What are the responsibilities and job description for the Junior Non-QM Underwriter position at Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc.?
Founded in 2000, Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is a privately owned, full-service national lender, offering Wholesale, Correspondent, Renovation and Reverse residential mortgages. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Plaza employs a network of sales associates to serve its clients nationwide.
Plaza is dedicated to building quality, long-term relationships with its mortgage broker and correspondent clients by offering comprehensive programs and exceptional customer experience.
The Junior Non-QM Underwriter provides support to Plaza’s Non-QM Underwriting Team by performing pre-underwrite file scrubs, organizing and validating documentation, reviewing conditions, and assisting with underwriting preparation tasks. This role bridges administrative and analytical responsibilities—supporting Underwriters in clearing conditions, coordinating appraisal-related items, working Change of Circumstance (COC) requests, and assisting with exception documentation and processing.
This role is full-time; non-exempt. This position is within our Wholesale department and reports to the Non-QM Underwriting Team Manager.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Perform detailed pre-underwrite file scrubs to ensure all required documents are accurate, complete, and properly indexed for underwriting review.
- Communicate with Account Executives (AEs), Client Service Representatives (CSRs), and clients to obtain missing or clarifying documentation as directed.
- Review and organize underwriting conditions to verify documentation matches the condition, removing duplicates and ensuring alignment prior to UW review.
- Order appraisal-related conditions and monitor receipt, corrections, or reissues on behalf of Underwriters.
- Work the Change of Circumstance (COC) Task Queue to review and process requests in accordance with Plaza policies.
- Assist the Underwriting Support Team with exception requests by identifying missing items, uploading documentation, and completing administrative steps for exception tracking.
- Assist Underwriters with managing high email volume by responding to messages forwarded from Underwriters for urgent or time-sensitive items, researching file details, and coordinating with internal partners as needed.
- Assist in clearing minor conditions on loan files when an assigned Underwriter is out of the office to ensure timely file movement.
- Run quality control tools (e.g., FraudGuard, EarlyCheck) and update system records to ensure data integrity.
- Complete required pre-closing or pipeline checklists and maintain a paperless file environment consistent with Plaza standards.
- Support special projects, reporting, or other tasks as directed by the Team Lead or Manager.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of mortgage experience, with exposure to underwriting or loan file review preferred
- Strong knowledge of Non-QM documentation including bank statements, self-employment, and asset-utilization programs.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Effective written and verbal communication; able to collaborate with Underwriters, Sales, and Operations teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with LOS and paperless imaging systems.
- Ability to analyze documentation, identify discrepancies, and ensure compliance with investor and internal guidelines.
- Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and commitment to supporting team goals in a fast-paced environment.
Plaza offers a competitive benefits package; including medical/dental/vision, paid time off and holidays, 401(k), life and pet insurance. Plaza also offers additional benefits such as an employee friends and family loan and an employee assistance program that includes a variety of discounted services.
Plaza is an EEOC employer and follows all federal, state, and local laws relating to fair employment.
Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is committed to preventing, stopping and remedying all forms of discrimination that occur in its workplace. Managers are accountable for keeping Plaza's workplace free from discrimination and ensuring that Plaza provides equal employment opportunity for all in the workforce and for those seeking to become members of Plaza's workforce.
Plaza's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Plaza's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.
This information is provided by Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. as a courtesy to its mortgage professional clients and the public and is meant for instructional purposes only. None of the information provided is intended to be legal advice in any context. Plaza does not guarantee, warrant, ensure or promise that information provided is accurate. Terms and conditions of programs and guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice. Any unauthorized use or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited. This is not a commitment to lend. ® 2024 Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. Plaza Home Mortgage and the Plaza Home Mortgage logo are registered trademarks of Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. Plaza NMLS 2113
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