Senior Underwriter

Position Summary:

The Senior Mortgage Underwriter is responsible for evaluating residential loan applications to ensure sound credit decisions in accordance with investor guidelines, regulatory requirements, and company policies. This role serves as a subject matter expert in complex loan scenarios, provides mentorship to junior underwriters, and supports cross-functional collaboration to drive operational excellence, risk mitigation, and superior service delivery.

Qualifications:

• College degree in business, finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of mortgage underwriting experience.
• FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) certification with at least two (2) years of FHA underwriting experience required.
• VA Credit/SAR authority with a minimum of two (2) years of VA underwriting experience required or in progress.
• Experience underwriting a variety of loan products, including Bond, Jumbo, USDA, and other specialty programs (minimum of two years).
• Strong knowledge of agency, investor, and regulatory underwriting standards (FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA, USDA).
• Certification as a Mortgage Underwriter preferred.
• Excellent analytical, credit evaluation, and decision-making skills with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• Proficient in loan origination systems (e.g., Encompass) and automated underwriting tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Essential Job Functions include, but are not limited to:

• Underwrite residential mortgage loan files within delegated authority, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to guidelines.
• Analyze borrower income, credit, assets, liabilities, and collateral to determine risk and loan eligibility.
• Assess appraisal reports and property valuations to confirm loan-to-value (LTV) and property eligibility.
• Issue clear and well-supported decisions, including approvals, counteroffers, suspensions, and denials.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, agency/investor guidelines, and internal policies.
• Meet or exceed established service level agreements (SLAs) for underwriting turn times.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior underwriters and support staff.
• Collaborate with loan officers, processors, and closers to resolve conditions and expedite loan decisions.
• Identify potential fraud indicators, misrepresentation, or red flags, and escalate appropriately.
• Support quality control and audit readiness by ensuring documentation and data integrity.
• Stay informed of changes in underwriting guidelines, industry best practices, and regulatory developments.
• Accurately document underwriting decisions and maintain system records with complete audit trails.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to internal teams and external partners to enhance the loan experience.
• Participate in special projects or initiatives as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job.

Working Conditions Information:

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is often required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate computers, objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities this job requires include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

This job description is not a contract of employment. The employer, in its sole discretion, may modify or adjust the position to meet the organization's changing needs.

NFM Lending, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. NFM believes success is created by a diverse workforce of individuals with different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds.