Loan Officer Assistant

Senior Loan Officer Assistant / Pre-Approval & Pipeline Specialist

Location: Ocala, Florida

Position Type: In-House | Full-Time

About the Opportunity

We are a growing, high-producing mortgage team looking for an experienced Senior Loan Officer Assistant / Pre-Approval & Pipeline Specialist who is ready to take ownership—not simply take direction.

This is a key role on our team. The right person will work closely with the Loan Officer to manage the front end of the mortgage process, including pre-approvals, loan structuring, borrower communication, pipeline oversight, contract-to-close handoffs, and business development/marketing support.

We are looking for someone who understands that a great mortgage experience doesn’t happen by simply checking boxes. It requires someone who is proactive, highly organized, knowledgeable about guidelines, comfortable making decisions, and constantly looking three steps ahead.

If you’re the type of mortgage professional who sees a problem before it becomes a problem, knows how to structure a difficult file, follows up without being asked, and takes pride in delivering an exceptional borrower and Realtor experience, we want to meet you.

What You’ll Own

Pre-Approvals & Loan Structuring

• Review completed 1003 applications, credit reports, income, assets, liabilities, and supporting documentation.
• Determine what documentation is needed to properly support a strong pre-approval.
• Calculate qualifying income for W-2, overtime, bonus/variable income, self-employed borrowers, Schedule C, 1120-S, Schedule E, and rental income.
• Run and analyze AUS findings through DU and LP.
• Identify potential underwriting issues before the file reaches processing.
• Evaluate loan scenarios and help determine the most appropriate loan program based on the borrower’s financial circumstances.
• Understand and apply guideline differences between Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, USDA, and applicable down payment assistance programs.
• Prepare accurate, well-supported pre-approval letters in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Pipeline Management

• Take ownership of the day-to-day pipeline and ensure files continue moving forward.
• Participate in pipeline reviews on behalf of the Loan Officer.
• Monitor milestones, outstanding items, deadlines, and potential roadblocks.
• Identify loans that require escalation and bring solutions—not just problems—to the Loan Officer.
• Communicate proactively with borrowers, Realtors, processors, and other business partners.
• Keep the Loan Officer informed of important developments without requiring constant follow-up.
• Ensure contracts are entered accurately into Encompass and files are properly prepared for handoff to processing.
• Help ensure a smooth transition from pre-approval through contract and closing.

Borrower & Realtor Experience

• Serve as a knowledgeable and responsive point of contact for borrowers and referral partners.
• Request documentation clearly and professionally.
• Communicate loan conditions and outstanding items in a way borrowers can understand.
• Build trust with borrowers and Realtors through consistent communication and follow-through.
• Help create a high-touch experience that makes our team stand out.

Marketing & Business Development Support

• Assist with social media and marketing initiatives.
• Help organize and execute marketing campaigns, client touchpoints, events, and Realtor outreach.
• Assist with maintaining and following up with leads and past-client databases.
• Help identify opportunities to strengthen relationships with Realtors and referral partners.
• Contribute ideas for growing the business and increasing engagement.
• Be comfortable representing the team professionally both online and in person.

What We’re Looking For

Required:

• 3+ years of mortgage industry experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of the residential mortgage loan process from application through closing.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing files and issuing or supporting pre-approvals.
• Strong knowledge of credit, income, assets, liabilities, and AUS.
• Experience with DU and LP.
• Strong income calculation experience, including:
• W-2 income
• Overtime
• Bonus/variable income
• Self-employed income
• Schedule C
• 1120-S
• Schedule E/rental income
• In-depth knowledge of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and USDA guidelines.
• Encompass experience strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple loans and deadlines simultaneously.

A Plus:

• Down payment assistance experience.
• Spanish-speaking.
• Previous experience as an LOA, Junior Loan Officer, Processor, or similar mortgage production role.
• Experience with social media, marketing, CRM systems, or lead management.

The Person Who Will Thrive Here

We’re looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership of their work.
• Is proactive rather than reactive.
• Can work independently while knowing when to escalate.
• Is comfortable asking questions and finding solutions.
• Understands that details matter in mortgage lending.
• Can move quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
• Communicates exceptionally well.
• Is confident interacting with borrowers and Realtors.
• Enjoys being part of a growing, ambitious team.
• Wants to contribute ideas—not simply complete assigned tasks.
• Takes personal pride in the success of the loans and the client experience.

Why Join Our Team?

You’ll have the opportunity to work directly alongside a high-producing Loan Officer and growing mortgage team where your contribution genuinely matters.

This isn’t a position where you’ll disappear into a large corporate structure. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful responsibilities, develop your mortgage expertise, work directly with clients and referral partners, and play an important role in helping grow the business.

We want to hire someone who ultimately becomes an extension of the Loan Officer—someone who can be trusted to know what needs to happen, make it happen, and keep the business moving.

Interested?

If you are an experienced mortgage professional who is ready for a role with more responsibility, ownership, and opportunity to grow , we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and tell us a little about your mortgage experience, specifically your experience with pre-approvals, income calculation, AUS, pipeline management, and loan structuring.

This is an in-house position located in Ocala, Florida.