Mortgage Loan Underwriter - Middletown, NY

Heritage Financial Credit Union • Middletown, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Heritage Financial Credit Union is seeking an experienced Mortgage Loan Underwriter to join their team in Middletown, NY. This role is responsible for evaluating credit, income, assets, and loan documentation to make sound lending decisions. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, with a proven ability to balance risk, compliance, and customer service. Heritage Financial Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution committed to helping members achieve their financial goals and building a stronger community. They strive to be a leading financial institution by providing affordable financial services and fostering a culture of excellence where employees can thrive, feel valued, and respected.

Requirements

• Four-year bachelor's degree in business.
• Two plus years’ experience in Mortgage/Home Equity underwriting.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, underwriting and compliance guidelines.
• Good communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) requirements.
• Experience using P.C. based software including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to project a professional appearance and positive attitude at all times.
• Strong knowledge of conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
• Proven ability to balance risk, compliance, and customer service.
• Ability to help loans move efficiently from application to closing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using P.C. based software including Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Underwriting first mortgage loan applications.
• Reviewing required loan information and analyzing loan applicant’s credit history.
• Approving or denying loan applications based on analysis.
• Assisting in the underwriting of second mortgages and HELOCs as needed.
• Coaching and mentoring Mortgage Processors on all aspects of mortgage underwriting.
• Generating reports for senior management as directed.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of FNMA conventional Mortgage underwriting guidelines and applicable private mortgage insurance guidelines and procedures.
• Setting pricing for mortgages using FNMA pricing model and HFCU’s FNMA and Portfolio Premium Target procedures.
• Using FNMA Desktop underwriter to receive approval/decline decision on Mortgages.
• Committing/Selling loans to FNMA at desired profitability and in accordance with FNMA and HFCU policies and procedures.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of HFCU that fall within those parameters.
• Referring Mortgage loans to Mortgages Partner(s) as necessary.
• Assisting Financial Service Representatives with the loan application process to ensure completeness of information.
• Reviewing and Approving/Denying Real Estate Lending Appraisals in accordance with HFCU policy.
• Reviewing and Approving/Denying Real Estate Title work and Insurance work, including Flood Insurance in accordance with HFCU policy.
• Calculating debt-to-income ratios on loan applicants and how much of a loan applicant's debt is secured or unsecured.
• Reviewing Real Estate Loan Reworks and determining collateral needs and payment plans.
• Explaining reasons for declines and providing counter offers whenever possible.
• Processing adverse action notices for declined loans.
• Verifying the accuracy of loan amounts and repayment terms on approved loan applications.
• Performing responsibilities in accordance with federal and state regulations, credit union policies and procedures.
• Assisting in training new employees.
• Recommending changes to improve workflow, efficiencies and quality.
• Cross-selling credit union products and services as appropriate.
• Processing/Analyzing/Maintaining Lending Department reports as assigned.
• Meeting Core Competency Requirements.
• Meeting or exceeding objectives for accuracy, volume, and profitability of all real estate loans, as well as established service level and business unit strategic goals.
• Collaborating effectively with branch personnel, processors, and other underwriters to ensure loan applications are fully completed, necessary supporting documentation is received, and the loan closes properly.
• Working with all areas of lending including origination, consumer lending, servicing, and collections to ensure an efficient, effective team-based division.
• Participating in department and/or strategic projects as directed.
• Serving as a resource on real estate products/services of the Credit Union; responding to internal and external loan-related member questions & research; providing guidance on real estate lending practices, loan policies and procedures.
• Recommending operational procedures to increase effectiveness of department operations.
• Performing other related and unrelated duties as requested and therefore required.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)/Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Supplement Benefits: Critical Illness Care, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Legal Services
• BenefitsPlus+ perks program (travel, entertainment, gift cards and so much more)
• CareNet - benefits concierge service
• 401(k) with 5% Employer Match
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time to Volunteer
• HFCU Logo-wear

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level