Underwriting - Senior Underwriter

The Senior Underwriter is responsible for reviewing and rendering credit decisions on FHA, VA,
Conventional, and Non-Agency residential mortgage loan applications, ensuring full compliance with First Heritage
Mortgage LLC, investor, and agency guidelines. This role requires expert-level knowledge of HUD and VA policies, strong
risk assessment skills, and the ability to apply overlays consistently. The Senior Government Underwriter will utilize active
FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP authority to review credit, income, assets, and collateral, making
sound credit decisions while mentoring junior underwriting staff and supporting complex loan scenarios.

Responsibilities and Duties
Underwriting & Decisioning
 Review and validate credit, property, income, asset, and employment documentation for FHA, VA, USDA, and
applicable state housing programs.
 Apply HUD Handbook 4000.1, VA Lender’s Handbook, investor overlays, and company guidelines to ensure
compliance.
 Utilize DE and/or SAR authority to approve, suspend, counter-offer, or decline loan files.
 Review and analyze appraisals for accuracy, completeness, and acceptability under FHA and VA requirements.
 Identify and address red flags for potential fraud or misrepresentation.
Collaboration & Communication
 Prepare clear, concise underwriting summaries outlining the credit decision rationale.
 Communicate conditions and decisions effectively to Loan Officers, Processors, and other stakeholders.
 Support escalated scenarios and complex guideline interpretation requests.
File Management & Quality Control
 Review resubmissions and clear conditions to issue final approvals.
 Maintain quality underwriting standards to minimize audit findings and repurchase risk.
 Stay informed on guideline, regulatory, and compliance changes, ensuring timely application in daily work.
Mentorship & Leadership Support
 Provide guidance and training to less experienced underwriters and processing staff.
 Contribute to internal underwriting policy updates and procedural improvements.

Qualifications
Required Skills/Abilities
 Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
 Proven ability to document clear, defensible underwriting decisions.
 High attention to detail and strong analytical capabilities.
 Expertise in credit, income, and asset evaluation for FHA and VA lending.
 Proficiency in reviewing personal and business tax returns for income calculation.
 In-depth knowledge of underwriting policies, investor guidelines, and current regulatory requirements.
 Professional judgment to handle confidential borrower information with integrity.
 Strong time management and organizational skills to meet volume and turn-time goals.

Education/Experience Requirements
 Minimum 5+ years recent FHA and VA residential mortgage underwriting experience.
 Active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP designation in good standing required.
 Experience underwriting USDA and state housing finance/bond programs preferred (Virginia Housing, Maryland
Housing, etc.)
 Experience in a high-volume retail mortgage environment strongly preferred.
 Knowledge of Encompass Loan Origination System preferred.