What should a producing loan officer compare first?
Identify the two or three constraints that most affect your current business. Those might be finding a program for self-employed borrowers, keeping files moving, maintaining agent relationships or reducing administrative work. Ask each company to demonstrate how it would handle those needs before comparing the broader feature list.
Bring a short description of your production mix, licensed markets, product needs and desired support. Use anonymized scenarios; do not share borrower documents or confidential customer information during an initial recruiting conversation.
01 / Lender access
Lender access that fits your actual business
Start with the scenarios you regularly originate and the ones you have struggled to place. Ask each company to walk through the same anonymized examples. A large lender count is useful only when the programs, pricing and execution fit your clients.
Questions to ask 3 questions
- Which lenders and programs are available for my licensed markets and typical borrowers?
- Who helps with a complex scenario, and how do I get a clear answer?
- What changes when a loan is brokered versus funded through the company's own lending channel?
02 / Compensation & costs
The complete compensation and cost picture
Request a written explanation of compensation and every expense you would be responsible for. Compare the complete arrangement at your actual production level, including technology, processing, marketing and any lead costs. Do not make a decision on an advertised split alone.
Questions to ask 3 questions
- What recurring and per-file costs apply, and who pays them?
- What are the payment timing, conditions and any repayment obligations?
- What terms apply to my existing pipeline if I join or later leave?
03 / Operational support
Operational support and clear responsibilities
Ask who does what from initial scenario review through closing. Clarify whether support is shared, assigned or an additional service, and ask how urgent issues are escalated. A promise of support should translate into a workflow you understand.
Questions to ask 3 questions
- Who owns document collection, processing, condition follow-up and closing coordination?
- Is any loan-officer-assistant support dedicated, shared or available separately?
- What response expectations and escalation contacts will I have?
04 / Technology
Technology you can see working
Request a demonstration of the workflow you would use every day: adding a contact, preparing a follow-up, reviewing it and saving a next action. Ask which functions are available to you today and which are still being developed. Evaluate how the tools help you maintain relationships.
Questions to ask 3 questions
- Which CRM, pricing and application tools are included, and which cost extra?
- What can the AI-assisted tools actually do, and what requires my review?
- How are contacts imported, protected and exported under the agreement?
05 / Leads & relationships
Lead opportunities and referral development
Understand how a lead program works before assigning it value. Ask about eligibility, allocation, follow-up expectations, costs and whether opportunities are shared. Consider the practical support available for growing your own agent and customer relationships.
Questions to ask 3 questions
- Are leads included, purchased separately or subject to eligibility and availability?
- What marketing, co-branding and referral-partner resources can I use?
- Are any outcomes being promised, and what evidence supports those claims?
06 / Planning your move
A transition plan before you commit
Begin with a confidential conversation about fit. Before making a move, confirm the written agreement, authorized markets, sponsorship requirements, treatment of in-process loans and setup steps with the appropriate parties. A recruiting conversation by itself does not transfer a license or an active loan.
Questions to ask 3 questions
- Which details must be settled before a proposed start date?
- Who coordinates licensing, system access and onboarding?
- How will client communications and existing obligations be handled?
Straight Deal at a glance
How we fit your next move.
Compare our offering against the support and product access your business needs.
Wholesale lender relationships
Broker flexibility plus a non-delegated correspondent lending channel for eligible transactions.
Explore loan programs →More help behind each file
Processing, pre-underwriting and scenario support, marketing resources and tools for organizing follow-up.
A dedicated personal LOA is not part of the standard offering.
See our agent partnership approach →Refinance lead opportunities
Eligible loan officers may receive company-provided refinance opportunities at no additional lead cost.
Volume, geography, eligibility and assignment vary. Leads and resulting transactions are not guaranteed.
See what is available to you
Ask for a current demonstration and a clear explanation of the support and technology available for your role.
Read the recruiting FAQs →Some loans are brokered to third-party lenders; eligible correspondent loans may close and fund in Straight Deal Mortgage's name. Program and channel availability vary by transaction and jurisdiction. Compensation, expenses, work arrangements and sponsorship should be confirmed in your individual agreement.