Everything to Know About Hiring for a Mortgage Team
When it comes to hiring for a mortgage team, the truth is simple: you can’t win big by doing it all yourself.
For years, I thought credibility meant being the “Michael Jordan” of lending—rebounding, shooting, defending, closing every loan myself. But just like MJ didn’t win championships until he had a team, neither will you.
That’s why I recently turned one of our Sales Mastery Calls into a podcast episode (and YouTube video) — because the conversation was that good. I pulled back the curtain with three of my own powerhouse teammates, breaking down the exact roles, systems, and routines that keep a mortgage business thriving.
👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube here
If you’re ready to scale, serve more families, and step out of the grind, building the right team is your most powerful lever for growth.
Why is Hiring the Right People for a Mortgage Team So Important?
The mortgage business is fast-paced and high-stakes. Every missed detail, every bottleneck, every delayed pre-approval can cost you referrals, clients, and peace of mind.
That’s why hiring for a mortgage team isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about creating a foundation that supports growth, culture, and long-term success. The right hires free you up to focus on leadership and business development, instead of burning out in the weeds.
The Dream Mortgage Team Structure & Roles
When you think about building a dream team, structure matters just as much as talent. These three roles are the backbone of a thriving mortgage practice:
The Mortgage Loan Processor
Your processor is the hub of the wheel. They keep every moving part aligned—from document collection to communication with underwriters—ensuring smooth, on-time closings. As my own team lead, Shannon Giraldo proves daily that a great processor isn’t just operational support—they’re mission-critical to client trust and referral partner confidence.
The Mortgage Pre-Approval Process
Speed and precision matter here more than anywhere. A Pre-Approval Manager like Marcy Kramer can handle 50–60 pre-approvals a month, providing lightning-fast turn times and bulletproof approvals. That means you’re not just efficient—you’re trusted and referred.
Lead Admin Duties
An effective Lead Admin/LOA is your secret weapon for growth. From tracking leads to working hot shoppers, Stephanie McDowell ensures nothing slips through the cracks. With clear systems and follow-up, your pipeline stays active, engaged, and converting.
Hiring for a Mortgage Team Starts with a Culture That Scales
The best hires aren’t just technically skilled—they’re culture fits. When your team shares values of humility, hunger, and high performance, you don’t just add people—you multiply results.
Culture isn’t what you preach; it’s what you practice. Establish rhythms of communication, recognition, and accountability. Your culture should allow team members to take ownership, contribute ideas, and feel invested in shared wins. That’s how you keep A+ players long-term.
5 Tips on Hiring for a Mortgage Team
- Hire for values first, skills second. You can train systems, but you can’t train character.
- Test before you trust. Use trial projects, shadow days, or short-term contracts to confirm fit.
- Look for complementary strengths. Don’t clone yourself—hire to fill your blind spots.
- Document your processes. Clarity is what allows new hires to succeed fast.
- Invest in onboarding. The first 90 days set the tone for productivity, retention, and culture.
Start Leading Like a Rainmaker
At the end of the day, hiring for a mortgage team isn’t about delegation—it’s about leadership. The sooner you empower others, the sooner you free yourself to be the Rainmaker: the strategist, the relationship-builder, the visionary.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about sales coaching for loan officers and read how a successful mortgage loan officer built her business with the right team and mindset.
It’s time to stop hustling solo. Build your dream team. Lead like a Rainmaker. And make it rain.
