As a loan originator, you have so much to consider in a potential employer.
What does their product variety look like?
Do they have the latest technology solutions?
Does their leadership team give you the right balance of flexibility and support?
The list goes on and on. That’s why deciding to move to a new lender can take months — if not years — for many loan officers and branch managers.
At Waterstone Mortgage, we have a culture of transparency. So, if you’re considering making a move, you’ll know exactly what to expect here.
Here are just a few of our defining characteristics…
#1: Strong History and a Solid Reputation
Waterstone Mortgage has more than 25 years of experience in retail mortgage lending, which makes us a powerful presence in the national mortgage lending industry. In addition, we have weathered the many challenging times within the industry and have come out stronger on the other side.
Our employees describe our reputation in these ways:
“The company’s stability and commitment to excellence give me confidence in the long-term vision, making it a place where I feel valued and motivated to stay.”
“I absolutely love this company and what we stand for. I feel a sense of integrity, ownership, and community here.”
Other characteristics that contribute to our longstanding reputation as an elite lender are:
Bank Ownership
Backed by a 100+ year old bank (WaterStone Bank), we operate with the flexibility of an independent mortgage banker but have the financial strength, stability, and efficiencies from bank licensing. Not only is this important for you, as a loan originator, but it is also reassuring for the borrowers and referral partners you work with.
Focus on Purchase Loans
Purchase business accounts for 80-90% of our total production at any given time. In recent years, our purchase loans (in units) have been nearly 30% higher than other lenders, according to the MBA. By focusing solely on retail loans, our sales, operational, and sales support teams are highly specialized in what we do. What does that mean for you? Well, as an LO here, you will have the reassurance that your loans are moving along efficiently, from start to finish.
Nationwide Presence
We have a widely distributed footprint, with physical locations in 23 states and the ability to lend in 48 states.
Various Branch Operational Models
By recognizing that each branch has a unique market, specific goals, and areas of expertise, we ensure that they have the freedom to set their own business up for success.
At the same time, we offer our branches the support of a strong corporate team. Our in-house customer service, marketing, accounting, product, information services, and loan operations experts provide services that allow you — the LO — to focus on what you do best: building your origination business.
Responsible Growth Strategies
Our focus is on sustainable, profitable expansion through a high-performance sales culture.
Award-Winning Workplace
Our teams across all levels are consistently recognized for excellence, and our organization has earned numerous top mortgage company and workplace culture awards. Our reputation as a knowledgeable and strong lender will give you a significant advantage when building your origination business.
#2: Elite Sales Culture
As a sales-driven organization, Waterstone Mortgage is invested in your success. We continually develop ways to better prepare our sales team for what’s next through insightful conferences and training programs, while awarding and recognizing hard work. It’s an environment where everyone collaborates, shares tips, and learns from top producers at our branches across the nation. Here, you're more than a number — you’re a voice at the table.
To foster our elite sales culture, we have a variety of initiatives, training opportunities, and more:
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Dedicated onboarding support for new LOs and branches
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Annual sales conference
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Elected loan originator and branch manager advisory boards
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Sales Recognition Program
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Top Producers Trip (a complimentary, luxury getaway for President’s Club members and their guests)
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Annual Processor Conference
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Annual Branch Manager Meeting
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Ongoing sales-focused and led educational opportunities
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Waterstone Mortgage cultural recognition (includes our monthly Carry the Torch Award and annual Heart of a Champion Award)
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Innovation-driven sub-committees (focus on sales, marketing, operations, technology, and products)
Our sales team is highly collaborative, and our top producers are more than willing to share their growth strategies.
Here’s how two team members describe our sales-focused culture:
“Everyone I’ve encountered is willing to share what works for them, so that you can succeed, and that’s rare.”
“Everyone is honest and respectful, regardless of production levels. Whether you’re a smaller producer or the top performer, everyone is treated with the same level of respect and professionalism.”
Our collective success is a priority at Waterstone Mortgage, and we embrace every opportunity to support and celebrate our peers as they reach their goals.
