Senior Closer, FHA Lending

About the role

Berkadia is built on deep expertise, strong relationships, and a commitment to excellence across the commercial real estate industry. As a values-driven organization, we foster a culture where collaboration thrives, growth is encouraged, and employees are empowered to make an impact.

The Senior Closer, FHA Lending is responsible for managing a high volume of permanent and construction mortgage loan closings and fundings across all HUD loan types, inclusive of MAP and LEAN HUD programs and with varying levels of affordability components such as LIHTC. The Senior Closer independently coordinates, monitors, and resolves pre-closing, closing, and post-closing matters, including reviewing mortgage loan documents, coordinating with escrow and title companies, validating insurance requirements, and overall serving as Berkadia's representative to HUD and our clients throughout the closing process.

As a key relationship manager throughout the transaction lifecycle, the Senior Closer builds and maintains strong partnerships with borrowers, internal deal teams, outside counsel, HUD counterparts, and GNMA, including attending industry conferences and in person training. This position proactively identifies risks and resolves issues while protecting the interests of clients, HUD, investors, and Berkadia. The Senior Closer leverages AI and other technology solutions to improve efficiency, enhance accuracy, streamline workflows, and support the team's ability to scale production. The role also supports Berkadia's objective of gaining market share within the FHA lending industry through exceptional execution, responsiveness, operational excellence, and relationship-driven service. Additionally, the Senior Closer trains, supports, and champions U.S.-based and India-based analysts in all HUD closing functions, promoting consistent processes, technical proficiency, quality control, and effective collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the FHA Closing process from the submission of the commitment through the rate lock, closing, and delivery phases for a portfolio of loans, meeting requirements and timeframes for optimal executions.
• Lead weekly or bi-weekly closing calls with assigned counsel and other transaction stakeholders to proactively identify and resolve outstanding checklist items, closing issues, and HUD requirements.
• Identify, escalate, and resolve risks throughout the transaction process to protect the client, HUD, investors, and Berkadia's best interests.
• Manage, build, and maintain productive relationships with the borrower, deal team, outside counsel, HUD, and GNMA to facilitate timely and accurate closings.
• Drive results through effective use of available resources, cross-functional coordination, and technology solutions to enhance execution and process efficiency.
• Assist to train, mentor, and champion U.S. and India analysts in all HUD closing capacities, supporting strong execution, consistency, and knowledge sharing across the platform.
• Review rate lock documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance and verify receipt and disbursement of all fees according to commitment terms or investor guidelines.
• Review insurance requirements and coordinate insurance reviews.
• Set up loan funding calculations and prepare account documents, including Escrow Analysis, Property Taxes and Insurance, Reconciliation Sheet, and Servicing Memorandum; ensure accuracy of all related accounting entries and resolve closing figures with the title company and Mortgage Banker.
• Prepare and coordinate the review of closing statements, draws, and cost certifications with borrowers, underwriters, mortgage bankers, title companies, and HUD.
• Request HUD payments using pay.gov.
• Prepare and submit wire requests for loan funding along with applicable supporting documentation.
• Balance good faith reconciliation statements in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Record loan and closing information in OmniView, the company's loan system of record.
• Prepare the closing file for delivery to the New Loan Boarding team, warehouse provider (if applicable), and the Investor or document custodian.
• Track the delivery of loan documents to the custodian and follow up on the receipt of recorded documents.
• Attend and participate in industry conferences.
• Collaborate with the Vice President – Senior Closer and Team Leader, FHA Lending, and the Senior Closer and Team Leader, FHA Lending, Closing Manager-HUD and Managing Director-Closing on process improvement activities.
• Mentor and assist training the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in adjacent role with HUD loan experience
• Proficiency in math and calculations
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong interpersonal skills, with confidence in communicating with internal and external team members
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple relationships and priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Ability to identify issues proactively, assess risk, and drive timely resolution
• Ability to leverage systems and technology solutions to improve process efficiency and execution
• Experience training, mentoring, or guiding team members is preferred

Benefits

• Monthly paid volunteer hours and donation matching to benefit our communities
• Employee Resource Groups that help you grow with us
• Fertility and family planning services
• Up to 12-weeks of fully paid parental leave
• Mental health care, including free counseling sessions
• Generous tuition reimbursement
• Pet insurance discounts