New MLO for broker insights

New MLO for broker insights

Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 1 vote

Hello BiggerPockets! New MLO Looking for Brokerage Insights 🏠

I Just passed the NMLS exam—feels great to have that milestone accomplished! I'm officially a new Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) and I'm now laser-focused on finding the right brokerage to affiliate with. As a new MLO, I know that initial training, support, and the right culture will be critical for success, especially in this market.

I'm eager to learn from the experiences of the BigPockets community.

What are the must-ask questions you recommend for a new MLO when interviewing a brokerage? I want to make sure I'm setting myself up with a team that has the resources and structure for long-term growth.

I appreciate any advice you can offer on finding a good fit

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  • Lender · CA · Member since 2018 · 637 posts · 393 votes
    11mo

    As a New MLO, I would focus on a team/brokerage that has a good training program and a lot of different loan programs.  Lots of people jump in and they want the best compensation, but often that comes with limited training and support.  I have some interview questions we ask when hiring new LO's.

    Purpose: Understand their lending experience, markets served, loan types handled.
    Tell us about your work background, including being a loan officer?
    What loan products have you worked with most frequently?
    What was your monthly/quarterly loan volume?
    What technology stack are you experienced with? (CRM, LOS (Loan Origination Software), marketing, etc.)
    What types of markets or borrower profiles do you primarily serve?
    Purpose: Gauge their ability to bring in business and build relationships.
    Do you currently receive leads from your company, or are you primarily self-generating business?
    How do you build and maintain referral relationships?
    Give an example of a time you exceeded your sales goals. How did you do it?
    What activities do you focus on during slower months to continue driving business and how can we support those efforts?
    Purpose: Assess their grasp of regulatory/compliance and their ability to package deals properly.
    How do you ensure a loan file is compliant before submission?
    What common red flags do you look for in applications?
    Tell me about a time a deal was initially declined — how did you turn it around?
    Purpose: Evaluate how they interact with clients, especially under pressure.
    How do you handle difficult or nervous borrowers?
    Give an example of a time you had to deliver bad news to a client.
    What do you believe is most important in creating a positive borrower experience?
    Purpose: See if their personality and goals align with your team and branch values.
    Why are you considering leaving your current company or team?
    What do you like and dislike about your current company or branch?
    What kind of support are you looking for in your next role?
    How do you handle stress during peak periods?
    What are your professional goals in the next 1–3 years?
    What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
  • Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 1 vote
    11mo

    Thank you sir  for the quick insights, which brokerage or retail lender you suggest for a new MLO's like me?

  • Lender · CA · Member since 2018 · 637 posts · 393 votes
    11mo

    Hard to say, would be happy to connect if you want to go over what you are looking for and what markets you operate in.

  • Member since 2025 · 9 posts · 1 vote
    11mo

    Sure 929-424-0694 is my telephone number. Or kindly provide me with your telephone number I will call you at your earliest availability.

  • Erik EstradaBusiness Member
    Lender · Member since 2022 · 6k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo
    Quote from @Phani Kiran Devaguptapu:

    Hello BiggerPockets! New MLO Looking for Brokerage Insights 🏠

    I Just passed the NMLS exam—feels great to have that milestone accomplished! I'm officially a new Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) and I'm now laser-focused on finding the right brokerage to affiliate with. As a new MLO, I know that initial training, support, and the right culture will be critical for success, especially in this market.

    I'm eager to learn from the experiences of the BigPockets community.

    What are the must-ask questions you recommend for a new MLO when interviewing a brokerage? I want to make sure I'm setting myself up with a team that has the resources and structure for long-term growth.

    I appreciate any advice you can offer on finding a good fit


     Honestly, 

    I would first find an experienced broker/LO and see if you can work under them for a bit. Focus on originating the deal and once you bring a qualified client, get involved in the emails, calls, processing, etc.. 

    When I started, it was very hard to find someone that is a top-producing LO, to shadow. They are either too busy for you, or won't give you enough attention/hand holding to get you to where you need to be. 

    I would suggest finding a company that is a bit new, looking to grow but also has enough time to take your calls and take you seriously. There are a lot of companies that promise this, but very few actually stick to this promise... 

    LuxePrivate Investments LLC 572 Reviews
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