#3: Strong and Tenured Leadership Team
We’re known for our forward-thinking leadership team, which has helped us create the best platform for loan originators to succeed. Our leadership model was developed so that input from employees at every level can provide value to our overall mission. Here, the employees have confidence in the leadership team’s decision-making process.
When you work here, you never have to worry about falling behind on industry changes or interpreting new regulations. Your leadership team has the vision and knowledge to prepare for those changes before they even happen.
Our sales team describe our leaders as knowledgeable, approachable, and solution-oriented — which is exactly the type of leadership you want when you’re working to build a solid origination business.
#4: Award-Winning Operational Support
Our loan operations and product support teams are consistently available for our loan originators and branch support staff when challenges arise. Our sales team often praises our underwriters, closers, product experts, and other corporate teams for their effective communication and responsiveness, which ensures that our loans close on schedule.
Our mission is centered around helping your customers find the right way home. With an ever-growing product portfolio and the ability to meet unique client needs, we like to say: “We won’t tell you no, we’ll show you how.”
Our team members explain it best:
“When Waterstone says, ‘we find a way to yes,’ they mean it.”
“No one family is the same, and neither is every loan. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about the way WMC operates. We find a way to yes, not just to originate another mortgage, but to learn and grow and overcome obstacles.”
With a loan cycle built for efficiency and reliability, we are focused on closing loans on time, every time. And that helps you earn the long-term respect and trust of your customers and business partners.
#5: Forward-Thinking Product Development
We develop mortgage loan programs that make coming home possible for more homebuyers. Our product development team proactively sources and builds programs to meet customers’ evolving needs, and our credit policy team meets twice a month to discuss expanding guidelines and adding new investors.
What’s more, WaterStone Bank creates opportunities for portfolio products not available in the secondary market. The bank can be leveraged as a warehouse line as well, enabling more competitive products, rates, and speed to market with new products.
As one of our employees said:
“Products are great and being able to work in many states is amazing.”
Our product variety and commitment to finding the best mortgage solutions are key contributors to our success, as an organization. When you work for Waterstone Mortgage, these characteristics will be an asset to your business as well.
#6: Innovative Technology, Tools, & Sales Optimization
Not only do we offer innovative technologies to help mortgage loan officers manage their pipelines, but we also develop technology solutions in-house. With a wide range of tools, you’re empowered to build strong, lasting relationships with your customers.
A few of our technology highlights include:
While the mortgage industry is often known for lagging in technology, we are committed to providing the best solutions for you, your customers, and your business partners. This enables you to stand out from other mortgage originators, streamlines the loan process, and creates an overall positive experience for everyone involved.
#7: Best-in-Class Marketing
Together with exceptional technology, our marketing solutions and services help our loan officers build recognizable brands — garnering more business and solidifying your reputation as a trustworthy mortgage professional.
Our responsive, in-house marketing, communications, and design team is here to support your advertising, branding, direct outreach, social media, event needs, and more with fresh ideas and tailored solutions to help you stand out.
One of our sales team members describes our marketing services in this way:
“Marketing is incredibly responsive. In contrast, the companies I worked at previously rarely answered my inquiries or requests.”
From personalized marketing materials to behind-the-scenes support, we help you build your brand while you focus on building relationships and your business.
An Elite Workplace
While all of these characteristics of Waterstone Mortgage are essential to your success, the most important part of finding a new professional “home” is knowing that the company culture is the right fit for you.
At Waterstone Mortgage, we’re known for our collaborative, inclusive, and engaging work environment. We also place a strong emphasis on diversity and equity at our Home Office and our branches around the country. Our team members describe our workplace as supportive, welcoming, energetic, positive, and motivating. As one employee recently said:
“It’s not just the people I work with, but the work that I do is very fulfilling. Not everyone would find the mortgage industry fascinating, but that’s what makes WMC so special because we all truly love this industry and take pride in our work. Other mortgage companies make things feel so transactional, but WMC adds our personal touch to every loan we originate. That impacts both employees and the families we help.”
Ready to Discover More?
We have so much more to tell you! Learn more about sales careers at Waterstone Mortgage or contact our Sales Development team for more information.
