What is a mortgage banker?

Understanding mortgage bankers

A mortgage banker is an individual or financial institution that directly originates and funds mortgage loans, guiding borrowers through the process of securing a home loan. The mortgage banker either works for a bank or some other financial company and makes money through the fees they charge to set up the mortgage.

The money they lend you can either come from the financial institution they work for or a warehouse lender — a financial institution that provides short-term loans to mortgage bankers so they can fund home loans.

“Mortgage bankers have direct access to capital markets, which allows them to offer a variety of loan products and competitive rates,” Carl Holman, director of communications and content at A&D Mortgage, said.

What does a mortgage banker do?

A mortgage banker helps borrowers secure home loans by providing the funding and facilitating the process through two main steps: loan origination and loan servicing.

Loan origination

During loan origination, the mortgage banker will gather all the necessary documents from you, ensure the application is signed and complete and process the loan for approval.

Preapproval is a critical part of origination. During this phase, a lender reviews your financial documents, such as pay stubs and bank statements, and conducts a credit check to determine if you qualify for a loan. Preapproval doesn’t guarantee the loan, but it signals to sellers that you’re likely to get the funding needed to purchase the home.

Credit checks are a routine part of preapproval and can slightly lower your credit score. As long as you maintain good financial habits, the impact is usually minimal.

“Credit scores are tricky business,” Bill Westrom, an independent consumer finance consultant, told us. “They’re tricky because there isn’t a standardized set of rules by which all financial institutions operate.” This means lenders may assess credit scores differently. If your loan is denied, it’s important to ask for specific reasons so you can address any issues before reapplying.

Loan servicing

This step begins once the loan is approved and disbursed. It includes managing loan payments, potentially selling the loan to investors and maintaining accurate records. Mortgage bankers also counsel borrowers on the best loan options based on individual needs. They adhere to employer regulations to ensure that loan security and collateral requirements are met. Typically your house will act as collateral — the valuable asset you pledge to secure the loan.

» LEARN: How to qualify for a mortgage

Mortgage banker vs. mortgage broker

Both mortgage bankers and brokers help borrowers secure financing, but the difference between the two is how they source and manage loans.

• Mortgage bankers: These professionals work for large financial companies and originate loans directly from their employers. Because they use their company's capital, they may offer faster loan approvals, but their options are limited to their employer’s loan products.
• Mortgage brokers: Brokers are independent professionals who work with multiple lenders to find the best loan options for borrowers. They can save you time by comparing rates and terms, but they may steer you toward lenders that pay higher commissions.

“From the consumer's view, mortgage bankers, brokers and loan officers are the same individual,” Westrom said. “How they are compensated and the interest rate they offer are the biggest differences between the three.”

Mortgage banker vs. loan officer

The differences between mortgage bankers and loan officers are where they receive funding, how they are compensated and the focus of their relationships with borrowers.

• Mortgage bankers: These professionals originate and fund loans, often using their company’s capital. They are involved in the full mortgage process and must meet high financial and professional standards, including licensing and yearly training.
• Loan officers: These professionals act as the first point of contact at a financial institution. They help borrowers complete applications and communicate with underwriters but do not directly provide the funding for loans.

“The key difference lies in the scope of their roles and responsibilities,” Holman, the director at A&D Mortgage, told us. “While mortgage bankers are involved in the full spectrum of the mortgage process and utilize their own capital, loan officers concentrate on the customer-facing aspects of loan origination and work within the framework provided by their employer.”

How to find a mortgage banker?

The best way to find the right mortgage banker for you is to compare mortgage lenders and read reviews from borrowers who have used the company’s services. When comparing, consider the following criteria:

• Loan options: Look for lenders who offer a variety of loan options. The more options you have, the more likely you are to find a loan that works for you.
• APRs: Look for lenders with starting annual percentage rates (APRs) under 7% for fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages. APR reflects the cost of borrowing and includes the interest rate along with specific lender fees, such as origination fees.
• Guarantees: Look for lenders who provide guarantees, like on-time closings, price locks and rate locks.
• Closing times: Look for lenders with average closing times under six weeks.
• Customer service: Look for lenders with positive reviews and services offered through multiple channels, such as phone, online chat and mobile apps.