Senior Real Estate Underwriter

Position Summary:The Senior Real Estate Loan Underwriter at LAFCU is responsible for underwriting, approving, denying, or counter-offering all real estate loans in accordance with the credit union's guidelines and the FNMA/FHLMC Secondary Market standards. This individual must possess exceptional knowledge of all job functions, exercise good judgment, and be capable of recommending effective solutions in challenging situations. This is a full-time position that reports to the Assistant Vice President of Lending in the Real Estate Department.Essential Functions & Responsibilities: Review and evaluate all mortgage loan documentation - including credit reports, income verification, property appraisals, title reports, and purchase agreements - to determine if the borrower, property, and loan terms meet Los Angeles Federal Credit Union (LAFCU), FNMA/FHLMC, and regulatory standards. Approve, deny, or counteroffer mortgage loan and equity line applications based on comprehensive risk analysis and underwriting guidelines. Request additional documentation when necessary to complete the evaluation. Originate and process loan applications using Mortgage Software, ensuring compliance with Secondary Market standards and Credit Union policies. Assemble and maintain complete loan files, including approval or denial documentation, compliance checklists, and investor eligibility records. Return finalized files to the originating mortgage loan department for archiving. Assess the acceptability of loans for sale to secondary market investors such as FNMA and FHLMC, ensuring all conditions and documentation meet investor requirements for purchase. Record loan rejections with detailed rationale, citing specific investor and Credit Union guidelines and the basis for declining the application. Provide superior member service by delivering efficient, accurate, and courteous processing of loan requests and inquiries. Promote and maintain positive relationships with members, staff, and external contacts. Represent LAFCU professionally in all interactions. Qualification & Opportunities: 3+ years' experience in underwriting real estate loans, plus three years of experience in processing loans according to Secondary Market standards; experience in prequalifications. Ability to analyze rental income and self-employment income from personal income tax returns. Knowledge of regulations relating to real estate lending. Required experience with PC based loan processing software. A high school education or GED. AA degree or equivalent is preferred. Work involves much personal contact with others inside and/or outside the organization for the purpose of first-level conflict resolution, building relationships, and soliciting cooperation. Discussions involve a higher degree of confidentiality and discretion, requiring diplomacy and tact in communication. Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; very good mathematical, analytical and mental concentration skills; experience in quality control and documentation requirements of Secondary Market. SAFE ACT STATEMENT: This position requires the employee to register as a mortgage loan originator with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry ("Registry") and obtain a unique identifier from the Registry before engaging in mortgage loan originator activities, to maintain and renew that registration on an annual basis, to update registration information with the Registry on a timely basis, and to provide that unique identifier to consumers as required by applicable SAFE Act regulations and LAFCU policies and procedures. Ability to operate standard business machines such as computers, printers, fax, copiers and telephone devices. Salary: The minimum and maximum base salary range for this position is $35.61 to $54.74 in California. The target starting base hourly rate is between $35.61 to $45.22. This compensation and benefits information is based on Los Angeles Federal Credit Union's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. The starting base salary within the range will depend on a variety of factors that may include relevant prior experience and/or education, or skills and expertise. LAFCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce