Community Home Lending Officer

First Merchants is seeking a Community Home Lending Officer to join our team! The Community Home Lending Officer (CHLO) is responsible for originating residential mortgage loans while expanding access to sustainable homeownership through community engagement, financial education, and relationship development. This role develops new business through partnerships with real estate professionals, employers, housing agencies, community organizations, and other referral sources. The CHLO serves as a trusted advisor by educating customers on mortgage products, down payment assistance programs, affordable lending solutions, and the homebuying process. Successful candidates demonstrate strong business development and relationship management skills, deliver an exceptional customer experience, and achieve consistent production results. They maintain a well-managed pipeline, collaborate effectively with internal and external partners, and adhere to all applicable policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements while supporting the Banks commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities within the communities it serves. This position is subject to the Dodd-Frank Act and Truth in Lending Act qualification requirements for Mortgage Loan Originators. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all applicable background, credit, and NMLS-related requirements.

As part of this role you will:

• Develop new mortgage business through networking, prospecting, and cultivating relationships with real estate professionals, builders, community organizations, employers, internal referral partners, and prospective homebuyers.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by educating customers on available mortgage products, down payment assistance programs, affordable lending programs, and the homebuying process.
• Interview applicants, analyze financial information, take residential mortgage applications, and ensure complete and accurate loan submissions.
• Maintain knowledge of residential mortgage products, down payment assistance programs, affordable lending programs, underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and market conditions.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, real estate professionals, employers, housing agencies, and other referral sources to identify homeownership opportunities, expand access to sustainable homeownership, and support the Banks community engagement initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver homebuyer education workshops, financial education presentations, and community outreach events in support of Community Home Lending and Bank community service goals.
• Participate in community activities and professional organizations to strengthen community relationships, enhance the Banks visibility, and create opportunities to serve prospective homebuyers.
• Demonstrate operational excellence by maintaining a well-managed pipeline, ensuring timely follow-up, accurate and complete loan applications, collaborating effectively with internal and external partners, and adhering to bank policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Deliver an exceptional customer experience throughout the mortgage lending process.
• Achieve individual production goals and contribute to overall Community Home Lending team objectives.
• Serve as an ambassador for First Merchants Bank by representing the Bank professionally in all customer, community, and business interactions.

To be successful in this position, we require the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in mortgage lending, mortgage origination, consumer lending with mortgage referral responsibilities, or a related residential lending role.
• Active NMLS registration and ability to maintain eligibility for mortgage loan originator registration under applicable regulatory requirements.
• Experience achieving sales, production, or business development goals.
• Experience independently developing and managing a pipeline of mortgage lending opportunities.
• Experience analyzing borrower financial information and recommending appropriate lending solutions.
• Experience educating customers on financial products and services, guiding customers through the lending process, and supporting homeownership opportunities.

The following would be a plus:

• Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

• Experience working with down payment assistance programs, affordable lending programs, or other homeownership initiatives.

• Experience developing partnerships with community organizations, real estate professionals, employers, housing agencies, or other referral sources.

• Experience delivering homebuyer education, financial education programs, or community outreach events.

First Merchants offers the following:

• Base Pay PLUS Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 401k
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Vacation/Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Additional Benefits

A little about us:

First Merchants is guided by a genuine philosophy of being a meaningful place to work and having a prosperous impact across all walks of life throughout the communities we serve, including consumers, businesses and other organizations. Our Vision, Mission and Team statement reflect and reinforce that authentic service philosophy.

Our Vision is:

To enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities we serve.

Our Mission is:

To be the most responsive, knowledgeable, and high-performing financial organization for our clients, teammates, and shareholders.

Our Team:

"We are a collection of dynamic colleagues with diverse experiences and perspectives who share a passion for positively impacting lives. We are genuinely committed to attracting and engaging teammates of diverse backgrounds. We believe in the power of inclusion and belonging."

Apply today to begin your career with us!