Job outlook for occupancy specialists in the United States

Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Occupancy Specialists?

Julienne Joseph: Loan origination is a challenging yet rewarding career. While many loan officers wander into the field, by way of some other career path, others start on the journey earlier in life. Before investing in the steps needed to generate business, it's imperative that new loan officers thoroughly understand each phase of the mortgage process and the nuances that make each program different. Any loan officer will admit that unexpected obstacles are guaranteed to arise, but what separates the good from the great originator is the ability to anticipate and provide effective solutions when faced with an unforeseen issue. Not only does being prepared help make the process run more smoothly, but it also gives the loan officer the opportunity to educate their borrowers along the way, which builds trust.

Having a deep knowledge of the mortgage process and programs has proven to be invaluable, given the impact COVID-19 has had on the industry. Government agencies have continued to publish temporary guidance designed to address the unintended consequences that the mortgage industry has faced as a result of the pandemic. Keeping that in mind, mortgage professionals must be able to adapt-quickly- to the industry's ever-changing landscape, and the only way to do so is to have a command of how mortgages actually work.

As I mentioned earlier, being a loan officer can be rewarding. LOs literally help borrowers navigate one of the largest transactions of their lives, which can create an asset that will benefit families for generations. That can't be overstated. Yes, the work is hard, but few professions afford someone the opportunity to observe their efforts in improving the lives of their clients.