Mortgage Loan Originator – Bridge, CMBS & Balance Sheet Lending
Location: Flexible / Remote Company: Farmers Life Insurance Company (“Farmers Life”) Department: Commercial Real Estate Lending Position Overview Farmers Life is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Mortgage Loan Originator to help grow our commercial real estate lending platform. This role will focus on sourcing, structuring, and originating bridge and balance sheet commercial mortgage loans, with an emphasis on transactions below $15 million. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial real estate market relationships, experience across all major asset types, and a demonstrated track record in commercial mortgage origination. Experience with CMBS origination is highly preferred. This individual will play a key role in expanding Farmers Life’s lending footprint while maintaining disciplined credit standards and strong borrower relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Originate commercial real estate loans primarily under $15 million across bridge and permanent balance sheet lending programs.
- Source financing opportunities through direct borrower relationships, mortgage brokers, banks, developers, and other referral channels.
- Structure financing solutions tailored to borrower needs and Farmers Life investment objectives.
- Originate loans across all commercial real estate asset classes, including:
- Multifamily
- Office
- Retail
- Industrial
- Hospitality
- Self-storage
- Mixed-use
- Specialty asset types
- Evaluate transactions including sponsorship, property cash flow, market fundamentals, collateral quality, and exit strategy.
- Work closely with underwriting, legal, servicing, and asset management teams throughout the loan lifecycle.
- Maintain an active origination pipeline and provide regular reporting on production and market activity.
- Represent Farmers Life at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
- Ensure all originations comply with company policies, credit guidelines, and regulatory standards.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of commercial mortgage origination experience required.
- Demonstrated experience with bridge and/or balance sheet commercial real estate lending.
- Experience with CMBS origination strongly preferred.
- Strong familiarity with all major commercial real estate asset types.
- Proven ability to source and close commercial mortgage transactions under $15 million.
- Existing network of borrower, broker, and intermediary relationships preferred.
- Strong financial modeling, loan structuring, and negotiation capabilities.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Real Estate, Business, or related field preferred.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with life insurance company lending platforms.
- Knowledge of transitional and value-add bridge lending opportunities.
- Familiarity with CMBS execution, securitized lending structures, and capital markets.
- Nationwide commercial real estate market knowledge.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentive compensation.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
- Opportunity to join a growing and entrepreneurial commercial real estate lending platform.
About Farmers Life Farmers Life is committed to delivering reliable capital solutions through disciplined lending, responsive execution, and long-term borrower relationships. Our platform provides flexible financing solutions across a wide range of commercial real estate investments nationwide.