Sr. Underwriter

Mortgage UnderwriterFounded in 2000, Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is a privately owned, full-service national lender, offering Wholesale, Correspondent, Renovation and Reverse residential mortgages. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Plaza employs a network of sales associates to serve its clients nationwide. Plaza is dedicated to building quality, long-term relationships with its mortgage broker and correspondent clients by offering comprehensive programs and exceptional customer experience.This position is responsible for analyzing and evaluating consumer home loan applications as well as the supporting documentation to assess Borrower's creditworthiness. Types of consumer loan applications include, but are not limited to Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA residential first mortgages. Must be able to recommend approval or denial of credit applications, and provide written and verbal decision and documentation to support the lending decision. This role is full-time; non-exempt and is remote. This position has no supervisory responsibilities, and reports to the Underwriting Team Manager.Responsibilities and DutiesPerform mortgage credit analysis, with or without the assistance of an automated underwriting system to determine Borrower's willingness and ability to repay the mortgage debtKnowledge of FNMA and FMLMC documentation and general guidelines/standards.Validate loan application and supporting documentation and verify that the system of record reflects correct information. Update system of record when requiredReview and validate: income, asset, credit, title, value, and fraud reportsEnsure all required property information is in systemLook over all loans to substantiate that they meet Plaza's underwriting guidelinesPull credit report as requiredConfirm government required documents are complete and accurateReview title information and purchase contract, if applicableRun and review quality control tools –i.e. FraudGuard and Early CheckRun, review, and interpret DU/LP/GUS/TotalScoreCard, when applicableDocument system with all dates and informationCertify system data integrityMay underwrite one or all of the following loan types: Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, 2013k, VA, and USDA based on lending authority levels (underwritten loans must meet all quality standards established by Plaza, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and USDA)Maintain production standard goals as established by managementAbility to act as FHA DE, and/or VA Automatic and SAR UnderwriterOrder and review MI based on loan program. Ensure that system of record matches MI certificateApprove/deny loans and update the system accordingly with P.A.C.E commentsRe-underwrite loans when additional information has been receivedMay be asked to second sign loan decisions for lower level authority underwritersMay occasionally be required to provide training for and mentoring to Junior Underwriters and newly hired Senior UnderwritersAnswer and research general underwriting scenario and guideline questions via email and phoneComplete all required underwriting worksheets and checklists - i.e. Income Worksheet, QM/ATR checklistAssist in resolving branch post-closing suspense issuesMust be able to evaluate and analyze complex income tax returns to establish qualifying income.Other duties as assignedQualificationsRecent Underwriting experience in the mortgage industry is a mustExperience with FHA, VA, or USDA is requiredThorough grasp of state and federal regulations is required as well as a solid understanding of: HMDA, Regulation Z, Regulation B; the FHLMC, FNMA, FHA rules and processesExperience with Loan Origination Systems such as DataTracKnowledge of paperless file environment and image software repositoryProficiency with computer systems including MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Internet BrowsersGenuine commitment to customer serviceSolid organizational and problem-solving skillsProven aptitude to work in both a team and individual environmentHigh school diploma or equivalent required; College degree preferredExperience with (AUS) automated underwriting systemsWorking knowledge of loan program products and services, and policies essentialWork Environment: This is a remote position.Compensation and Benefits:Estimated Rate of Pay:$40.86 - $50.48 This position is full-time; non-exempt. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.In addition, Plaza offers a competitive benefits package; including medical/dental/vision, paid time off and holidays, 401(k), life and pet insurance. Plaza also offers additional benefits such as Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness insurance, and Flexible spending accounts along with a variety of discounted services.Plaza is an EEOC employer and follows all federal, state, and local laws relating to fair employment. Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is committed to preventing, stopping and remedying all forms of discrimination that occur in its workplace. Managers are accountable for keeping Plaza's workplace free from discrimination and ensuring that Plaza provides equal employment opportunity for all in the workforce and for those seeking to become members of Plaza's workforce. Plaza's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Plaza's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law. This information is provided by Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. as a courtesy to its mortgage professional clients and the public and is meant for instructional purposes only. None of the information provided is intended to be legal advice in any context. Plaza does not guarantee, warrant, ensure or promise that information provided is accurate. Terms and conditions of programs and guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice. Any unauthorized use or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited. This is not a commitment to lend. ® 2024 Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. Plaza Home Mortgage and the Plaza Home Mortgage logo are registered trademarks of Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. Plaza NMLS 2113