Our Foundation
Mercantile Bank was founded by entrepreneurs who believed building strong relationships and communities is accomplished through collaboration and innovation. It's more than being a financial institution, it's being a trusted ally and community partner. As Michigan's largest community bank, our roots are deeply embedded in the diverse communities we serve. Our commitment to our customers and community is at the core of all we do.
As an employee of Mercantile Bank, you will receive competitive compensation, bonus opportunities, and best-in-class medical benefit options. With a minimum of three weeks' vacation, sick time, eleven paid holidays, generous 401k match of 5%, company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, IVF and adoption assistance, zero-interest loans for fitness equipment and business attire, discounted bank services, employee stock purchase plan, 529 savings plans, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, legal protection, exceptional training and development opportunities, and encouragement to connect with community through volunteer opportunities.
Scope of the Role
As a Community Mortgage Banker, you will play an important role in helping more individuals and families access the path to homeownership. In this position, you will learn how to use your mortgage lending experience, relationship-building skills, and knowledge of affordable lending programs to create meaningful connections with customers, realtors, housing advocates, nonprofit partners, and community organizations.
You will be part of a Mortgage team that is committed to meeting customers where they are, educating them on available lending options, and guiding them through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. Our team works closely with partners across the bank and throughout the communities we serve, with a strong focus on responsible lending, CRA outreach, and expanding access to affordable home loan solutions.
In this role, you can expect to:
- Build and grow referral relationships with housing advocates, realtors, nonprofit organizations, and community partners
- Originate and guide customers through real-estate mortgage loans, including conventional, FHA, RD, VA, and MSHDA programs
- Develop prospecting and outreach efforts through calling, mailing, education sessions, community events, and partner engagement. Please note that events take place during evening hours and weekends.
- Maintain a disciplined pipeline and provide regular reporting on outreach activity, lending opportunities, and progress toward goals
- Help customers understand their options by communicating clearly, professionally, and compassionately throughout the mortgage process
- Support fair, responsible, and compliant lending practices by following Fair Lending, Equal Housing, CRA, and related mortgage lending requirements
- Identify opportunities to connect customers with additional Mercantile Bank products and services that may support their broader financial needs
You may be a strong fit for this role if you bring at least three years of mortgage or real estate sales experience, especially with affordable home loan products, along with strong communication, organization, presentation, and relationship-management skills. A bachelor's degree, equivalent industry-recognized certifications, or comparable professional experience will help you be successful in this position.
If you are motivated by community impact, energized by building trusted relationships, and ready to help customers move closer to homeownership, we would be excited to hear from you.
A Typical Day
Your day may begin by reviewing your pipeline and staying current on market updates, including rates, program criteria, and changes that may affect LMI and CRA lending opportunities. From there, you might spend time connecting with people in the community through an education session with a housing advocate, a conversation with a realtor partner, or follow-ups with prospective borrowers who are looking for guidance as they take their next step toward homeownership.
Throughout the day, you will have opportunities to educate, problem-solve, and build trust. You may refine CRA mortgage loan education materials, share affordable lending resources with community partners, or collaborate with internal teams so colleagues feel confident discussing available programs with customers. You will also document progress, prepare activity updates, and plan future outreach across West Michigan in a way that supports both customer needs and community impact.
By the end of the day, you will know your work has helped strengthen relationships, create awareness of affordable mortgage options, and move customers closer to achieving their homeownership goals.
