Underwriter
About the role
Highland Mortgage is a trusted name in residential lending, dedicated to helping families achieve their homeownership goals. We pride ourselves on a culture of integrity, collaboration, and professional growth. As we continue to expand, we are looking for talented individuals who share our commitment to excellence in every transaction.
The Non-QM Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and rendering sound credit decisions on non-qualified mortgage loans across a range of alternative-documentation programs, including bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion/asset utilization, profit-and-loss, 1099, and full-documentation non-QM products. This position requires strong analytical judgment, a thorough command of investor guidelines, and the ability to assess layered risk on borrowers whose profiles fall outside agency standards. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented decision-maker who can independently analyze complex income and credit scenarios, structure workable file conditions, and communicate clear, well-supported decisions. They understand that non-QM lending rewards thoughtful analysis — the goal is not simply to identify what will not work, but to find a compliant path to yes wherever the file supports it.
Responsibilities
- Underwrite non-QM loan files to a sound, well-documented credit decision, applying investor guidelines, program matrices, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Evaluate borrowers across non-QM programs — bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion/asset utilization, P&L, 1099, ITIN, and full-doc non-QM— including jumbo and investor/business-purpose scenarios.
- Calculate qualifying income from all sources, with particular emphasis on self-employment, bank statement analysis, rental/DSCR cash flow, and asset-based qualification.
- Analyze credit, collateral, capacity, and layered risk factors, ensuring each decision is supportable and consistent with program parameters and investor overlays.
- Review appraisals and property documentation for accuracy and identify collateral or valuation concerns that affect the credit decision.
- Issue clear, accurate loan conditions and review submitted documentation to clear conditions promptly and move files to final approval.
- Identify exceptions where a file does not meet guidelines as presented, recommend alternative structures, programs, or compensating factors to move the deal forward.
- Communicate decisions and conditions clearly and professionally to loan officers, processors, and operations staff, both in writing and verbally.
- Ensure each file complies with company policy, investor requirements, and all applicable federal and state lending regulations, including TRID, ATR, and fair lending.
- Stay current on non-QM investor guidelines, product updates, and regulatory changes, and apply them accurately in day-to-day decisions.
- Meet or exceed department turn-time, quality, and productivity standards.
- Maintain customer confidence by providing quality service and keeping all file information strictly confidential.
Qualifications
3+ years of residential mortgage underwriting experience, including hands-on experience underwriting non-QM products.
5+ years of mortgage underwriting experience.
Demonstrated expertise with non-QM programs such as bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion/asset utilization, P&L, and 1099 documentation.
Strong income calculation skills across all income types, with particular strength in complex self-employment and cash-flow analysis.
Solid command of investor and program guidelines, non-QM overlays, and applicable lending regulations (TRID, ATR/QM, fair lending).
Sound analytical judgment and the ability to independently render supportable credit decisions on files with layered risk.
High proficiency with technology — comfortable navigating LOS platforms, investor portals, and industry tools with minimal ramp-up time.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex decisions and conditions clearly and professionally.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a pipeline to department turn-time and quality standards.
Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Preferred: Experience underwriting jumbo non-QM and investor/business-purpose (DSCR) loans. Familiarity with agency and government products (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA); DE and/or VA LAPP certification a plus. Background working in a fast-paced, remote mortgage environment.