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 Bank's 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 Bank's 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 Bank's 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.