Mortgage Underwriter

First Federal Bank of Louisiana is currently seeking a Mortgage Underwriter in their Secondary Market/Underwriting Department, located at their Main Office in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

About Us

First Federal Bank of Louisiana is a full-service, locally owned, community bank that has helped build the communities we serve for over 70 years. With 16 branches serving 11 communities in Louisiana, we are proud to offer our customers a wide variety of products and services to meet all of their financial needs. We offer Personal and Business Checking Accounts, Savings and CDs, multiple Retirement options, Home Equity Lines of Credit, as well as Mortgages and Consumer Loans. Our established Investment and Insurance divisions also offer a full line of products. Over the years, First Federal Bank has established a reputation for fast, professional service. We believe our customers expect and deserve nothing less.

Position Summary

In conjunction with loan officers, approves or denies mortgage loans through the evaluation of mortgage applications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews real estate applications according to FannieMae (FNMA), FHA, VA, Rural Housing (RH), Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), Secondary Market, Special Programs and Bank guidelines, to determine credit worthiness of loan applicants
• Reviews appraisals for completeness, consistency and accuracy in arriving at a valuation; enters data in appropriate systems/databases, if necessary and as required by regulation
• Prepares exception sheets, evaluation analysis, loan submission sheets, etc., as required
• Reviews all documentation as it is received; clears underwriting exceptions and/or conditions
• Suspends loan files that are incomplete; requests additional information from Loan Officers when appropriate
• Submits documentation for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) approval
• Submits documentation to USDA Rural Housing (RH) and loan information for RH approval
• Reviews tax transcripts for borrowers on all secondary market loans
• Researches all persons involved with the transaction for GSA and Limited Denials through FHA Connection on all secondary market loans
• Orders Certificate of Eligibility for veterans on all VA loans using the VA Online Portal
• Obtains VA Loan Guarantee on all VA loans using the VA Online Portal

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two (2) year college or technical school in a business related field; or at least one (1) year of related underwriter/processor experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Solid computer skills including Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word
• Ability to handle confidential information with great sensitivity
• Good reasoning abilities, sound judgment

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Normal work schedule is 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday with occasional overtime. Regular attendance is required. This is not a remote position.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The employment policy of First Federal Bank and its subsidiaries is to provide an equal employment opportunity for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, individuals with disabilities, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics or activities in accordance with applicable laws.