Underwriter - Housing Trust Silicon Valley

Another Source • San Jose, CA

9h • $43 - $50 • Hybrid

About The Position

Housing Trust Silicon Valley is seeking an Underwriter to support down payment assistance and affordable homeownership programs. This role offers significant direct interaction with borrowers, allowing you to guide first-time homebuyers through the lending process while making informed underwriting decisions. You'll own files from application through approval, partnering closely with homebuyers, lenders, real estate professionals, and community stakeholders to deliver an exceptional customer experience and help families achieve their homeownership goals. The Underwriter reports to the Manager of the Homebuyer Programs and plays a key role in evaluating loan applications for down payment assistance and other homebuyer programs. The Underwriter ensures compliance with program guidelines, regulatory standards, and internal policies while delivering excellent service to borrowers and partners. The Underwriter takes ownership of files from application through approval, resolves standard to complex scenarios, and supports timely, accurate loan decisions under the supervision and guidance of the Manager of Homebuyer Programs. The Underwriter also contributes to process improvements and collaborates across departments to support successful outcomes for first-time homebuyers.

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years of residential mortgage underwriting experience required
• Knowledge of homebuyer assistance programs, FHA/VA/Conventional underwriting, and affordable housing best practices
• Strong analytical skills in evaluating income, assets, credit, and collateral
• Ability to manually underwrite mortgage loan applications required
• Strong written and verbal communication with attention to detail and time-management skills
• Familiarity with applicable compliance regulations, including TILA, RESPA, ECOA, HMDA, FCRA, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across diverse communities
• Commitment to outstanding customer service and first-time homebuyer support

Nice To Haves

• Affordable housing experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with FNMA, FHLC, FHA, and VA guidelines preferred
• Experience with Salesforce and file-sharing tools (e.g., Box.com) preferred
• NMLS license preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in a language reflecting the communities we serve is a plus

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of all homebuyer assistance programs, eligibility requirements, and underwriting standards
• Apply program guidelines accurately and consistently in underwriting decisions
• Maintain compliance with internal policies, program regulations, and lending laws, including TILA, RESPA, ECOA, FCRA, and HMDA
• Stay informed of updates to underwriting practices, program requirements, and regulatory guidelines
• Assist with maintaining complete and organized documentation for compliance and audit purposes
• Review and analyze loan applications to determine program eligibility and assess loan risk
• Verify and evaluate income, asset, credit, and collateral documentation
• Underwrite loans in accordance with program and regulatory guidelines; issue decisions with clear rationale
• Review and clear loan conditions to ensure complete and accurate files
• Prepare files for final review and approval/denial by the Manager of Homebuyer Programs
• Escalate complex scenarios or policy questions to management as appropriate
• Maintain accountability for assigned files from application through approval, meeting deadlines and service standards
• Ensure accurate data entry and documentation using systems such as Salesforce, Box.com, and Excel-based loan worksheets
• Meet department productivity and quality expectations
• Provide responsive, professional support to borrowers, internal staff, and external partners
• Collaborate with processors, program specialists, lending and real estate professionals to complete documentation
• Communicate underwriting decisions and status updates clearly to team members and professionally to external stakeholders
• Promote transparency and alignment through timely and effective communication
• Participate in quality control activities and peer reviews to support consistent underwriting standards
• Provide feedback to support process improvements and efficient program operations
• Occasionally support outreach and educational activities related to homeownership programs
• Manage workload effectively to meet established timelines
• Conduct borrower counseling sessions covering documents, disclosures, and closing procedures
• Support the funding process by clearing conditions and preparing fund release documentation
• Conduct post-closing reviews for compliance with program standards
• Prepare and organize closed loan files for audit or transfer to Asset Management

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid for employees, with 50% of premiums covered for eligible dependents
• Employer-funded 401(k) contribution of 3%, plus an additional match of up to 2%
• Generous paid time off, including three weeks of vacation, twelve sick days, eleven holidays, and a year-end office shutdown
• Eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus
• Tuition reimbursement and additional benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed