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 HeritageMortgage LLC, investor, and agency guidelines. This role requires expert-level knowledge of HUD and VA policies, strongrisk assessment skills, and the ability to apply overlays consistently. The Senior Government Underwriter will utilize activeFHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP authority to review credit, income, assets, and collateral, makingsound credit decisions while mentoring junior underwriting staff and supporting complex loan scenarios.
Responsibilities and DutiesUnderwriting & Decisioning Review and validate credit, property, income, asset, and employment documentation for FHA, VA, USDA, andapplicable state housing programs. Apply HUD Handbook 4000.1, VA Lender’s Handbook, investor overlays, and company guidelines to ensurecompliance. 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.
QualificationsRequired 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, MarylandHousing, etc.) Experience in a high-volume retail mortgage environment strongly preferred. Knowledge of Encompass Loan Origination System preferred.