What Is A Mortgage Banker?

When you first set out to get a mortgage, the jargon can get confusing. There are many roles involved in the lending process, from the time you get preapproved for a mortgage to closing, so understanding who does what and when is important. Here, we explore what mortgage bankers do in the process of getting a home loan.

What is a mortgage banker?

A mortgage banker is a person or entity that originates, or initiates, home loans, and typically provides the funding for them. Mortgage bankers could be individuals or large companies, but in either case, they function in the same capacity. Many mortgage bankers generate revenue by charging borrowers an origination fee.

Once a mortgage banker originates a loan, the banker can keep the loan in its portfolio (in other words, on its books) and service it, or, sell it on the secondary market or sell the servicing rights to another party, or a combination of the two.

What does a mortgage banker do? 

A mortgage banker has a variety of responsibilities in the home loan process. The most important is determining whether or not to approve a borrower for a loan, which is usually accomplished through the banker’s underwriting department. A mortgage banker’s services include:

• Originate loans – Mortgage bankers have a range of loans to offer, but some can specialize in particular types of loans, such as jumbo loans, VA loans or unusual financing options.
• Service loans – Once the loan closes, your mortgage banker might also service your loan, meaning manage the repayment process and assist you if you need help with repayment.
• Sell loans – Mortgage bankers can also sell your mortgage or the rights to service your mortgage on the secondary market. Mortgage bankers do this in order to free up more capital to make more loans to more borrowers.

Mortgage banker vs. mortgage broker

Mortgage bankers are often confused with mortgage brokers, but they’re very different. A mortgage broker helps you shop around for a good deal from multiple lenders or bankers, generally at no cost to you as the borrower. Unlike bankers, brokers don’t fund loans — they simply guide you through the process of finding the best loan for your situation.

“A banker uses their own money for funding while a broker only facilitates between a borrower and a lender,” explains Paul Sundin, CPA, CEO and tax strategist at Emparion, based in Chandler, Arizona.

Although the source of funding might not seem too important to you as the borrower, it is useful to know as you navigate the homebuying process. Ultimately,…