Job Role Description

Mortgage and Lending > Underwriter

Salary National Average

Low Medium High
60880.0000 72210.0000 87760.0000

Change from Previous Year:

+1%

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Short Description:

Determine whether or not to approve mortgage loans based on information provided in loan applications. Verify income and employment information. Review credit history and calculate the borrower’s collateral and assets value. Ensure that the property specifications and loan terms meet financial institution requirements and government regulations. Document the reasons for approving or denying the loan and add the documentation to the loan file.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Analyze applicants' financial status, credit, and property evaluations to determine the feasibility of granting loans.
  • Obtain and compile copies of loan applicants' credit histories, corporate financial statements, and other financial information.
  • Meet with applicants to obtain loan application information and answer questions about the process.
  • Explain to customers the different types of loans and credit options available, as well as the terms of those services.
  • Review loan agreements to ensure they are complete and accurate according to policy.
  • Approve loans within specified limits, and refer loan applications outside those limits to management for approval.
  • Handle customer complaints and take appropriate action to resolve them.
  • Stay abreast of new types of loans and other financial services and products to meet customers' needs better.
  • Review and update credit and loan files.
  • Submit applications to credit analysts for verification and recommendation.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the audience's needs.
  • Active Learning: Understand new information implications for current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Job Zones

  • Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
  • Related Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Job Zone Examples: These occupations usually involve communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 1-2 years preparation (6.0 to < 7.0)

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