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Mortgage originator vs lender

The differences between mortgage originators and lenders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a mortgage originator and a lender. Additionally, a lender has an average salary of $37,723, which is higher than the $31,380 average annual salary of a mortgage originator.

The top three skills for a mortgage originator include customer service, origination and bank products. The most important skills for a lender are customer service, loan applications, and business development.

Mortgage originator vs lender overview

Mortgage OriginatorLender
Yearly salary$31,380$37,723
Hourly rate$15.09$18.14
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs11,1646,465
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does a mortgage originator do?

A Mortgage Originator is someone who will work with a borrower to process and complete a home loan application. They work closely with loan processors and underwriters to collect the required documentation until it is approved. Mortgage Origniators are responsible for guiding clients through the approval stage by assisting them with the paperwork, determining the loan amount, and taking and verifying documentation. They guide borrowers in deciding which mortgage type is right for them.

What does a lender do?

A Lender is a financial institution, an individual, or a private or public group that provides loans to a business or an individual. As a lender, you will evaluate a borrower's creditworthiness by assessing loan applications. You will be responsible for determining an applicant's financial eligibility and all applicable metrics and ratios. Other duties might include setting up plans for debt payment, counseling clients on restrictions and policies, and maintaining and updating account records. Also, you will need to update your knowledge on the different loan types and financial services.

Mortgage originator vs lender salary

Mortgage originators and lenders have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mortgage OriginatorLender
Average salary$31,380$37,723
Salary rangeBetween $16,000 And $57,000Between $25,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City-Seattle, WA
Highest paying state-South Dakota
Best paying company-Citi
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between mortgage originator and lender education

There are a few differences between a mortgage originator and a lender in terms of educational background:

Mortgage OriginatorLender
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Mortgage originator vs lender demographics

Here are the differences between mortgage originators' and lenders' demographics:

Mortgage OriginatorLender
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 56.2% Female, 43.8%Male, 49.2% Female, 50.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 6.1% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 6.3% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between mortgage originator and lender duties and responsibilities

Mortgage originator example responsibilities.

  • Coach new Jr. HMC's, lead team Jr. meetings and activities.
  • Handle issues concerning FHA, Fannie, Freddy, VA, and various loan type guidelines, policies and procedures.
  • Promote sales and origination of family residential properties within predetermine guidelines and rates.
  • Foster community relationships between lenders, and clients to ensure a positive outcome for financing requirements.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with outside referral sources such as realtors, builders, CPA's, attorneys, etc.

Lender example responsibilities.

  • Manage a multifacete commercial real estate investment firm.
  • Coordinate the real estate transactions including appraisals, inspections, loan origination and timely closing.
  • Point of contact between external company affiliate loan origination branches and licensing agencies.
  • Complete quarterly updates on all regulations and requirements to maintain NMLS nationwide licensing program.
  • Work directly with consumers as well as real estate agents, CPA's and attorneys.

Mortgage originator vs lender skills

Common mortgage originator skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Origination, 12%
  • Bank Products, 11%
  • Loan Applications, 7%
  • Loan Programs, 6%
  • FHA, 5%
Common lender skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Loan Applications, 8%
  • Business Development, 6%
  • Bank Products, 6%
  • Origination, 6%
  • Loan Portfolio, 5%

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