DE Underwriter

FocusOne Mortgage Solutions is looking for a full-time in-house DE Underwriter. We are located in Northwest Houston in the Jersey Village/Cypress Area.

Position Summary

The DE Underwriter is responsible for underwriting residential mortgage loans in compliance with agency, investor, and company guidelines, including Conventional, FHA, and VA products. This role requires advanced knowledge of FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) underwriting and VA lending guidelines, including SAR/LAPP authority where applicable. The underwriter ensures loan quality, risk assessment, and compliance while supporting production staff to achieve efficient loan closings.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite residential mortgage loans in accordance with:
  • Fannie Mae (DU) and Freddie Mac (LPA)
  • FHA (HUD Handbook 4000.1 – current version)
  • VA lending guidelines (including LAPP/SAR requirements where applicable)
• Review and analyze borrower credit, income, assets, and collateral to make sound underwriting decisions
• Issue clear, concise loan conditions and ensure timely condition review and clearing
• Evaluate complex income scenarios including self-employed borrowers and tax returns
• Ensure all loans meet investor, regulatory, and internal compliance standards
• Provide guidance and scenario support to Loan Officers and Processors
• Review appraisals and collateral risk; perform SAR responsibilities (if designated) including NOV issuance
• Maintain thorough documentation to support underwriting decisions
• Stay current on guideline updates, overlays, and regulatory changes
• Maintain productivity, quality, and turn-time expectations

Required Qualifications

• Active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) authority/registration required
• VA SAR (Staff Appraisal Reviewer) designation required
• LAPP (Lender Appraisal Processing Program) authority required for applicable responsibilities
• Minimum 5+ years of recent mortgage underwriting experience
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • FHA Handbook 4000.1
  • VA guidelines and circulars
  • Conventional agency guidelines (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac)
• Experience underwriting complex loan files (self-employed, layered risk, etc.)
• Proficiency with LOS systems (Encompass preferred)
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• DE CHUMS ID and active VA SAR ID (must be verifiable)
• Experience in a delegated underwriting environment