Today’s world is technology-based. We carry the world in our pocket, and while this can be distracting at times, it can also provide mortgage loan officers with a pocket full of mortgage marketing tools and productivity tools at their fingertips. App-based technology enables you to increase your mortgage business opportunities, work more efficiently, and improve your social reach on the go. Here we look at some of the top must-have apps for a mortgage loan officer.
Key Takeaways
- Using apps can help mortgage loan officers increase sales and performance by expanding their network, monitoring the real estate market, and staying better connected with borrowers and referral partners.
- Productivity apps such as Harvest Time Tracker, Buffer, and EverNote can help loan officers manage their time and stay organized by tracking time, scheduling social media posts, and keeping notes in one place.
- Other helpful apps for mortgage loan officers include DocuSign for collecting signatures on the go, Upwork for hiring freelancers, and Pocket for saving articles or videos to view later.
Apps to increase sales and performance
The key to being a successful mortgage loan officer is business growth. You spend much of your day working to generate leads and create networking and referral contacts. These apps help to increase your sales and performance by allowing you to expand your network and provide responses to clients no matter where you are.
1. Real estate apps: Realtor.com, Redfin, Zillow, and Trulia
As a mortgage loan officer, knowing and understanding your local real estate market is key. The Realtor.com app allows you to monitor your local real estate market, see who the top realtors are, and understand the average selling prices.
Mortgage loan originators can use real estate apps like Realtor.com and Zillow in several ways, including:
1. Identify potential clients: Real estate apps like Realtor.com and Zillow provide a platform for mortgage loan originators to identify potential clients who are actively searching for homes. For example, you can target open houses with finance flyers or business cards and connect with top real estate agents for referrals. When you see new houses on the market, chances are, the sellers are also looking for a new home. Sending out targeted mailers to home sellers puts your name out in front of prospective clients.
2. Gather market insights: Real estate apps like Realtor.com and Zillow provide valuable market insights that mortgage loan originators can use to stay informed about changes in the real estate market. By staying informed about market trends, you can provide better guidance to clients and make informed decisions about the financing options available to them.
3. Build relationships with real estate agents: Real estate apps like Realtor.com and Zillow provide a platform for mortgage loan originators to build relationships with real estate agents. By connecting with real estate agents on these apps, you can establish yourself as a trusted partner and generate more business.
4. Promote services: Real estate apps like Realtor.com and Zillow provide a platform for mortgage loan originators to promote their services to potential clients. By creating a business profile and sharing information about your services, you can generate more leads and grow your business.
2. Floify
This mortgage automation app allows loan officers to stay better connected with borrowers and referral partners. Mortgage loan originators can use Floify in several ways, including:
1. Streamline the loan application process: Floify provides a platform that mortgage loan originators can use to streamline the loan application process. With Floify, you can collect borrower information, process loan applications, and manage loan documents in one place.
2. Improve communication with borrowers: Floify allows mortgage loan originators to communicate with borrowers throughout the loan application process. With Floify, you can send notifications, request additional information, and answer borrower questions in real-time.
3. Customize the loan application process: Floify allows mortgage loan originators to customize the loan application process to meet their clients’ specific needs. With Floify, you can create custom loan application forms, set up automated workflows, and integrate with other loan origination software.
4. Integrate with other software: Floify can integrate with other loan origination software, such as credit reporting software, underwriting software, and document management software, to provide a seamless loan origination experience.
3. MTA LoanTracs
This app is designed to help you locate potential referral partners. With MTA LoanTracs, you can track real estate agents’ productivity, allowing you to find the top agents based on offices and locations. Once you locate top agents, you can save them to a watch list.
Mortgage loan originators can use MTA LoanTracs in several ways, including:
1. Make data-driven decisions: With MTA LoanTracs, you get access to clean, verified data covering all things mortgage and loan related, allowing you to make better-informed decisions for your business with planning and recruiting.
