Underwriter - Housing Trust Silicon Valley

Underwriter

Housing Trust Silicon Valley is seeking an Underwriter to join their team in San Jose, CA. This is a hybrid opportunity with 2 days onsite and 3 days remote each week.

Housing Trust Silicon Valley is dedicated to creating housing opportunities for individuals and families throughout the Bay Area. Through innovative lending programs, down payment assistance, and strategic partnerships, Housing Trust Silicon Valley helps make homeownership more accessible while strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity.

As part of the Homebuyer Programs team, you'll directly support first-time homebuyers on their path to homeownership. This highly client-facing role combines underwriting expertise with relationship-building, allowing you to work closely with borrowers throughout the loan process while ensuring responsible lending practices, compliance, and an exceptional customer experience.

The Underwriter reports to the Manager of the Homebuyer Programs and plays a key role in evaluating loan applications for down payment assistance and other homebuyer programs. The Underwriter ensures compliance with program guidelines, regulatory standards, and internal policies while delivering excellent service to borrowers and partners.

In addition, the Underwriter takes ownership of files from application through approval, resolves standard to complex scenarios, and supports timely, accurate loan decisions under the supervision and guidance of the Manager of Homebuyer Programs. The Underwriter also contributes to process improvements and collaborates across departments to support successful outcomes for first-time homebuyers.

Your contribution will likely include:

Program Knowledge & Compliance

• Demonstrate knowledge of all homebuyer assistance programs, eligibility requirements, and underwriting standards
• Apply program guidelines accurately and consistently in underwriting decisions
• Maintain compliance with internal policies, program regulations, and lending laws, including TILA, RESPA, ECOA, FCRA, and HMDA
• Stay informed of updates to underwriting practices, program requirements, and regulatory guidelines
• Assist with maintaining complete and organized documentation for compliance and audit purposes

Underwriting & Loan Processing

• Review and analyze loan applications to determine program eligibility and assess loan risk
• Verify and evaluate income, asset, credit, and collateral documentation
• Underwrite loans in accordance with program and regulatory guidelines; issue decisions with clear rationale
• Review and clear loan conditions to ensure complete and accurate files
• Prepare files for final review and approval/denial by the Manager of Homebuyer Programs
• Escalate complex scenarios or policy questions to management as appropriate
• Maintain accountability for assigned files from application through approval, meeting deadlines and service standards
• Ensure accurate data entry and documentation using systems such as Salesforce, Box.com, and Excel-based loan worksheets
• Meet department productivity and quality expectations

Customer Service & Stakeholder Communication

• Provide responsive, professional support to borrowers, internal staff, and external partners
• Collaborate with processors, program specialists, lending and real estate professionals to complete documentation
• Communicate underwriting decisions and status updates clearly to team members and professionally to external stakeholders
• Promote transparency and alignment through timely and effective communication

Team Collaboration, Training & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in quality control activities and peer reviews to support consistent underwriting standards
• Provide feedback to support process improvements and efficient program operations
• Occasionally support outreach and educational activities related to homeownership programs
• Manage workload effectively to meet established timelines

Additional Responsibilities (as needed)

• Conduct borrower counseling sessions covering documents, disclosures, and closing procedures
• Support the funding process by clearing conditions and preparing fund release documentation
• Conduct post-closing reviews for compliance with program standards
• Prepare and organize closed loan files for audit or transfer to Asset Management

Experience you will bring:

• Minimum 3-5 years of residential mortgage underwriting experience required; affordable housing experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of homebuyer assistance programs, FHA/VA/Conventional underwriting, and affordable housing best practices
• Strong analytical skills in evaluating income, assets, credit, and collateral
• Ability to manually underwrite mortgage loan applications required
• Strong written and verbal communication with attention to detail and time-management skills
• Familiarity with applicable compliance regulations, including TILA, RESPA, ECOA, HMDA, FCRA, etc.
• Familiarity with FNMA, FHLC, FHA, and VA guidelines preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Salesforce and file-sharing tools (e.g., Box.com) preferred
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across diverse communities
• Commitment to outstanding customer service and first-time homebuyer support
• NMLS license preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in a language reflecting the communities we serve is a plus

The hourly salary range for this position is $42.78 - $50.00 per hour.

Housing Trust offers a competitive total compensation package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid for employees, with 50% of premiums covered for eligible dependents
• Employer-funded 401(k) contribution of 3%, plus an additional match of up to 2%
• Generous paid time off, including three weeks of vacation, twelve sick days, eleven holidays, and a year-end office shutdown
• Eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus
• Tuition reimbursement and additional benefits

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.