loan officer

mortgage processor

mortgage loan originator

partner

administrative assistant

Fairway Independent Mortgage

As an underwriter, you better know how to underwrite a file and use encompass, DU, LP and pretty much everything when you're hired.  I had 1 week of training, to learn the Fairway "way" and then placed on a team.  I had NO support for my team lead or RUM (manager).  We were all remote, I have worked remotely for years, so that wasn't the problem.

You always have questions when you start at a new employer.  I had no one to answer those questions.  If I hadn't been an underwriter for 20 years and had knowledge of all the IT systems I would have failed in the first 60 days.

Wrong information- I was given incorrect information in team meetings, where I would ask "I thought that only applies to Fnma and not Fhlmc" so incorrect information to the whole team. The response was let me check and get back to you. Which didn't happen.  Daily credit policy letters were sent out to the whole company, with updates from all agencies and investors.  Shortly after they sent the update a Fhmlc update that was pretty significant, they sent a daily letter quoting  the old policy.  I reached out to that group and sent them their prior email and the lender letter.  They said they would correct it.  Never saw them revise it.

Failed to keep hiring promises- I worked for an amazing company and it would take a lot to get me to move.  I wanted my FHA and VA designations.  I was promised that I would get both.  I was pretty foolish as I only had the DE put in my offer letter.  The only reason I finally got my DE was to go over my manager's head and send a copy of the offer letter.  When it came to the VA manager just lied and said I had to have DE for 3 years.

Felt more like a broker than a banker - I have worked in a bank, in a mtg broker and mtg banker, doing retail, wholesale, and correspondent lending.  I was stunned by both my team lead and manager, they acted like our branches were brokers and committing fraud on every file.

The only time I would hear from either of them is when I needed a 2nd level review, which I would email them and give them my analysis of the appraisal or decline.  Or if they thought I had done something wrong.  Never positive feedback unless senior management was included on the email.

I guess it was luck of the draw what RUM you were assigned to.  My time at Fairway ranks as one of the worst companies I have ever worked for.

I have been privileged to be a part of the Fairway Family for the last five years and can honestly say that this is the best company that I have ever worked for!! The most amazing culture and Work/Family balance that I have seen in the industry over the past 20 years of my career in the Mortgage Industry! 

Honesty, Integrity and Humility that is second to none! We have so much fun and everyone is so willing to help and support one another no matter what your job title or experience level! That is one of the things that I first noticed and loved when I started with Fairway back in early 2016 and it has not changed as this is the true culture of this company! 

Our incredible CEO truly cares very deeply about each and every one of us and has gone above and beyond anything that I could have ever imagined to show us just how much he cares! When the pandemic hit and had all of us home bound for so long, he purchased top of the line home exercise equipment for every single employee who wanted it so that we could stay fit and healthy while we were and still are working remotely and in a company of over 9,000 employees, that is no small thing! This is just one example of so many things that Fairway Management has done to make this such a wonderful company to be a part of!! Completely selfless and such a blessing and exceptional example to us all!  

On a more personal note, my husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with Leukemia in 2019 and hospitalized for five long months before he lost his battle and sadly, passed away! This amazing company was there in every way to support me and my family through the most difficult time in my life!! They were there emotionally, financially and even spiritually as well! My teammates jumped right in and covered for me in my absence and donated additional PTO so that I could be by my husbands side until the end giving me the opportunity to share every precious moment with him that otherwise I would not have had.  I could never repay Fairway for all that they have done for me and my family and I know that I am just one example of so many that have been incredibly blessed by this wonderful company!! 

It is a joy to get up and go to work every single day and I could not imagine being anywhere else!!

