Mortgage Underwriter

Be part of a team that's committed to making a difference. We believe in our work and our customers. Position Location Remote Type Remote Office Location (if not fully remote): n/a Job Description Experienced Underwriter Needed! Location: Remote (Nationwide opportunity) Type: Full-Time Are you an experienced underwriter who loves solving the ultimate "credit puzzles" but is ready to step away from the relentless daily production pipeline? The Fairway Scenario Department is a robust, high-profile team manned exclusively by Senior Underwriters. In this role, you will serve as a premier technical expert and consultative partner for our entire branch network. Instead of processing a standard queue, you will tackle intricate loan files early in the process. Your decisions carry massive weightthe underwriting choices made by the Scenario Underwriter stay with the loan file all the way through closing. By resolving complicated issues prior to submission, you will save production underwriters valuable time and protect the consumer journey. What you will do: Evaluate challenging borrower, credit, and asset situations proactively before the loan file is fully submitted. Actively offer strategic alternatives to the branch to secure financing. For example, if a file is submitted as Conventional but the borrower is better suited for FHA, you will recommend the product change and provide the explicit guidelines and validity to support it. Review complex tax return calculations for self-employed individuals, analyze rental income, assess non-employment revenue, and determine the eligibility of fluctuating income (overtime, bonuses, commissions). Review non-traditional credit, insufficient credit history, and extenuating circumstances regarding bankruptcies, foreclosures, or short sales. Assess residency status, Non-Permanent Resident designations, non-purchasing spouses, and interested-party contributions. Efficiently answer incoming technical inquiries submitted to the "Ask Underwriting" queue. What you will bring: 5+ years of comprehensive residential loan underwriting experience, with a proven track record of handling highly complex, unique cases. Exposure to Mortgage Broker networks is highly preferred. Advanced proficiency with Fannie Mae Desktop Underwriter (DU), Freddie Mac Loan Product Advisor (LPA), and Encompass. Experience with modern fraud-detection tools is a plus. A rock-solid understanding of mortgage lending regulations and guidelines, including FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, FHLMC, TILA, RESPA, and Predatory Lending laws. Deep knowledge of mortgage insurance (MI) guidelines, investor products, compliance, and a holistic understanding of how processing and closing fit into the overall lending lifecycle. Exceptional problem-solving, critical-thinking, and analytical skills. The ability to build strong, consultative internal relationships and thrive under tight deadlines. Preferred Qualifications: Active DE and VA SAR certifications. Credit signing authority. Direct experience with repurchase responses or appraisal/rebuttal review and preparation. Fairway Home Mortgage, founded in 1996, is a nationwide leader in the mortgage industry. Customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We deliver personalized loan solutions with some of the fastest turn times in the industry. Our mission is to act as trusted advisors, guiding clients through every step of the mortgage process to exceed expectations and ensure satisfaction. Our culture promotes innovation, growth, and collaboration, offering exciting career paths and professional development. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, Fairway is a place where your skills and ambitions can thrive. Current Employees: Head to the Fairway Careers Hub in Workday for internal job openings. We post some job openings internally for our employees and others externally for the general public. If you cannot find the perfect role right now, do not hesitate to contact the Careers Team at .... We can answer any questions and keep you updated on future opportunities. View our E-Verify and Right to Work notices HERE. Important Notice to Job Seekers! We've been made aware of fraudulent messages falsely claiming to be from Fairway recruiters, including links to assessments. These are not legitimate and are not affiliated with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. We're working with our Information Security team to address this issue. Thank you for your vigilance and continued interest in joining Fairway! All official communication will come from verified Fairway email addresses or our official LinkedIn page. If you receive a suspicious message, please do not click any links and notify us. At Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, we've been committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration since our founding in April 1996. We strive to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve by living out our core values daily. Explore rewarding career opportunities at Fairway, from branch-based roles to corporate support positions. Join a team dedicated to helping others and achieving success together. .