2. Improve data security: MTA LoanTracs takes data security seriously and offers the most accurate, comprehensive, and timely loan transaction data assembled in one place.
3. Spot market trends: By keeping your eye on the market, loan originators can better spot business opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.
4. Get real-time feedback: Insights are updated daily, which means you never have to worry about delayed data.
4. Loanzify
Loanzify is a communication platform that helps keep you and your borrowers in the know throughout the loan process. In addition, you can co-brand the program with your realtor partners. This program helps track, catalog, and archive all communication between you and your borrower. The app offers a free trial to start, and their programs range from $39-$69/per month.
Mortgage loan originators can use Loanzify in several ways, including:
1. Simplify the 1003 process: Loanzify provides a platform that mortgage loan originators can use to streamline the loan application process. With Loanzify’s chat interface, taking 1003s is a breeze.
2. Improve communication with borrowers: Loanzify walks clients through the documentation process, saving both you and your clients time.
3. Automate your pre-approvals: Loanzify offers on-demand pre-approvals sent out based on your preferred criteria which can go a long way in empowering your borrowers to take action.
4. Provide loan calculators: Loanzify also allows mortgage loan originators to offer a digital branded mortgage calculator to help their clients determine their monthly payments, interest rates, and other important factors when considering different loan options. These calculators can help clients make informed decisions and choose the loan option that best suits their needs.
5. Trust Edge Formerly Known as Mortgage Coach
While explaining the mortgage process to some clients is easy, others may need a more visual description. Mortgage Coach Edge (now Trust Edge) allows you to create visually appealing charts, graphs, and videos in order to better explain difficult concepts to potential clients. Offering this service shows your potential clients that you are committed to their understanding. Also, this personalized experience can help close sales.
Mortgage loan originators can use Mortgage Coach in several ways, including:
1. Provide personalized loan options: Mortgage Coach allows mortgage loan originators to provide personalized loan options to clients. With Mortgage Coach Edge, you can generate loan scenarios based on client information, such as credit score, income, and down payment, and show clients how different loan options will impact their monthly payments. This allows you to educate your clients rather than focus on a deal.
2. Build trust with clients: Mortgage Coach Edge allows mortgage loan originators to build trust with clients by providing transparent loan options and showing clients how different loan options will impact their finances. With Mortgage Coach Edge, you can provide a more personalized and informative experience for clients, which can help build trust and establish long-term relationships.
3. Stay competitive: Mortgage Coach Edge allows mortgage loan originators to stay competitive by providing a more engaging and personalized loan origination experience for clients that retains the human and relationship factor. With Mortgage Coach Edge, you can differentiate yourself from other mortgage loan originators and attract more clients.
6. Easy Mortgage Apps (mortgages calculator)
Mobile apps, such as Easy Mortgages, offer mortgage loan offers mobile mortgage calculators, and proposal generators. Imagine working with a real estate partner at an open house and a potential buyer comes in asking about possible mortgage rates and what payments they would expect to pay on the home. With this app, you could put together a mortgage proposal and email it before they even finish viewing the home.
Mortgage loan originators can use the Easy Mortgage Apps platform in several ways, including:
1. Streamline the loan application process: Easy Mortgage Apps provides a platform that mortgage loan originators can use to streamline the loan application process. With Easy Mortgage Apps, you can collect borrower information, process loan applications, and manage loan documents in one place.
2. Improve communication with borrowers: Easy Mortgage Apps allows mortgage loan originators to communicate with borrowers throughout the loan application process. With Easy Mortgage Apps, you can send push notifications, request additional information, and answer borrower questions in real-time.
3. Provide a mobile-friendly experience: Easy Mortgage Apps provides a mobile-friendly platform that mortgage loan originators can use to engage with borrowers on their mobile devices. With Easy Mortgage Apps, borrowers can complete loan applications, upload documents, and communicate with loan originators from their mobile devices.
4. Keep referral partners updated: Easy Mortgage Apps allows loan originators to create custom realtor portals which eliminate the need for unnecessary back-and-forth emails or “phone tag.” Just like clients, realtors get realtime updates.
7. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a valuable tool for anyone professional. As a mortgage loan officer, it is beneficial to have an outstanding profile for yourself and your business. LinkedIn is a valuable tool when it comes to generating leads and referral partners. However, you need to be regularly engaged with your network to get the most out of LinkedIn. Posting topics, endorsing network connections, adding new potential connections, and leaving testimonials are great ways to stay engaged and grow your network, but this can also take time. Adding the LinkedIn app allows you to use LinkedIn on the go.
Mortgage loan originators can use LinkedIn in several ways, including:
1. Build a professional network: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that mortgage loan originators can use to connect with other professionals in the industry. With LinkedIn, you can build your network by connecting with other mortgage loan originators, real estate agents, appraisers, and other related professionals.
2. Showcase your expertise: Mortgage loan originators can use LinkedIn to showcase their expertise in the industry. With LinkedIn, you can share articles, blog posts, and other content related to mortgage lending, which can help establish you as a thought leader and build credibility.
3. Generate leads: LinkedIn provides a platform for mortgage loan originators to generate leads by connecting with potential clients.
4. Recruit talent: LinkedIn allows mortgage loan originators to recruit talent by posting job openings and searching for potential candidates. With LinkedIn, you can find experienced loan processors, underwriters, and other related professionals to join your team.
5. Stay informed: LinkedIn provides a platform for mortgage loan originators to stay informed about industry news, trends, and regulations. With LinkedIn, you can join groups related to mortgage lending, follow industry influencers, and stay up-to-date with changes in the market.
8. Rate Watch
During times of heavy market volatility, adding the Rate Watch app can be like having another team member constantly monitoring the market for you. By setting rate alerts, you receive notifications for market happenings, including increases or decreases. This helps ensure you lock in rates at the opportune time and do not miss out on a potential sale.
Mortgage loan originators can use the Rate Watch platform in several ways, including:
1. Monitor interest rates: Rate Watch allows mortgage loan originators to monitor mortgage interest rates in real-time. With Rate Watch, you can track interest rate trends, set rate alerts, and stay informed about changes in the market.
2. Compare rates: Rate Watch allows mortgage loan originators to compare mortgage rates from different lenders. With Rate Watch, you can see how your rates compare to other lenders in the market and plan your marketing or services accordingly.
3. Improve customer service: Rate Watch allows mortgage loan originators to provide better customer service by keeping clients informed about changes in interest rates. With Rate Watch, you can send rate alerts to clients, answer questions about interest rates, and provide guidance on when to lock in rates.
9. Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a social platform that connects neighbors based on their location and neighborhood and allows them to share information and ask questions. Being active in your local area will enable you to stay engaged with locals that may have questions about mortgages and home loans. This allows you to share your knowledge and increase business opportunities.
Mortgage loan originators can use Nextdoor in several ways, including:
1. Build relationships with local communities: Nextdoor is a social network for local communities, allowing mortgage loan originators to connect with potential clients in their local area. Mortgage loan originators can use Nextdoor to share information about their services, answer questions, and engage with potential clients.
2. Provide valuable information: Mortgage loan originators can use Nextdoor to provide valuable information about the local real estate market, mortgage rates, and other related topics. By sharing useful information, you can establish yourself as an expert in their field and build trust with potential clients.
3. Network with other professionals: Nextdoor provides a platform for mortgage loan originators to network with other professionals in their local area, such as real estate agents, appraisers, and home inspectors. By building relationships with other professionals, mortgage loan originators can expand their network and generate more business.
4. Host events: Mortgage loan originators can use Nextdoor to spread the word about events they are hosting, such as home buying seminars, mortgage rate workshops, and other related events. By hosting events, you can engage with potential clients and establish yourself as and expert in the market.
5. Promote your services: Nextdoor provides a platform for mortgage loan originators to promote their services to potential clients in their local area. By creating a business profile and sharing information about your services, you can generate more leads and grow your business.
