FHA/ 203-K FHA Underwriter

What You'll Do

Independently underwrite FHA 203(k) renovation loans, including both Standard and Limited 203(k) products
Review and analyze credit, income, assets, collateral, and supporting documentation to determine borrower eligibility and overall loan risk through both AUS and manual underwriting
Evaluate renovation plans, contractor documentation, bids, cost estimates, work write-ups, and project-related documentation to ensure compliance with FHA 203(k) requirements
Review appraisals, including the after-improved value, to ensure the proposed loan amount and renovation costs are supported
Ensure loan files meet HUD, FHA 203(k), investor, regulatory, and internal guidelines and overlays
Request and evaluate additional documentation as needed to make accurate and well-supported underwriting decisions
Approve or deny mortgage loans while clearly documenting the rationale for each decision
Review renovation-related conditions and ensure all required documentation is received and properly evaluated prior to final approval
Communicate underwriting decisions, conditions, and renovation requirements to loan officers and internal partners
Collaborate with operations teams, clients, brokers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate loan processing
Meet company service level agreements (SLAs) for turnaround times and file quality
Provide exceptional customer service by responding to underwriting questions and documentation requests
Support additional underwriting responsibilities as business needs require

What You Bring

5+ years of mortgage underwriting or mortgage lending experience
2+ years of FHA 203(k) underwriting experience required
Active DE/CHUMS certification required
Minimum 2 years of manual underwriting experience
Recent wholesale underwriting experience required
Strong knowledge of FHA 203(k) Standard and Limited renovation guidelines
Strong understanding of FHA requirements related to renovation costs, contractor documentation, rehabilitation plans, contingency reserves, permits, inspections, and after-improved value
Working knowledge of FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, and Non-QM loan products
Working knowledge of federal mortgage regulations, including RESPA, TILA, Dodd-Frank, and investor guidelines
Proficiency with automated underwriting systems, Encompass (preferred), and Microsoft Office
High school diploma required; college degree preferred
Strong analytical, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering quality work in a fast-paced environment