Underwriting - Senior Underwriter

11325 Random Hills Rd suite 600, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA

Posted Monday, June 22, 2026 at 4:00 AM

We’re just as committed to our employees as we are to our customers. As a growing leader in the mortgage industry, we are actively seeking creative, driven individuals to provide the highest level of service and forward-looking solutions.

Position Title:

Senior Underwriter – FHA & VA

Department:
Underwriting

Reports to:

VP of Underwriting

Position Summary: The Senior Underwriter is responsible for reviewing and rendering credit decisions on FHA, VA, Conventional, and Non-Agency residential mortgage loan applications, ensuring full compliance with First Heritage Mortgage LLC, investor, and agency guidelines. This role requires expert-level knowledge of HUD and VA policies, strong risk assessment skills, and the ability to apply overlays consistently. The Senior Underwriter will utilize active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP authority to review credit, income, assets, and collateral, making sound credit decisions while mentoring junior underwriting staff and supporting complex loan scenarios.

• Review and validate credit, property, income, asset, and employment documentation for FHA, VA, USDA, and applicable state housing programs.
• Apply HUD Handbook 4000.1, VA Lender’s Handbook, investor overlays, and company guidelines to ensure compliance.
• Utilize DE and/or SAR authority to approve, suspend, counter-offer, or decline loan files.
• Review and analyze appraisals for accuracy, completeness, and acceptability under FHA and VA requirements.
• Identify and address red flags for potential fraud or misrepresentation.

• Prepare clear, concise underwriting summaries outlining the credit decision rationale.
• Communicate conditions and decisions effectively to Loan Officers, Processors, and other stakeholders.
• Support escalated scenarios and complex guideline interpretation requests.

• Review resubmissions and clear conditions to issue final approvals.
• Maintain quality underwriting standards to minimize audit findings and repurchase risk.
• Stay informed on guideline, regulatory, and compliance changes, ensuring timely application in daily work.

• Provide guidance and training to less experienced underwriters and processing staff.
• Contribute to internal underwriting policy updates and procedural improvements.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to document clear, defensible underwriting decisions.
• High attention to detail and strong analytical capabilities.
• Expertise in credit, income, and asset evaluation for FHA and VA lending.
• Proficiency in reviewing personal and business tax returns for income calculation.
• In-depth knowledge of underwriting policies, investor guidelines, and current regulatory requirements.
• Professional judgment to handle confidential borrower information with integrity.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to meet volume and turn-time goals.

• Minimum 5+ years recent FHA and VA residential mortgage underwriting experience.
• Active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP designation in good standing required.
• Experience underwriting USDA and state housing finance/bond programs preferred (Virginia Housing, Maryland Housing, etc.).
• Experience in a high-volume retail mortgage environment strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Encompass Loan Origination System preferred.

• Access to competitively priced, high-quality health care options through Aetna, Met Life and Eye Med, along with employer-paid Short Term and Long Term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance (including employee-paid life, Legal Resources, and Aflac supplemental options)
• Plan for the future by investing in a 401(K), with up to $4K employer match, invest even more with our Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Put your family first with Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for dependent care
• 12 weeks of paid maternity leave through our Short-Term Disability Plan
• Receive well-rounded wellness benefits, including free and low-cost mental health resources and support services through our Employee Assistance Program
• Rest and relax with Paid Time Off (increases with tenure)
• Protect yourself from identity theft or travel mishaps with our no-cost coverage
• Get access to your paycheck early with an advanced pay option through Dayforce Wallet