process – reading industry publications, taking regular training courses, participating in professional organizations, etc.
- Your commitment to thoroughly learning and applying new regulations to your closings. You can’t rely on old habits.
- How you consult compliance resources when you have questions on recent regulation changes. Admitting you don’t know everything shows maturity.
What Mortgage Software Programs Are You Familiar With?
Most closers rely heavily on software programs to manage loans, so any experience you have is valuable:
- Name specific mortgage software tools you have hands-on experience using, either professionally or in school. These may include platforms like Encompass, LendingQB, or Byte.
- For programs you don’t have direct experience with, describe how you build software knowledge quickly. Highlight your ability to learn on the fly.
- Emphasize core skills like attention to detail, data analysis, and keyboard proficiency that enable you to pick up new programs efficiently.
Do You Have Any Questions for Me About the Role?
- Always bring thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and your interest in the company.
- Ask about day-to-day responsibilities, workflow logistics, software programs used, and opportunities for growth and development. This shows initiative.
- Avoid questions about salary, benefits, or time off until an offer is on the table.
By mastering answers to these common mortgage closer interview questions, you’ll impress hiring managers with your knowledge, enthusiasm, and preparation for the intricacies of the job. Use these responses as a foundation while adding your own unique experiences and personality. With some practice and confidence, you’ll be ready to land your next role in mortgage closings.
Common Questions for Loan Servicers
As a loan servicer, make sure you prepare for your interview with the following questions.
Common Questions for Underwriters
For specific underwriter interview questions, check out the questions down below.
Mortgage Closer Interview Questions
FAQ
What does a mortgage closer do?
What does a closer do at a bank?
How much does a mortgage closer earn in Michigan?