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Emerging Market Mortgage Loan Originator (Detroit Metro Area)

First Financial Bank · MI · Remote available · Full time

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about your current referral partners, like realtors and builders, and how much of your production comes from them.

What they are checking: Whether they can self-source leads, which the posting makes a requirement.

Tell me about a month when you missed your production goal. What did you change?

What they are checking: Whether they respond to slow months with a business plan rather than waiting for the market to turn.

Describe your business plan for your first year in this role.

What they are checking: Whether they can lay out specific targets, sources and activities, which the role requires them to maintain.

What would you do

This role focuses on emerging markets in the Detroit metro area. How would you build referral sources in communities that have historically had less access to mortgage credit?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real plan to earn trust in underserved neighborhoods rather than relying on existing networks.

A borrower's file is stuck in underwriting with conditions they are struggling to meet. How do you keep the loan moving?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach borrowers on documents and work with processing to close on time.

How would you work with First Financial's retail branches to generate mortgage leads?

What they are checking: Whether they can build referral habits with branch staff, a source the posting names directly.

A realtor pressures you to approve a borrower who you think is stretching too far. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they put the borrower's ability to repay ahead of a referral partner's pressure.

About the work

Walk me through what happens between taking an application and getting intent to proceed.

What they are checking: Whether they know the disclosure steps and timing rules that come with a mortgage application.

What loan programs or down payment assistance options would you look at for a first-time buyer with limited savings?

What they are checking: Whether they know affordable lending options well enough to find a real path for buyers with less cash.

How do you explain the difference between rate, APR and closing costs to a first-time buyer?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain costs plainly so borrowers make informed decisions.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by First Financial Bank.

We do the right things, right now. We do them in a way that is relevant to our clients. Become a part of our history as it continues to be written! If you are interested and qualified for this role, we invite you to apply. As a First Financial Bank (FFB) Mortgage Loan Originator, you will originate mortgage loans sourced through your established referral partners, our retail banking branches, internal departments, and marketing efforts to builders, realtors, and other referral sources. The position will be required to self-source mortgage leads, convert into applications, present personalized mortgage products and solutions to potential customers, produce required disclosures, procure intent to proceed, collect borrower documents needed to satisfy loan conditions, and work with internal departments to ensure a superior customer experience and timely loan closing. Essential Functions/Responsibilities • Consistently achieves monthly loan production volume as specified in the MLO Agreement. • Generates new business to assist in meeting established goals. • Responsible for developing and maintaining business plan for growth of this business area. • Networks with assigned bank branches, internal departments, employees, local organizations/businesses, realtors, builders, and other referral sources to generate mortgage leads. • Evaluates needs of potential customers and offers appropriate mortgage products and services, or provides referral to appropriate specialist within the Bank. • Prepares and compiles mortgage application and information for processing of mortgage loan applications generated. • Ensures completeness of loan documentation. • Oversees timely closing and funding of loans. • Provides ongoing relationship servicing with current mortgage customers to maintain goodwill and gain additional business. • Responds to mortgage inquiries and assists with mortgage servicing requests. • Promotes and refer other bank products and services as appropriate to customer requirements. • Provides data to support marketing and sales promotion programs. • Works directly with sales manager to assist with CRA loan initiatives in local market. Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Essential Functions of the Job • Minimum of 2 years’ experience originating residential mortgages, 4 years preferred. • Must have existing referral network established to provide mortgage leads. • Must have prior experience using loan originating software and MS Office products. • Strong product knowledge and underwriting requirements for Conventional and Government (FHA, VA, USDA) mortgage programs. • Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Must have or ability to obtain Mortgage Loan Originator License with NMLS. • Must be trained in all areas of mortgage lending. • Must maintain employer and industry required continuing education. Preferred Knowledge and Skills • Four year's experience originating residential mortgages. Level of Complexity and Scope Degree of Independence and Decision-Making Required Supervisory Responsibilities Physical Requirements Compliance Statement The associate is responsible for meeting all compliance requirements imposed on First Financial Bank by State and Federal law and regulation, as well as all related First Financial Bank policies and procedures. This includes all Bank Secrecy Act, Anti-Money Laundering, OFAC and Suspicious Activity reporting requirements, as well as all other lending and deposit compliance requirements. Development and Training Pay Range This position pays at least the applicable state minimum wage plus commission opportunities based on performance. Benefits We have relevant, thoughtful benefits and programs that support every aspect of our associates' holistic wellbeing. Please review our Benefits Guide . Incentive Eligibility All roles are incentive eligible with the exception of Co-Op, Intern, or Student positions. It is our policy to not discriminate against any individual in violation of federal, state, and local laws as it relates to age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran/military service, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an E-Verify Employer.

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