Remote Mortgage Equity Underwriter

TEKsystems • Phoenix, AZ

2d • $24 - $42 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Equity Underwriter evaluates and underwrites home equity loan (HEL) and home equity line of credit (HELOC) applications in accordance with lending policies, regulatory requirements, and risk-management standards. The role assesses borrower risk, reviews financial and collateral documentation, makes sound credit decisions, and supports members throughout the lending process.

The position is described as hybrid or remote depending on location. The stated hybrid requirement does not apply to candidates who are not within a 60-mile commutable distance of a training facility. No time off is allowed during the training period. The schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the employee’s respective time zone; overtime may be available when there is a business need. The posting describes an open-ended contract that is not necessarily a contract-to-permanent arrangement. The contract is based in Phoenix, Arizona, and the listed pay range is $24.00–$41.90 per hour. Compensation depends on factors including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, and geographic location.

If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental and vision coverage; critical illness, accident and hospital coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a health spending account; transportation benefits; an employee assistance program; and time off or leave such as PTO, vacation, or sick leave. Eligibility and terms may vary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 1 year of residential mortgage underwriting or home equity underwriting experience.
• Strong knowledge of consumer lending principles and credit risk assessment.
• Experience analyzing tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and self-employed borrower documentation.
• Working knowledge of AUS systems and mortgage underwriting guidelines.
• Understanding of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and portfolio lending concepts.
• Knowledge of federal and state lending regulations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with loan origination systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Applicants must have underwriting experience; home equity underwriting experience is beneficial but can be trained if the applicant has underwriting experience.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of home equity or mortgage underwriting experience.
• Experience underwriting HELOC and HEL products within a financial institution or credit union.
• DE, SAR, VA LAPP, or other relevant underwriting certifications.
• Familiarity with automated valuation models (AVMs) and collateral risk assessment.
• Experience working in a highly regulated financial services environment.

Responsibilities

• Review, analyze, and underwrite HEL and HELOC applications according to company lending guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate borrower creditworthiness using credit reports, income documentation, employment verification, assets, liabilities, and property information.
• Assess LTV, CLTV, DTI, and other key risk metrics.
• Make independent lending decisions within delegated authority and recommend exceptions when appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state lending regulations, including Fair Lending, RESPA, TILA, ECOA, and HMDA requirements.
• Review appraisals, title reports, and supporting collateral documentation to determine property eligibility.
• Communicate underwriting decisions, conditions, and requirements to loan processors, loan officers, and other stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate potential credit, operational, and fraud risks.
• Maintain quality, productivity, and service-level standards while managing a high-volume pipeline.
• Participate in audits, quality assurance reviews, and compliance examinations as required.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve processes and enhance the member experience.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in mortgage and home equity lending.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, subject to eligibility and plan terms.
• Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage, subject to eligibility and plan terms.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available.
• Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for the employee and dependents.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time off or leave, including PTO, vacation, or sick leave, subject to eligibility and plan terms.

What This Job Offers

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