Real Estate Underwriter - Olean, NY

Community Financial System, Inc.•Olean, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Real Estate Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, approving, or declining residential mortgage and home equity loan applications through comprehensive financial risk assessment and adherence to established lending guidelines. This role ensures sound lending decisions while mitigating risk to the Company, government agencies, and secondary market investors. The Underwriter must maintain current knowledge of all applicable regulatory requirements, including TILA-RESPA, ATR/QM, and HMDA. Analyze application packages and supporting documentation (financial statements, credit reports, employment history, etc.) to assess borrower eligibility across all product types including USDA, secondary market loans, PMI, construction loans, Homebuyer Dream Program, and VA Exercise lending authority to make credit decisions within delegated approval limits Document underwriting decision and prepare clear, concise loan summaries Responsible to review and evaluate residential appraisals to ensure collateral meets program and investor requirements Review title reports for accuracy and completeness Provide guidance to Mortgage Coordinators regarding required actions on incomplete or complex loan applications Prepare approved loan for progression to closing Communicate decisions and conditions effectively to loan officers and relevant stakeholders Actively participate in the development and documentation of workflow processes as well as contribute to the process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives Must maintain and stay informed of policies, procedures, and regulatory updates and changes impacting the real estate lending function Perform other related duties as assigned Maintain proficient knowledge of, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to this position, ensure ongoing adherence to policies, procedures, and internal controls, and meet all training requirements in a timely manner Additional Expectations Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality Support and contribute to a collaborative team environment Ancillary Duties: As requested by manager or necessary to obtain necessary business goals and objectives

Requirements

Associate degree required; may consider equivalent experience in mortgage processing, legal real estate closings, or related field.
Minimum five (5) years of experience highly preferred.
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate income, assets, and creditworthiness.
Proficient in reading, writing, grammar, and mathematical calculations.
Effective problem solving and research capabilities.
Strong written and verbal communications skills.
Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines.
Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel).
Proven ability to uphold high standards of accountability, respect, transparency, and a strong work ethic.
Must consistently demonstrate the Company’s core values; Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Humility.

Responsibilities

Evaluate, approve, or decline residential mortgage and home equity loan applications through comprehensive financial risk assessment and adherence to established lending guidelines.
Ensure sound lending decisions while mitigating risk to the Company, government agencies, and secondary market investors.
Maintain current knowledge of all applicable regulatory requirements, including TILA-RESPA, ATR/QM, and HMDA.
Analyze application packages and supporting documentation (financial statements, credit reports, employment history, etc.) to assess borrower eligibility across all product types including USDA, secondary market loans, PMI, construction loans, Homebuyer Dream Program, and VA.
Exercise lending authority to make credit decisions within delegated approval limits.
Document underwriting decision and prepare clear, concise loan summaries.
Review and evaluate residential appraisals to ensure collateral meets program and investor requirements.
Review title reports for accuracy and completeness.
Provide guidance to Mortgage Coordinators regarding required actions on incomplete or complex loan applications.
Prepare approved loan for progression to closing.
Communicate decisions and conditions effectively to loan officers and relevant stakeholders.
Actively participate in the development and documentation of workflow processes as well as contribute to the process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.
Maintain and stay informed of policies, procedures, and regulatory updates and changes impacting the real estate lending function.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Maintain proficient knowledge of, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to this position, ensure ongoing adherence to policies, procedures, and internal controls, and meet all training requirements in a timely manner.
Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
Support and contribute to a collaborative team environment.