Drowning in leads but struggling to hire help? You’re not alone — and I’ve got your roadmap.
If you’re feeling buried under a mountain of referrals and stuck doing it all yourself, this blog is for you. Whether you’re a solo producer like Rox, bringing in 20–30 referrals a week, or scaling your team, you’ll eventually hit a point where doing everything yourself is no longer sustainable.
And when that happens, you need more than just “help.” You need the right person, in the right seat, with the right mindset.
Let’s break down how to hire a loan officer assistant who can truly transform your business.
What Does a Loan Officer Assistant Do?
A Loan Officer Assistant (LOA) plays a vital support role in your origination machine. Depending on your workflow, this person may:
- Manage and follow up with leads
- Prepare loan files for processing
- Communicate with clients and referral partners
- Coordinate documents, appointments, and compliance details
The LOA isn’t just a task-taker — they are your business partner behind the scenes, freeing up your time to focus on sales, relationships, and growth.
How Can a Loan Officer Assistant Help You Meet Your Goals?
If you’re overwhelmed, your customer experience is slipping, or your follow-up is falling short, an LOA can dramatically boost your capacity and consistency.
Hiring right means:
- Closing more loans with less chaos
- Creating margin to focus on high-value relationships
- Building a business that scales without burning you out
Shayla’s Proven Hiring Philosophy: Beyond Traditional Methods
Why Past Hiring Fails: Ditching the “Experience” Trap
Many LOs make the mistake of only looking for someone with mortgage experience. But the truth? The right hire usually doesn’t come from the industry.
In fact, I often tell clients: “Mortgage knowledge can be taught. Hunger, integrity, and adaptability can’t.”
The Golden Combo: Essential Traits for a Rockstar LOA
Here’s what I look for in every hire:
- Smart: Quick learner, solution-oriented, and sharp.
- Charming: Excellent communicator, builds rapport with ease.
- Competitive: Goal-driven, thrives in high-performance environments.
If your candidate checks those three boxes, you’re off to a great start.
Pitching the Job as a “Mortgage MBA” (Growth Path)
Don’t undersell the role. When you frame this position as a two-year business school in real estate finance, systems, and leadership — you attract hungry, high-potential candidates.
Talk about:
- Learning the mortgage process inside and out
- Exposure to top producers and industry strategy
- Opportunities to grow into future ops leaders, processors, or even LOs
The “Love Who You Hire” Imperative
This is your ride-or-die teammate. If you wouldn’t want to travel with them or grab a drink together, don’t hire them. Because when things get stressful (and they will), liking and trusting each other is what keeps the train on the tracks.
So, Where Can You Find Your Next Rockstar Loan Officer Assistant?
Start by tapping into your existing network:
- Local universities or business programs
- Hospitality or customer service pros ready for a new career
- Referrals from your current sphere (they know your standards)
Avoid “mortgage lifers” stuck in outdated ways — instead, seek out sharp people ready to grow with you.
Ready to Build Your Dream Team?
If this resonated with you, chances are you’re already overdue to hire. Don’t wait until you’re in full-blown burnout.
Need help implementing this playbook?
Come join me this September at Slay with Shay Live Annual Loan Officer Retreat — where I’ll walk you through how to hire, onboard, and lead a high-performing team that lets you finally breathe again.
And be sure to check out the Mortgage Rainmaker Podcast for more real-world advice on building your empire.
Let’s build a team you love — and a business that works for you.