Apps to increase productivity
As a busy mortgage loan officer, you are always looking to increase your productivity and streamline your day. The good news is many different apps are available to help you do just that!
10. Harvest Time Tracker
Harvest Time Tracker is an app that allows you to track your time throughout the day, track project progress, enter hours in timesheets, and schedule teams. It integrates with other platforms, such as Google Calendar, Outlook, and Basecamp. There is a free version, but for a monthly charge of $12/person, you can access all the features and have unlimited project tracking. As a loan officer, time is money, and ensuring you’re accounting for all your time is a great way to stay ahead of pipeline bloat.
Mortgage loan originators can use Harvest time tracker in several ways, including:
1. Time tracking: Harvest allows mortgage loan originators to track their time spent on loan origination tasks, such as client meetings, loan application processing, and administrative work. With Harvest, you can track your time on desktop and mobile devices and generate reports to analyze your time usage.
2. Project management: Harvest provides a project management feature that mortgage loan originators can use to manage loan origination projects, set budgets, and track progress. With Harvest, you can create projects, assign tasks, and monitor progress in real-time.
3. Invoicing: Harvest allows mortgage loan originators to create and send invoices for their loan origination services. With Harvest, you can track time spent on each project and generate invoices based on hourly rates or project fees.
4. Expense tracking: Harvest provides an expense tracking feature that mortgage loan originators can use to track their business expenses, such as travel, meals, and office supplies. With Harvest, you can record expenses, attach receipts, and categorize expenses for tax purposes.
5. Reporting: Harvest provides reporting tools that mortgage loan originators can use to analyze their time usage, project budgets, and invoicing data. With Harvest, you can generate reports to identify areas for improvement, optimize your loan origination processes, and make data-driven decisions.
11. Buffer
Do you want to stay active on your social media accounts but just don’t have the time? Apps like Buffer allow you to schedule content for your social media platforms, such as your recent blog posts. This allows you to make posts while you continue to work with current clients. You can schedule these posts for times when your target demographics are likely to be most engaged on social media.
Mortgage loan originators can use the Buffer platform in several ways, including:
1. Social media management: Buffer allows mortgage loan originators to manage their social media accounts, schedule posts, and analyze engagement. With Buffer, you can create a social media content calendar, schedule posts in advance, and track engagement metrics.
2. Content curation: Buffer provides a content curation feature that mortgage loan originators can use to find and share relevant industry news, trends, and tips. With Buffer, you can discover content from trusted sources and share it with your followers.
3. Brand management: Buffer allows mortgage loan originators to manage their brand on social media by monitoring mentions, responding to comments, and engaging with followers. With Buffer, you can respond to client inquiries, address concerns, and build relationships with your followers.
4. Analytics: Buffer provides analytics tools that mortgage loan originators can use to track engagement metrics, such as likes, comments, and shares. With Buffer, you can analyze your social media performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
5. Team collaboration: Buffer allows mortgage loan originators to collaborate with team members on social media management. With Buffer, you can assign tasks, share content, and track progress on social media campaigns.
12. Join.Me
If meeting a colleague or client in person isn’t an option, Join.Me allows you to host virtual meetings from anywhere. In addition, it offers features such as screen sharing and video recording. While it has a free app, it also has various paid levels offering more features and ranging from $10-$30/per month.
Mortgage loan originators can use join.me in several ways, including:
1. Conduct virtual meetings: Join.me allows mortgage loan originators to conduct virtual meetings with clients, team members, and other stakeholders. With Join.me, you can share screens, present documents, and collaborate in real-time.
2. Screen sharing: Join.me allows mortgage loan originators to share their screens with clients and team members, which can be useful when reviewing loan application documents and answering questions.
3. Record meetings: Join.me allows mortgage loan originators to record virtual meetings, which can be useful for reference and training purposes. With Join.me, you can record loan application document reviews, client meetings, and other related discussions.
