Mortgage Underwriter

Job Overview

A Mortgage Underwriter assesses loan applications to determine risk and ensure they meet lending guidelines. You'll review income documents, credit reports, and property appraisals to decide whether a loan gets approved, denied, or needs more conditions. This isn't a role for someone who hates paperwork; you'll dig into details daily. The work environment in Seattle, WA tends to be office based, though remote arrangements are common depending on the lender. You're the gatekeeper between a borrower's dream and financial reality.

Duties & Responsibilities / JobXi / Seattle, WA

• Review loan files ; you check that every document lines up with investor standards like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA rules.
• Analyze risk ; calculate debt to income ratios and assess credit histories to flag potential red flags early.
• Issue clear conditions ; when something's missing or doesn't add up, you tell the loan officer exactly what you need.
• Approve or deny ; make final calls on loan decisions based on your analysis of the full file.
• Stay compliant ; ensure every decision follows federal regulations and internal policy without cutting corners.
• Communicate clearly ; explain your reasoning to processors, originators, and sometimes borrowers themselves when things get sticky.

Requirements / JobXi / Seattle, WA

• Experience: at least 2 years underwriting conventional loans; FHA/VA experience is a big plus if you have it.
• Certifications: a DE (Direct Endorsement) certification for FHA loans helps but isn't always required upfront.
• Software savvy: comfortable with automated underwriting systems like DU or LP plus standard office tools.
• The mental demand: you can juggle 10+ active files without dropping details; this job rewards organized thinkers who don't crack under volume pressure.