Mortgage Assistance Underwriter

Valon Mortgage

7d

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Mortgage Assistance Underwriter to manage a complex portfolio of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae loans. This role focuses on high-level risk assessment and default management, utilizing FNMA SMDU and FHLMC Resolve to execute rapid workout decisions. The Mortgage Assistance Underwriter will work to provide solutions for existing homeowners of Valon Mortgage that are experiencing hardships. This individual will report to the Underwriting Supervisor/Manager and be responsible for providing best-in-class customer service to both homeowners and internal customers. The primary objective of this role is to determine the best workout option for homeowners within Valon’s servicing portfolio, strengthening both homeowner and investor relationships.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Knowledge of Fannie Mae/DU and Freddie Mac / LPA guidelines and automated underwriting systems
• Ability to critically examine credit, income, assets, title, and appraisals for adherence to company, investor, and GSE underwriting guidelines.
• 2 years of Collections, Loss Mitigation, or other mortgage banking, mortgage servicing, or real estate-related experience.
• 2 years of mortgage loan origination/modification experience
• 2 years of telephone customer contact experience.
• Knowledge of Fair Debt Collection Protection Act.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment as well as part of a team and focus on results.
• Ability to learn rules, regulations, and laws in order to meet state, investor, client, and insurer guidelines.
• Ability to structure a workout that serves the best interests of the homeowner/investor/insurer/client.
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. As well as the ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret complex legal documents, tax returns, and default management messages to render sound credit decisions.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of mortgage industry federal regulations including RESPA, TILA, ECOA, TRID, and CFPB.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years of mortgage/modification underwriting experience
• 2+ years of Manual Underwriting experience
• 3-5 years of processing and/or closing experience
• Understanding of mortgage industry federal regulations including RESPA, TILA, ECOA, TRID, CFPB, etc
• Strong communicator with excellent writing skills
• High integrity with strong ethical values
• Team player with the ability to work effectively with a variety of team members

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Case Management: Manage a full caseload of mortgage assistance applications, overseeing every stage from initial submission to final loan modification.
• Regulatory Compliance: Review homeowner documentation within the 30-day Regulation X window to determine eligibility for loss mitigation and report findings to investors and insurers.
• Financial & Risk Analysis: Perform complex calculations for income, expenses, and escrow advances while reviewing BPOs, appraisals, and title searches to assess portfolio risk.
• Workout Execution: Evaluate and implement various loss mitigation strategies, including loan modifications, forbearances, repayment plans, short sales, and deeds in lieu, ensuring alignment with investor and GSE guidelines.
• Decisioning & Documentation: Execute approval or denial decisions, handle counter-offers, and manage the generation of all legal documentation, including trial period and closing letters.
• Default Management & Workouts: Utilize Fannie Mae’s SMDU (Servicing Management Default Underwriter) to evaluate borrowers for loss mitigation options, including Flex Modifications and payment deferrals.
• Automated Decisioning: Execute rules-based workout decisions through Freddie Mac’s Resolve®, transitioning default management from legacy tools to modern, API-integrated workflows.
• Ginnie Mae Compliance: Ensure all Ginnie Mae-backed securities remain in compliance with FHA, VA, and USDA guidelines to protect the issuer's standing and minimize claims against the federal guarantee.
• Risk Analysis: Review complex financial profiles for government-insured loans (FHA/VA), ensuring they meet the stringent eligibility requirements for pooling into Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS).
• Policy Implementation: Stay current with FHFA stabilization strategies and update internal underwriting workflows to align with the latest Agency Selling and Servicing Guides.
• Caseload Management: Review mortgage assistance applications and manage a caseload of files from application to modification, including ordering BPOs/appraisals and title searches.
• Communication: Handle all written and verbal correspondence professionally between homeowners, clients, investors, and foreclosure attorneys.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary professional contact for homeowners, real estate agents, foreclosure attorneys, and subordinate lien holders regarding file status.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct "2nd Look" QA reviews to ensure all files meet stringent internal and external compliance standards.
• Foreclosure Prevention: Coordinate with relevant departments to request and monitor foreclosure holds as necessary to protect the homeowner's status during review.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive salary and 401k plan.
• Health & well-being: We invest in your physical and mental well-being with comprehensive medical, dental, & vision benefits, an EAP for additional support.
• Food & meals: In-office snacks and drinks (and Bagel Fridays)!
• Grow together: Company-wide orientation for you to successfully onboard, alongside other learning and development opportunities, including regular review cycles that feature 360 degree feedback.
• Generous time off: 17 days paid time off, sick days, and 11 company holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED