Mortgage Underwriter

Description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Underwriting Questions Agent to support our underwriting team and sales teams by managing a pipeline of complex mortgage-related inquiries. This role involves evaluating and responding to scenario questions, guideline clarifications, overlay interpretations, income calculations, and condo reviews. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, the ability to research and interpret guidelines, and the expertise to assess risk in exception requests. This role requires excellent communication skills and collaboration with loan teams to ensure efficient and accurate underwriting decisions are being made. 

This position has opportunity to be fully remote once training is complete. Canidates who live within driving distance of Columbia, MO, Chesterfield, MO, or Jefferson City, MO office locations will be considered. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and prioritize a pipeline of underwriting inquiries, including guideline and overlay questions, along with scenario reviews. 
• Research and interpret agency, investor, and company overlays to provide accurate guidance to loan teams. 
• Perform complex income calculations to determine borrower qualification. 
• Review condominium projects for eligibility and compliance with lending guidelines. 
• Assess and evaluate exception requests to determine if the risk on a loan is acceptable for waiving specific requirements. 
• Communicate underwriting decisions and guidance clearly to loan officers, processors, and underwriters. 
• Stay current on industry guidelines, regulatory changes, and investor requirements to provide up-to-date responses. 
• Collaborate with teams and leadership to ensure alignment on policy interpretations and risk assessment. 

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience: 3+ years in mortgage underwriting or a related role in mortgage lending. 
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of agency guidelines (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA), investor overlays, and risk assessment. 

Skills:

•   Strong research and analytical skills for guideline interpretation and risk evaluation. 
•   Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear and concise responses. 
•   Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
•   Proficiency in income analysis, including self-employed borrower income calculations. 
•   Strong decision-making skills with the ability to think critically and assess out-of-the-box scenarios. 
•   Ability to collaborate effectively with underwriting teams, loan officers, and other team members.