I was with Fairway for nearly 2 years until I was unexpectedly laid off. It really came out of no where, I was starting my day and funding files that I already had in my pipeline until I received a message from my manager that we needed to talk on the phone asap. Turns out I was laid-off and to stop doing everything right away. The call was so fast that I didn't even have time to process what happened and then it ended. I really did enjoy my time at Fairway. The funding dept. was great. I was promised that I would be promoted the year before  but it never panned out and when I reached out they said it was delayed due to work slowing down but for me to wait till next year, it'll happen. But it never did. They did give me a minor adjustment in my role were I was funding Bond files and had better bonuses on those on top of my regular files, but the promise of a promotion never came.
I should've expected it when small batches of funders were just *gone* and we had to cover their files and branches. I've been in the mortgage industry for the last 5 years and it was honestly gonna start falling soon once pandemic simmered down.
Since my lay-off in May of 2022 I decided it was time for a career change and I am so glad I did as I see the mortgage industry still struggling. Take this time now to find better job security, the mortgage industry is never going to be stable. Since this is an "At-will" company that means they can let you go at any time. You are forewarned. 

First and foremost, no matter how good you are, you most likely will NOT last here or get promoted. I've had former employees of over 8 years and some with top performance workers get laid off while "favorites" of the VP department stay. Doesn't matter how great your daily numbers are, how long you've been in the company or what effort you put, it's all favoritism. Promotion within the department or changing positions is highly unlikely. Only great thing about the job is that it has been remote since covid started and do not require for you to have covid shots. Training was horrible, learned on your own and taught yourself up until training specialist was hired and actually helped clarify. VP doesn't care for you, nor your concerns if you asked previously if there's a lay-off happening. I feel like if there was a different VP or a change in culture in certain departments, people would actually enjoy their jobs and feel like they are apart of the company rather than "I'm just here for a check, don't talk to me" attitude." I would say look the other way if you already have a secure job especially because the housing market is off the roof at the moment. It's not worth losing your current secure job for one that's going to lay you off. Also, since the housing market has been difficult, less work to do- my department became micro-managed and blamed you if you didn't reach daily numbers while not having loans to work on while over staffed. Also good luck on getting promotion/raise.

A typical day at Fairway for me was: Clock in to work at 7:30 a.m. and start reviewing my emails and processing the files that are to go out for the day,then start my files for the day. Every Friday we had a company wide conference call, which I really enjoyed because it kept everyone informed on what was going on no matter what branch or department you're in. My department was one of the smallest so we got along pretty well. My supervisor was a good supervisor only problem for me was the micro-management but she was very open to listening to the problems and working on them. I can't say that there was a hard part of my job other than sometimes when it came to trying to retrieve documents in a timely matter so that I could complete my audit. I learned a lot being at Fairway even insight into doing underwriting and processing. Our file was our responsibility so we had to learn how to fix any type of problem that it had instead of passing it off to someone else. I liked this because it forced us to learn guidelines inside out. The most enjoyable part was the times that the company took the time out to show appreciation to the employees whether it was by buying us lunch, playing bingo in the middle of the day, providing us with life coaches, free massages and a personal trainer. We were definitely about work but we also took time out to play when appropriate.

The culture here at Fairway Independent Mortgage is truly one of "Family". Not just as an employee, but also as a customer who's obtaining a mortgage. The Executive team sets the tone for the entire company. 1) Humility First 2) Foster Growth & Knowledge 3) Have Fun 4) Create and Amazing Experience for you 5) Speed to Respond 6) Respect 7) Listen and Stay Balanced 8) Committed to Serve 9) Consistent, Honest Communication 10) Family Focused. 

Fairway offers an unlimited amount of training and coaching; the sky is the limit; whether you are a loan officer or supporting staff member. As a loan officer, I can call our Branch support Team and get answers to my questions 12 hours a day - 6 days a week. 

The loan officers are not just about their own pipeline, but are willing to share ideas so that we can grow individually - as well as a company. 

The underwriting is second to none. They are available to discuss  concerns and willing to listen to what we have to say. Prove your point, and they will listen get your loan closed.

Fairway is not just about making loans; that's how we survive. But, Fairway also gives back to the community; constantly.  From our American Warrior Initiative - where we provide Service Dogs and grants to Veterans; all across the country to our Fairway Cares program that provides financial assistance and Awesome care packages to those in need. 

If you are looking for your forever home, consider Joining our Fairway Family.

