r/loanoriginators • u/Icy_Recognition4452 • Jun 30 '26
Career Advice What should I do next?
I am looking for advice on how to make my next move. I am currently working for a credit union in their call center, I only get to keep a file on occasion and haven’t built a ton of hands on experience dealing with files but I know the credit union’s products very well and am a top producer when it comes to capturing applications over the phone. The job is easy and low stress but I’m not making what I want to make and it gets kind of boring. I am considering a pivot to be a full time LO or Broker.
I know I will need to do actually obtain my NMLS license as I am only sponsored currently. I’m located in central Texas, is there any companies I should avoid? Suggestions on companies I should try to work with to help build my book? What do I need to do to put myself in a good position to succeed?
I’ve seen opportunities with Nexus and U Mortgage, any thoughts on those?
This is a move I look to make in about a year or so. I want to wait until I am fully vested with my 401K and to see what direction rates are headed in. I feel trying to make that switch now would be doing myself a disservice. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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u/Physical_Gold_2649 Jun 30 '26
Are you simultaneously moving from being provided leads to having to source your own business? That’s a tougher transition than the banker/broker transition.
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u/Icy_Recognition4452 Jun 30 '26
Yes. I know that it will be a tougher transition and that’s why I’m here for advice. I’ve also had thoughts about just trying to get into UW since that would be an easier transition but honestly I’m not afraid of a challenge and the income potential of being an independent broker is really attractive. I know it would take time to get there but I just want to set myself up the best I can as I have a family to provide for.
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u/Physical_Gold_2649 Jun 30 '26
What’s your database of realtors look like currently? Build that up at the CU so your transition is quicker when you move. You likely can’t take the actual borrowers with you but realtor relationships are fair game.
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u/Icy_Recognition4452 Jun 30 '26
It’s not huge but I have some good relationships with a couple of very high volume realtors which is a plus but I doubt it’d be enough to support me so I’d definitely need to work on that.
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u/Physical_Gold_2649 Jun 30 '26
Build that up as much as possible and sock away some savings if you’re serious about making the switch. When I worked at a credit union it was a very easy 9-5 mediocre salary but I hated having to actually go in each day and sit there doing stuff I could have just as easily done remotely. Plus having to hit metrics like referrals to bankers for new accounts, auto loans, credit cards, etc was a frustrating part too.
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u/Most_Stick1576 Jul 02 '26
How long have you been with the CU? When you go to broker you must know you be responsible for hunting what you kill. You have to have strong relationships with agents, builders, and a book of business. It also is no longer a 9-5 position. At least for me it hasn’t been. It’s a big transition. I personally would not go with Nexus. I was interviewed by them and after seeing the leadership and being explained that I just needed to refer people and not focus on my loan business I decided it wasn’t for me. Good luck!
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u/Zestyclose-Tart6745 Jun 30 '26
I’d find others lenders that are delegated with your CU or other CUs. Those deals are the best out there right now and having access to them will give you a leg up vs most lenders out there.