Underwriter

Position Overview

The Underwriter plays a key role in evaluating loan applications for down payment assistance and other homebuyer programs. This position ensures compliance with program guidelines, regulatory standards, and internal policies while delivering excellent service to borrowers and partners.

Key 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
• Aid in 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
• Maintain accuracy of 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
• Occasionally support outreach and educational activities related to homeownership programs
• Manage workload effectively to meet established timelines

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of residential mortgage underwriting experience required; affordable housing experience strongly preferred
• 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.
• Familiarity with FNMA, FHLC, FHA, and VA guidelines preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Salesforce and file-sharing tools (e.g., Box.com) preferred
• 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
• NMLS license preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in a language reflecting the communities we serve, is a plus

Compensation

Housing Trust offers a competitive compensation package, including a bonus plan and benefits. This is a non-exempt, full-time position. Hourly rate for this position is $42.78 - $50. Total Compensation and BenefitsOur total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• 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 employer match of up to 2%
• Generous paid time off, including three weeks of vacation, twelve paid sick days, eleven paid holidays, and a paid year-end office shutdown
• Eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus
• Tuition reimbursement program and additional benefits

About the Role

Housing Trust is leading the effort to create a strong affordable housing market in the greater Bay Area as one of the region’s highest-volume nonprofit housing lenders. Serving people experiencing homelessness to renters to first-time homebuyers, we assist a wide range of residents with programs across the entire spectrum of housing issues. Since 2000, Housing Trust has invested $690 million – creating over 28,700 affordable housing opportunities serving over 53,800 of our neighbors. Housing Trust has led the way in engaging local corporations and foundations in investing hundreds of millions of dollars in working with us to bring more solutions to the market all while experiencing several years of high growth in our lending business.

Benefits

Housing Trust offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, and work-life balance, including:

• 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 employer match of up to 2%
• Generous paid time off, including three weeks of vacation, twelve paid sick days, eleven paid holidays, and a paid year-end office shutdown
• Eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus
• Tuition reimbursement program and additional benefits

Schedule

This is a non-exempt, full-time position.

Pay

Housing Trust offers a competitive compensation package, including a bonus plan and benefits. This is a non-exempt, full-time position. Hourly rate for this position is $42.78 - $50.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of residential mortgage underwriting experience required; affordable housing experience strongly preferred
• 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.
• Familiarity with FNMA, FHLC, FHA, and VA guidelines preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Salesforce and file-sharing tools (e.g., Box.com) preferred
• 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
• NMLS license preferred
• Bilingual proficiency in a language reflecting the communities we serve, is a plus