Real Estate Underwriter

Commercial Real Estate Underwriter

The Commercial Real Estate Group (CREG) at PPM invests in commercial mortgage loans, on behalf of PPM's various clients. Specific responsibilities within the CREG include loan origination, loan closing, loan servicing, asset management and portfolio analytics, virtually all of which offer both quantitative/financial and qualitative components. Like the rest of PPM, the CREG prides itself on its collegial and collaborative culture where team members are encouraged to develop and explore solutions in a supportive environment, as well as its positive work-life balance.

Senior leadership within the CREG averages nearly 20 years of tenure at PPM, which speaks to the quality of the work environment and the commitment of employees to each other.

The Commercial Real Estate Group (CREG) loan origination team is responsible for all aspects of the loan origination process for both core and structured loans. The Real Estate Underwriter works with CREG loan originators to help source, review, underwrite, and present new loan opportunities, as well as playing an active role in loan closing, servicing, and monitoring of the existing portfolio throughout the entire life of the loan.

The Real Estate Underwriter works as part of the CREG loan origination team in all aspects of the loan origination process.

• Provides support and analysis in all aspects of the core and structured mortgage loan origination process, including economic analysis, borrower/sponsor analysis, market analysis, lease review and analysis, and preparation of committee presentations.
• Works closely with CREG originators and the Head of Loan Origination in reviewing, quoting, negotiating, and underwriting new core and structured loan opportunities. Acts as an integral part of a cohesive origination team that is responsive, efficient, and productive.
• Works closely with CREG's mortgage broker network and borrowers to review new core and structured loan opportunities, secure needed information for underwriting, perform deal approval and closing, and provide back‑up market coverage for originators when necessary.
• Provides support to originators, when needed, to ensure CREG process is responsive and efficient.
• Assists originators and CREG loan closers in closing new loan transactions, including review of third‑party reports and updated economic information, and procuring of needed closing items.
• Collaborates with the entire CREG origination team to refine processes and procedures for new loan originations, develop an annual business plan, and adjust team strategy, as needed, to ensure the origination of high‑quality loans that will perform well over time and meet clients' needs.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with mortgage brokers, borrowers, and other industry leaders.
• Attends industry conferences and takes part in industry organizations.
• Works closely with Loan Servicing, Portfolio Analytics, and Asset Management to monitor the existing loan portfolio.
• Assists the other teams within CREG in ad‑hoc projects, as needed.

• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

• Strong understanding of commercial real estate valuation, cash flow analysis, and market risk drivers.
• Excellent financial modeling skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to interact well with people inside and outside the organization.
• Excellent organization skills with a strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

• Bachelor's Degree in Commercial Real Estate, Finance, or related field required.
• MBA with concentrations in related fields preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in the commercial real estate field, including direct experience in providing analysis and origination of new core and structured commercial mortgage loan transactions, required.
• Life insurance company mortgage lending experience preferred.
• CRI or CFA designation preferred.

• Competitive…