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Branch lending officer vs loan consultant

The differences between branch lending officers and loan consultants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a branch lending officer and a loan consultant. Additionally, a branch lending officer has an average salary of $46,615, which is higher than the $38,876 average annual salary of a loan consultant.

The top three skills for a branch lending officer include business relationships, origination and FHA. The most important skills for a loan consultant are loan applications, origination, and customer service.

Branch lending officer vs loan consultant overview

Branch Lending OfficerLoan Consultant
Yearly salary$46,615$38,876
Hourly rate$22.41$18.69
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs70,68923,448
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a branch lending officer do?

A branch lending officer is typically in charge of processing loan applications, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, conducting interviews and assessments, gathering and reviewing requirements, and coordinating with analysts and other staff. They may also perform clerical tasks such as answering calls and correspondence, arranging appointments, and maintaining records of all transactions. Furthermore, as a branch lending officer, it is essential to provide efficient customer service, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.

What does a loan consultant do?

A Loan Consultant specializes in assessing loan applications to ensure potential clients uphold their financial obligations. Their responsibilities include conducting interviews with applicants, reviewing and verifying documentation, and evaluating financial credit and other records. They may also answer inquiries, advise potential clients on which program suits them the best, and help them understand every procedure. Moreover, there are also instances when they must handle delinquent accounts, reach out to clients, and negotiate payment terms when necessary.

Branch lending officer vs loan consultant salary

Branch lending officers and loan consultants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Branch Lending OfficerLoan Consultant
Average salary$46,615$38,876
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $73,000Between $27,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySaint Cloud, MNSioux Falls, SD
Highest paying stateNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Best paying companyCitiAccion
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between branch lending officer and loan consultant education

There are a few differences between a branch lending officer and a loan consultant in terms of educational background:

Branch Lending OfficerLoan Consultant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Branch lending officer vs loan consultant demographics

Here are the differences between branch lending officers' and loan consultants' demographics:

Branch Lending OfficerLoan Consultant
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 60.0% Female, 40.0%Male, 57.2% Female, 42.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 6.4% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 6.4% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between branch lending officer and loan consultant duties and responsibilities

Branch lending officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage financial resources from budget, treasury, expenditure commitments, accounting and finance, report from different departments to donors/stakeholders.
  • Obtain unique identifier with the NMLS.
  • Train in FNMA and FHLMC retention, including producing and production staff.
  • Originate and process conventional/VA loans in compliance with FNMA, FHLMC, and non-conforming investor guidelines.
  • Review and evaluate both credit packages and appraisal to determine credit worthiness and compliance to FHA guidelines.
  • Maximize margin by upselling customers.
  • Show more

Loan consultant example responsibilities.

  • Manage a multifacete commercial real estate investment firm.
  • Facilitate the entire residential loan transaction from underwriting under regulatory compliance, processing, loan origination and marketing.
  • Originate conventional, FHA, VA and PHFA mortgages, while establishing and maintaining relationships with referral sources.
  • Consult with attorneys, VA & FHA, appraisers, and construction and lending officials for loan conveyances and loan closings.
  • Validate income, assets and credit/liability documentation to support origination underwriting guidelines in addition to collection of supporting documentation.
  • Maintain a sound knowledge of investor guidelines, DU guidelines.
  • Show more

Branch lending officer vs loan consultant skills

Common branch lending officer skills
  • Business Relationships, 19%
  • Origination, 15%
  • FHA, 12%
  • Mortgage Loans, 8%
  • Loan Products, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
Common loan consultant skills
  • Loan Applications, 21%
  • Origination, 11%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Financial Services, 6%
  • Inbound Calls, 5%
  • Business Development, 4%

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