4. Whiteboarding: Join.me provides a whiteboarding feature that mortgage loan originators can use to brainstorm and collaborate on loan application documents. With Join.me, you can draw, write, and annotate documents in real-time.
13. EverNote
Is your desk covered in sticky notes? Do you have a notebook full of notes from meetings or thoughts you wrote down randomly? Do you wish you could keep all these notes in one place and organized? EverNote offers that solution. Here you can create simple notes, meeting notes, links to web pages, to-do lists, and more. While the basic program is free, the premium ($7.99/month) and business ($14.99/month) plans offer additional tools, such as project management.
Mortgage loan originators can use Evernote in several ways, including:
1. Note-taking: Evernote allows mortgage loan originators to take notes on loan applications, client meetings, and other important information related to their work. With Evernote, you can create notes, add images and attachments, and organize your notes by tags and notebooks.
2. Document storage: Evernote provides a cloud-based storage solution that mortgage loan originators can use to store important documents related to your workflows and processes. With Evernote, you can access your documents from any device with an internet connection.
3. Collaboration: Evernote allows mortgage loan originators to share notes and collaborate with team members and clients. With Evernote, you can invite others to view and edit your notes, which can help improve communication and collaboration.
4. Task management: Evernote provides a task management feature that mortgage loan originators can use to create to-do lists, set reminders, and track progress on loan applications. With Evernote, you can prioritize your work and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
14. DocuSign
As a loan officer, getting a signature on documents is vital for your business. DocuSign allows you to automate and digitize your complete documents and signature process, allowing you to collect signatures on the go and in a timely manner. Plans with DocuSign start at $10/month.
Mortgage loan originators can use DocuSign in several ways, including:
1. Sign documents electronically: DocuSign allows mortgage loan originators to sign and send documents electronically, which can save time and reduce the need for physical paperwork. You can use DocuSign to sign loan application documents, disclosures, and other related forms.
2. Send documents for signature: Mortgage loan originators can use DocuSign to send loan application documents to clients for signature. With DocuSign, clients can sign documents electronically from their computer or mobile device, which can improve the loan application process.
3. Track document status: DocuSign provides a dashboard that allows mortgage loan originators to track the status of loan application documents. You can see when documents have been sent, viewed, and signed, which can help you stay on top of the loan application process.
4. Integrate with loan origination software: DocuSign can be integrated with loan origination software, which can help streamline the loan application process. Mortgage loan originators can use DocuSign to automatically send loan application documents to clients for signature and have the signed documents automatically uploaded to their loan origination software.
5. Improve security: DocuSign provides a secure platform for electronic signatures, which can help improve security and reduce the risk of fraud. Mortgage loan originators can use DocuSign to ensure that loan application documents are signed securely and that client information is protected.
15. Upwork
Sometimes you need an extra hand, but hiring another employee isn’t your budget. Upwork is an online platform for freelancers looking to help when they need it. With Upwork, you can post a project and receive bids from freelancers for the job. After the agreed-upon work is completed up to your standards, you pay them securely through Upwork. You can post projects for free or join their Plus Plan for $49.99/month to receive a dedicated account manager to recruit freelancers when you need help.
Mortgage loan originators can use Upwork in several ways, including:
1. Find loan processors: Mortgage loan originators can use Upwork to find and hire experienced loan processors who can help with loan processing, underwriting, and other related tasks.
2. Outsource administrative tasks: Mortgage loan originators can use Upwork to outsource administrative tasks, such as data entry, document management, and customer service. This can help free up time and resources, allowing you to focus on more high-value tasks such as building relationships with clients and closing loans.
3. Hire virtual assistants: Mortgage loan originators can use Upwork to find and hire virtual assistants who can help with tasks such as email management, appointment scheduling, and social media management.
4. Find freelance writers: Mortgage loan originators can use Upwork to find freelance writers who can help with content creation for their website, blog, and social media channels. This can help improve your online presence and attract more clients.