Was finally lucky enough to obtain a position with a company that truly values their employees as individuals and as a whole.  
Each morning, I'm able to start my day with inspirational and empowering stories from employees and management.  There has been no blatant greed or disdain for others, but rather respect, common courtesy and kindness at every corner.  Initially I kept waiting for the other shoe to fall, to uncover what had been experienced within other mortgage banking companies I'd worked for and positions I've held.  Instead, I found the decency and kindness expressed for one another was very real and very strong.  
The CEO and Management teams are empathic, understanding and go out of their way to support and provide for those in need.  From Fairway Cares, to my favorite, the American Warriors Initiative, to the support and encouragement given to employees.  They truly make you feel as though you are part of something much bigger every single day,  
My management team is amazing. and each one of them are more than willing to go above and beyond to ensure we have everything we need and are happy, satisfied and confident within our positions.  I'm treated as an equal, a valuable team member and employee.  
Could not be more grateful to Fairway for this opportunity, to see there is still good to be found in business and to give me the chance to be part of something so very special.  Will be eternally grateful to be able to join the Fairway Family!!

What is the best part of working at the company?
Fairway is the first company where I have felt like family versus an employee.   The amount of support I had working there was amazing.  Our team worked hard but we also had a lot of fun.  Never did I ever feel left out, forgotten about, or out on an island even though I worked remotely from home.  Highly recommend that if you have the opportunity to work there, you jump on that! 


What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I didn't have much stress other than the normal in the mortgage business when rates were down.  

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Very family friendly.   We had fun and kept things light when times were busy and stressful.  The owner took ownership when things went wrong (as we know no matter where you are working, things will at one time or another go wrong), and he made them right.  I can't say enough good things about Fairway.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I was a Corporate Trainer - Team Lead.  We onboarded new branches, loan originators, and processors.  We had a ticket system for questions, we did workshops, we did monthly calls, we traveled to some new branches, and we were always looking for ways to make the onboarding experience better.

Fairway is a great environment for those in the mortgage industry. It's a great company overall, however departments that are not directly a part of the mortgage process (Like the various support departments) are not given the recognition and "hurrah" from the top executive team like the rest of the department. They would be wise to consider that it's not only the people making your money that you have to thank. It's those that make sure the "lights" (networks, applications, minimizing employee down time and outages) stay on that create the environment to for the others to make the money.

There is nothing done NEGATIVILY to those individuals/teams; just a weird silence and apathy compared to those out on the "street." The management within those support areas are fantastic and there is definitely room for growth everywhere within the company. However if your personality is one that needs at least the occasional high five from the powers that be, and you are entering the company not in the Mortgage side of things, this would not be the place. 

The VAST majority of the employees are absolutely wonderful, empathetic, and intelligent. 

All in all, it is a SOLID place to make your home. However there are a few key areas and departments that are not given the attention that they should.

Fairway initially seemed like a great place till I realized management doesn’t care. I will say the owner of the company was great and have nothing positives about him but management/HR is very inconcsistent. I felt belittled, uncomfortable, and unwelcome after my department was dissolved into the company. I was let go right before Christmas because instead of HR and my manager (who I also reported to HR) did nothing to change the problem of me not feeling comfortable in the office and not upholding promises made to me before I switched departments. Merry Christmas to me right? The benefits are very expensive, the pay is mediocre at best due to the cost of the benefits, sick time is lumped into vacation time that accrued very slowly so if you medical conditions like me don’t work here, and though they have free massages, a gym with trainers, and some other nice amenities, it’s not worth it. Being let go was probably the best thing that could have happened as I have a new job that pays me less per hour but my take home is much greater just based off the insurance costs alone and I am stress free not feeling like I’m being micromanaged.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Loan officer 15 salaries reported	$70,354 per year
Mortgage processor 1 salary reported	$61,500 per year
Mortgage loan originator 1 salary reported	$290,000 per year
Partner 1 salary reported	$61,000 per year
Administrative assistant 1 salary reported	$47,500 per year

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