File Credit Reviewer

Here at Lower, we believe homeownership is the key to building wealth, and we’re making it easier and more accessible than ever. As a mission-driven fintech, we simplify the home-buying process through cutting-edge technology and a seamless customer experience.

With tens of billions in funded home loans and top ratings on Trustpilot (4.8), Google (4.9), and Zillow (4.9), we’re a leader in the industry. But what truly sets us apart? Our people. Join us and be part of something bigger.

Job Description:

Purpose: The File Credit Reviewer (FCR) supports the loan manufacturing process by completing an initial quality and completeness review of newly originated loan files. This role organizes borrower documentation, validates application accuracy, initiates and tracks third-party services, and flags potential credit or eligibility concerns early, helping protect Processor capacity and improve cycle time.

This is an entry-level role within Mortgage Operations, designed to build foundational knowledge of the loan application, supporting documentation, verification services, and investor/agency guidelines, with a career path toward Loan Processor.

Internal customer: Sales / Origination and Processing teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:

File Intake & Initial Review

• Complete a targeted initial review of 10 new loan files per day (or volume-based expectations as assigned).
• Review the loan application (URLA/1003) and supporting documents for completeness, accuracy, and alignment with Automated Underwriting System (AUS) findings and/or Underwriting guidance.
• Organize and index documentation in the company’s imaging/file management system, ensuring documents are properly categorized and labeled.

Documentation Quality & Issue Identification

• Identify missing documentation and discrepancies that could delay conditional approval (e.g., unlisted Real Estate Owned, undisclosed properties, inconsistencies between income docs and the 1003).
• Flag potential qualifying or guideline concerns for Processor/UW awareness (e.g., seasoning requirements for cash-out eligibility, ownership/title concerns when evident in documentation).

Third-Party Services & Verifications

• Order, process, and review third-party reports and verifications as required, which may include:
  • IRS tax transcript requests (as applicable)
  • Title work / title commitment
  • Verification of Employment (VOE) and other employment/income validation services
  • Homeowner’s insurance policy and evidence of coverage
  • Flood certification
  • USPS address validation (as applicable)
• Monitor pipeline/reporting daily to ensure third-party orders are received timely; follow up at least every 24 hours on outstanding items or sooner based on closing priorities.

State/Regulatory & Product Support

• Illinois loans: Confirm applicable county Anti-Predatory Lending Certificate requirements are satisfied within required timeframes, escalating exceptions as needed.
• Request and obtain condominium documentation required to support condo eligibility/warranty review, when applicable.

AI/Automated Underwriting Workflow (if applicable)

• When a loan is identified as eligible for AI underwriting workflow, initiate and process the AI UW submission to generate a conditional approval package, per internal guidelines.

Suspended File Management

Perform follow-ups on suspended/paused reviews within 24 hours, documenting actions taken and next steps clearly in the file notes/system.

Requirements: 

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Strong attention to detail with ability to cross-reference documentation to the loan application and AUS findings
• Ability to prioritize and reprioritize work in a fast-paced pipeline environment
• Professional communication skills (written and verbal), particularly with internal Sales and Operations partners
• Sound judgment, accountability, and ability to handle confidential borrower information in accordance with company policy and applicable privacy requirements
• Reliable attendance, punctuality, professionalism, and commitment to internal customer service

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior mortgage file intake/loan opening experience
• Familiarity with the URLA/1003, mortgage documentation (income/asset/credit/housing), and basic AUS concepts (e.g., DU/LP findings)
• Experience working in a loan origination system and/or document imaging platform

Performance Expectations (KPIs)

• Daily file review productivity (target: 10/day, unless otherwise assigned)
• Timeliness of follow-up on suspended files (within 24 hours)
• Accuracy of document indexing and completeness checks
• Reduction of downstream rework for Processing/UW through early identification of gaps/discrepancies

Work Environment / Compliance Note

• Remote/In-office
• Time Zone Requirements:
• This position routinely handles sensitive borrower information and is expected to comply with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and investor requirements related to privacy, information security, and mortgage lending documentation standards.

Lower provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.