Senior Government Underwriter - FHA & VA

Position Summary:

The Senior Government 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 Government 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.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Underwriting & Decisioning

· 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.

Collaboration & Communication

· 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.

File Management & Quality Control

· 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.

Mentorship & Leadership Support

· Provide guidance and training to less experienced underwriters and processing staff.

· Contribute to internal underwriting policy updates and procedural improvements.

Qualifications:

Required Skills/Abilities

· 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. Education/Experience Requirements

· 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) and/or VA SAR/LAPP designation in good standing?
• Do you have knowledge of Encompass Loan Origination System?

Experience:

• FHA and VA residential mortgage underwriting : 5 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Fairfax, VA 22030 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fairfax, VA 22030

Salary : $85,000 - $110,000