Richel Darrah
Nashville,TN
Summary
Talented Mortgage Closer and Processor with 20 years of industry experience. I thrive in the rapidly changing environment of the residential mortgage industry and am well-versed in loan closing processes and documentation requirements. I have maintained a full calendar of closings and easily handle more than 50 files per month as a detail-oriented and methodical Closer successful in assembling closing documentation for Conventional, Government, Construction and Bond loans. Additionally, I have maintained my skills and knowledge of Mortgage Loan Processing. My ability as an organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude ensures that I am a benefit to any Loan Originator team. I am willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals, client service standards, and product knowledge.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Loan Closer
SWBC Mortgage
San Antonio, Texas
07.2010 - 11.2023
- Was the senior closer on the team and assisted my team members with questions or concerns
- Closed loans in nearly every state that SWBC was licensed, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, Florida, California, Colorado and Nevada
- Crossed trained to close multiple programs and in all states SWBC operates in
- Among the top 4 closers in the company in volume
- Managed a team of 8 closers in multiple states
- Held on-line training classes to optimize skills and make sure that the closing process was consistent across all members of the department
- Trained individual closers to learn the applicable Bond programs for their individual states
- Worked with branches, loan officers and processors to ensure the team was meeting or exceeding expectations and implementing corrections as needed
- Guided closers to correct Post-Closing Suspense items and how to avoid future errors
- Worked with the Post-Closing Department to ensure that employees were checking the correct items and providing those items in a timely manner
- Only closer handling the One-Time Close loans, providing funds to build custom properties and modify the loan to permanent financing once the construction was complete
- The initial closer that developed closing process Renovation Loans, 203K (HUD) and conventional Homestyle (Fannie Mae), for the Renovation Department
- Created the closing manual for these loans once products were available company wide
Loan Processor
WR Starkey Mortgage (Currently Certainty Home Loans)
Plano, Texas
03.2008 - 06.2010
- Loan processor handling all loan types - Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Construction/Perm
- Coordinated with borrowers to obtain the necessary documents needed by Underwriting for loan approval
- Worked with the Title Company and Homeowner Insurance Agent selected for each loan to ensure documents provided conformed to guidelines for approval and closing
- Collaborated with Loan Officers to provide timely, accurate service for clients throughout entire mortgage process
- Worked with customers in person and via telephone to answer questions, process transactions, and resolve issues
- Completed required training and skills to transfer to Mortgage Loan Closer position
- Handled all closings for the branch on a local level to ensure faster and more personalized service for clients
- The whole branch moved from CTX Mortgage to SW Starkey Mortgage as a group.
Mortgage Loan Processor/Closer
CTX Mortgage
Plano, Texas
06.2006 - 03.2008
- Loan processor handling all loan types - Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Construction/Perm
- Coordinated with borrowers to obtain the necessary documents needed by Underwriting for loan approval
- Worked with the Title Company and Homeowner Insurance Agent selected for each loan to ensure documents provided conformed to guidelines for approval and closing
- Collaborated with Loan Officers to provide timely, accurate service for clients throughout entire mortgage process
- Worked with customers in person and via telephone to answer questions, process transactions, and resolve issues
- Completed required training and skills to transfer to Mortgage Loan Closer position
- Handled all closings for the branch on a local level to ensure faster and more personalized service for clients
- The whole branch moved from CTX Mortgage to SW Starkey Mortgage as a group.
Education
BA in English -
06.2000
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Team Communication & Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Relations
- Software Proficiency
- Closing Procedures
- Pipeline Management
- Product Education
- Process Improvement
Accomplishments
- Lead changeover to the TRID closing guidelines for SWBC and wrote the closing manual used by the closing department
- Selected as a SME for the company-wise switchover the LOS Encompass. Worked with the Ellie Mae team to customize the software to meet the needs and workflow of SWBC's closing department prior to being implemented
- Was the initial closer using the new software for the first 6 weeks and worked with the SWBC IT team and Ellie Mae to locate bugs and non-functional aspects of the software and corrected
- Wrote the closing manual for Encompass used by the rest of the department once the new software was available company wide
- Awarded Employee of the Quarter for my work on the Encompass change-over
Timeline
Senior Loan Closer - SWBC Mortgage
07.2010 - 11.2023
Loan Processor - WR Starkey Mortgage (Currently Certainty Home Loans)
03.2008 - 06.2010
Mortgage Loan Processor/Closer - CTX Mortgage
06.2006 - 03.2008
Indiana University, Indianapolis Campus - BA in English,