Building a partnership with your processor could build your business, too. 

If you’re one of the 25,000+ brokers new to the mortgage industry, odds are you’ve heard the term “mortgage processor” thrown around at least a few times. If so, you might just be wondering, “What does a mortgage processor actually do?” 

This person will be key when it comes to crossing the “closing” finish line, serving your clients, and ultimately growing your business. So, you should have a thorough understanding of their role and responsibilities. 

Let’s clear up a few questions, including “What does a mortgage processor do?” and “How can we best work together?” 

What Does a Mortgage Processor Do?

Let’s answer the big question first: What does a mortgage processor do? 

A mortgage processor is a professional who works to verify the information and documents provided by borrowers, validate that loan files meet minimum underwriting guidelines, and double-checks all materials before submitting them to underwriting. 

Some of their key responsibilities include:  

• Reviewing information from a completed loan application 
• Organizing documentation (proof of income, credit reports, etc.) 
• Identifying any red flags or missing information 
• Ensuring files are complete, accurate, and ready for underwriting 
• Coordinating with you and the underwriter

If a home loan was a racecar, you’d be the driver, the mortgage processor would be the pit crew, and the underwriter would be the flag-waver, calling the race at the finish line. The processor is essentially tending to every moving part — documents, deadlines, compliance checks — to ensure everything arrives safely and smoothly without delays or crashes.

What Value Do Great Mortgage Processors Bring?

But loan processors are so much more than just their day-to-day duties. A great loan processor is the key to complete, organized, and fully prepared files. They have extensive experience with underwriters and know exactly what they’re looking for. This can mean smoother, faster closings.   

That’s important because a drama-free process can eventually lead to happier clients, creating the potential for more repeat business or even referrals! 

Finally, working with a top-notch loan processor can also cut down on stress and last-minute emergencies. Your processor may interact with your borrower almost as much as you will! Stellar processors tend to be organized, experienced, and cool under pressure. And who wouldn’t want to work with someone like that? 

Ultimately, loan processors could be key in growing your career. 

How to Work Effectively with Your Processor

Working well together will be critical for faster, cleaner closings. 

Here are a few tips to get started: 

Understand Their Role

Simply asking “What does a mortgage processor do?” and reading this blog means you’re already on the right track with this one! 

Learn as much as you can about your mortgage processor, their preferences, and their expectations. Then, simply treat your processor as the consummate professional they are, and you can hit the ground running. 

Communicate Extenuating Circumstances Clearly and Early

Try to flag any special considerations as quickly as possible. 

For example, your processor might appreciate a heads-up when a borrower is self-employed, has relatively lower credit, or has experienced a sudden issue like job loss.  

Clear, open channels of communication can make the process run more smoothly. 

Submit Complete Files from the Start

Gathering clear, accurate documentation will make your processor’s job go so much quicker. 

Consider creating documentation checklists you can provide for all your clients. Then, do an initial sweep of the information to ensure it’s all up-to-snuff. 

Try to remain readily available once you’ve handed the files over, just in case something slips through the cracks. Hey, it still happens to the very best mortgage pros now and again!  

Understand Their Time and Process

Remember that the mortgage processor is the seasoned pro when it comes to reviewing and verifying borrower information. 

When you hand over documentation, it’s time to take their lead. Try to refrain from an overwhelming number of check-ins or updates and let their workflow, well, flow. 

Best Practices for Working with Mortgage Brokers 

Finally, to make the most of your relationship, provide a few gentle asks of the loan processor. 

For example, kindly request that the loan processor be proactive in communicating needs and issues, offer suggestions to improve file quality without overstepping, and ultimately respect your relationship with the client. 

Stay Engaged (and Stay in Your Lane)

Of course, there will be instances where you really will need to touch base, check in, ask a question, or provide some kind of update. 

This is okay, but try to make sure it’s quick, efficient, and professional. Always remember that, at this stage in the home loan process, they have the reins! 

Final Thoughts: What Does a Mortgage Processor Do and How Can You Best Work Together?

So, let’s recap: What does a mortgage processor do? 

They’re essentially your home loan pit crew, working to verify borrower information and documents, confirm that files meet standard underwriting guidelines, and double-check all materials before submission to underwriting. 

And how can you best work together for faster, cleaner closings? 

That will come down to prioritizing communication, working to submit clean files whenever possible, and ultimately treating your processor as a valued partner. 

Basically, if you can align with these powerful professionals, crossing the closing “finish line” could become that much smoother. 

Ready, set, go!