16. GSuite
Google offers a variety of productivity tools, and chances are you already use Google Drive to share files and collaborate with colleagues. GSuite brings this to your mobile device, as well as other tools such as a sharable calendar and the option to host video and audio meetings. While the free version is fully functional, you are limited to 15GB of storage. The Basic plan is $5/month, while the business subscription is $10/month.
Mortgage loan originators can use GSuite in several ways, including:
1. Email communication: GSuite provides a professional email service that mortgage loan originators can use to communicate with clients, team members, and other stakeholders. With GSuite, you can set up professional email accounts with your own domain name, which can help build credibility and trust.
2. Document collaboration: GSuite provides a suite of productivity tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, that mortgage loan originators can use to collaborate on loan application documents with team members and clients. With GSuite, multiple users can work on the same document simultaneously, which can save time and improve efficiency.
3. Calendar management: GSuite provides a calendar tool that mortgage loan originators can use to manage their schedules, set reminders, and schedule appointments with clients. With GSuite, you can share your calendar with team members and clients, which can help avoid scheduling conflicts and streamline processes.
4. Cloud storage: GSuite provides a cloud storage service called Google Drive that mortgage loan originators can use to store various process documents and marketing materials. With GSuite, you can access your files from any device with an internet connection, which can be useful when working remotely.
5. Video conferencing: GSuite provides a video conferencing tool called Google Meet that mortgage loan originators can use to conduct virtual meetings with clients and team members. With Google Meet, you can share your screen, record meetings, and collaborate on documents in real-time, which can help improve communication and productivity.
17. LastPass
In today’s world, just about every site or app you engage with requires a password. This app is free. However, there is a premium option for $3/month.
Mortgage loan originators can use LastPass in several ways, including:
1. Password management: LastPass can help mortgage loan originators manage their passwords for various loan origination software, client portals, and other online tools. With LastPass, you can securely store and autofill passwords, which can save time and reduce the risk of password-related security breaches.
2. Secure sharing: LastPass allows users to securely share passwords and other sensitive information with team members, clients, and other stakeholders.
3. Two-factor authentication: LastPass supports two-factor authentication, which can add an extra layer of security to online accounts. Mortgage loan originators can use this feature to protect their loan origination software accounts and other online tools from unauthorized access.
4. Secure notes: LastPass allows users to store secure notes to protect sensitive information.
5. Password auditing: LastPass provides a password auditing feature that allows users to identify weak and reused passwords. Mortgage loan originators can use this feature to ensure that their passwords are strong and secure, which can help prevent security breaches.
18. Notion
Notion is an all-in-one web platform that combines a lot of the functionalities we’ve discussed in this article. Mortgage loan originators can use Notion in several ways, including:
1. Client management: Notion can be used as a CRM tool to manage client information, communication, and follow-ups. Loan originators can create a database of clients, track their interactions, and store important documents in one place.
2. Task management: Notion can help mortgage loan originators stay organized by creating to-do lists, setting reminders, and tracking progress on loan applications. This can help you prioritize your work and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
3. Knowledge management: Mortgage loan originators can use Notion to store and organize information related to their industry, such as mortgage rates, lending guidelines, and industry news. In addition, the platform provides several templates for various processes and marketing materials.
4. Collaboration: Notion can be used as a collaborative tool for teams working on the same loan application. Team members can share information, communicate, and track progress in real-time, which can help streamline the loan origination process.
5. Reporting: Notion can be used to create custom reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as loan volume, conversion rates, and revenue. This can help mortgage loan originators identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
Mortgage technology can help you succeed
As a mortgage loan officer, you are always looking for ways to increase your lead generation, gain referrals, and better manage your time. The good news is that technology, such as these apps, can help you do just that while giving you more time to focus on your clients.
Here at Good Vibe Squad, our knowledgeable global team is also here to help you build and grow your business. Schedule a strategy call with us today to learn more about our award-winning systems and processes.
