In today’s competitive mortgage industry, many professionals are choosing to become an independent mortgage loan officer rather than working under a bank or retail lender. Independence offers more freedom, higher income potential, and the chance to build your own brand—but it also comes with new responsibilities.
This article explains what it means to be an independent loan officer, the pros and cons, and why joining a platform like Loan Factory helps you thrive.
What Is an Independent Mortgage Loan Officer?
An independent mortgage loan officer (MLO) is a licensed professional who works with a mortgage brokerage or operates under their own brand, instead of being employed by a bank or credit union.
Key characteristics:
- Income is commission-based.
- Access to multiple lenders, not just one bank.
- Flexibility to set your own schedule and marketing strategy.
- Responsibility for compliance, licensing, and business expenses.
Benefits of Being Independent
You’re not limited by a salary or retail caps. Your income depends on loan volume and commission structure.
Instead of offering just one bank’s products, independents can compare multiple wholesale lenders—helping clients get better rates.
You can work remotely, choose your marketing strategy, and grow your brand.
Borrowers value transparency and choice, which independents can provide more easily than banks.
→ Read more: How to be a successful mortgage loan officer?
Challenges Independent Loan Officers Face
Traditional brokerages often take 20–40% of your earnings.
Paying for CRM, LOS, marketing, compliance, and office space can cost $500–$1,500+ per month.
Finding clients is often the biggest challenge for independents.
You’re responsible for meeting state and federal requirements.
→ Read more: How hard is it to become a mortgage loan officer?
How Loan Factory Empowers Independent Mortgage Loan Officers
Loan Factory was built by Thuan Nguyen, the #1 Loan Officer in the U.S., to make independence easier and more profitable.
Why Choose Loan Factory as an Independent LO?
- 100% commission (flat $595 per file)
- No desk/junk fees
- Free MOSO platform (CRM, LOS, pricing, marketing, compliance)
- 241+ wholesale lenders with real-time comparisons & 1-click locks
- In-house underwriting + $500 processing per file
- Company-generated leads in 42 states
- Mentorship from Thuan Nguyen (#1 LO in U.S.)
- Weekly training + Loan Factory Academy
- Save ~$963/month by replacing multiple tools
With Loan Factory, you get the freedom of independence without the high overhead or lost commissions.
Income Example: Traditional vs. Independent at Loan Factory
Loans Closed per Month | Avg Loan Size | Traditional Brokerage (70% split, $1k fees) | Loan Factory (100% minus $595/file) | Annual Difference |
| 5 loans/month | $350,000 | ~$352,800/year | $492,300/year | +$139,500 |
| 10 loans/month | $400,000 | ~$1,008,000/year | $1,416,600/year | +$408,600 |
| 20 loans/month | $450,000 | ~$2,352,000/year | $3,337,200/year | +$985,200 |
Becoming an independent mortgage loan officer offers freedom, higher income potential, and the chance to build your own business. But to succeed, you need the right support system.
At Loan Factory, you get the best of both worlds—independence with mentorship, free technology, and nationwide leads. That’s why more loan officers are choosing Loan Factory to maximize their careers.
Join webinar Loan Factory Today (https://www.loanfactory.com/loan-officer) – Get licensed, trained, and start closing loans faster. Call 714-591-8143 for more details.
FAQs: Independent Mortgage Loan Officer
