Mortgage Loan Underwriter

Description JOB SUMMARY: The Mortgage Underwriter is responsible for independently assessing and underwriting conventional and government residential mortgage loan applications to evaluate credit risk and determine loan acceptability in accordance with agency, investor, and regulatory guidelines. This role carries significant lending authority and fiduciary responsibility, ensuring sound credit decisions while supporting an efficient, high ‑ quality borrower experience. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Underwrite conventional and government loan products (FNMA, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA/Rural Development, and applicable portfolio or specialty programs) with a focus on investment ‑ quality and salable loans. Perform thorough risk analysis of borrower credit, income, assets, collateral, and overall loan structure to ensure compliance with agency, investor, and internal credit standards. Exercise delegated underwriting authority within approved limits; escalate or present loans exceeding authority or containing exceptions to Senior Management or Credit Committee as required. Prepare and submit mortgage insurance (MI) packages to private mortgage insurance companies for loans requiring MI approval outside delegated authority. Maintain current knowledge of agency, investor, and MI guidelines, including policy updates and underwriting changes. Partner with Loan Officers, Processors, and Operations staff to resolve underwriting issues efficiently while maintaining credit integrity. Provide guidance, training, and technical support to lending and processing teams on underwriting guidelines, risk considerations, and documentation requirements. Ensure adherence to all fair lending, AML/BSA, and consumer protection regulations, including CIP, due diligence, enhanced due diligence, and disclosure requirements. Underwrite all loans in compliance with Fair Housing Act, ECOA, and fair lending standards, ensuring consistent, unbiased treatment of all applicants. Review and document policy exceptions in accordance with approved exception authority and governance standards. Act ethically and professionally in alignment with the Associate Code of Conduct, reporting customer concerns or complaints as appropriate. Support audits, quality control reviews, and regulatory exams by providing thorough documentation and rationale for credit decisions. Adheres to Seacoast Bank’s Code of Conduct. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four ‑ year college or university or equivalent demonstrated knowledge and experience in residential mortgage underwriting. Four or more years of experience in residential mortgage underwriting, including conventional and government loan products. Strong working knowledge of FNMA, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA/Rural Development, private mortgage insurance requirements, and applicable state or housing programs (e.g., SHIP). Ability to independently analyze complex credit scenarios and make well ‑ reasoned risk decisions. Ability to read, interpret, and apply agency guidelines, investor overlays, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document underwriting decisions and exception rationale. Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to evaluate ratios, percentages, interest calculations, and amortization concepts. Proficiency with loan origination systems, underwriting tools, and office productivity software (e.g., spreadsheet and word ‑ processing applications). Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and operate effectively in a fast ‑ paced, deadline ‑ driven environment. Experience presenting underwriting guidance in group training or coaching settings preferred. Ensures compliance with AML/BSA, Fair Lending, investor, and regulatory requirements throughout the underwriting process. Maintains confidentiality and treats borrower information with the highest level of integrity. The Statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. Because these statements are general, the job description is used for a variety of purposes including job evaluations; performance reviews; recruitment; etc. All Associates are required to adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards applicable to our industry. It is the policy of Seacoast Bank that all Associates will be familiar and compliant with all regulatory, legal, ethical and Bank risk mitigation requirements pertaining to both our industry and their individual roles. This includes the on time, successful completion of annual required training post-hire and effective execution of role responsibilities.