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Better's mission is to make homeownership simple, faster, and more accessible for everyone.
The Role
The Underwriting Specialist assesses mortgage loan applications for creditworthiness, compliance with regulations, and risks, making recommendations on approvals or stipulations needed for loan sanctioning.
Summary Generated by Built In
Better is reimagining home finance and making it faster, cheaper, and easier for everyone to become a homeowner. We leverage creative technology and innovation to make the home buying journey more approachable and understandable and home finance more affordable and accessible. Here are some interesting facts to help you get to know Better:
- We’ve funded over $110 billion in loans for our customers, more than any other fintech
- Yahoo! Finance - Best Mortgage Lender for First Time Homebuyers of January 2025: Best lender for quick approval
- Yahoo! Finance - Best Mortgage Lenders of 2025: Best online mortgage lender
- Fintech Breakthrough Award: Best Lending Innovation Award
- Money Magazine - 8 Best Mortgage Lenders of 2025: Best for fast closing
- We are Forbes’ Best Online Mortgage Lender for 2023
- We have raised over $1.2 billion in equity capital to transform the mortgage industry, the largest financial asset class in the world
We are a place where smart, hungry, ambitious people who want to recognize their full potential thrive.
Job Overview:
An Underwriting Specialist is responsible for reviewing mortgage loan applications, assessing the applicant's creditworthiness, and ensuring that the loan complies with all relevant guidelines and regulations. They are a key player in the loan approval process, ensuring that loans are made to qualified borrowers who pose minimal risk to the lender.
Please Note: Hands-on experience in live US mortgage underwriting is mandatory. Candidates without live underwriting experience in the US domain need not apply.
Key Responsibilities:
Application Review:
- Thoroughly review mortgage loan applications to ensure all required documentation is included.
- Verify applicant information, such as income, employment history, credit history, and assets.
- Analyze the applicant's credit report and credit score to assess creditworthiness.
- Determine if the applicant meets the lender's guidelines for loan approval.
Risk Assessment:
- Evaluate the risk associated with each loan application based on the applicant's financial profile.
- Calculate the applicant's debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to assess their ability to repay the loan.
- Consider the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) by assessing the down payment and the property's value.
Compliance and Regulation:
- Ensure that all loans conform to federal and state regulations, as well as lender-specific guidelines.
- Stay updated on changes in mortgage regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance.
- Identify and report any potential fraud or misrepresentation in loan applications.
Documentation and Communication:
- Communicate with loan officers, borrowers, and other stakeholders to gather additional information or clarify discrepancies.
- Maintain organized records of all loan files and documentation.
Decision Making:
- Make informed decisions regarding loan recommendation, suspension, or conditional approvals.
- If necessary, provide conditions or stipulations that must be met for loan approval.
Team Collaboration:
- Collaborate with other departments, such as loan processing and closing, to ensure a smooth and efficient loan closing process.
- Provide guidance and support to loan officers regarding underwriting criteria and guidelines.
Qualifications and Attributes:
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field is typically required.
- Minimum 2 years' experience in US mortgage underwriting.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex financial documents.
- Knowledge of mortgage industry regulations, primarily conventional loan programs.
- Familiarity with underwriting software and automated underwriting systems (AUS) and LP.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
We are looking for immediate joiners; however, candidates with a notice period of up to 3 months may also apply.
Company Benefits
In Office Perks
Experience our comprehensive office perks, including daily meals and transport facility for commuting to and from the office, available for all employees coming to the office.
Health & Well-being
Our comprehensive medical plan is available for you, your spouse and dependents. Employees are covered under Mediclaim, Group Term life insurance and Accidental insurance.
Other Perks at Better
Experience flexibility with our night shift allowance, work from home allowance and transportation allowance, where applicable. We prioritize your convenience.
Top Skills
Automated Underwriting Systems (Aus)
Underwriting Software
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The Company
What We Do
Founded in 2016, Better is a digital-first homeownership company whose services include mortgage, real estate, title, and homeowners insurance. We leverage creative technology and innovation to make the homebuying journey more approachable and understandable.
Our company is made up of driven, passionate people who bring their unique backgrounds and perspectives to everything we do. We are committed to fostering diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. We see the value in each person's perspective and recognize their talents, regardless of what the market says. We believe it's important to nurture a company culture that encourages curiosity and passion—from employee resource groups and learning opportunities to team outings and community outreach.
Why Work With Us
The Better mission is rooted in values that drive us.
We do what’s in the best interest of the consumer
We have growth mindsets, not fixed ones
We believe that success lies in execution, not credentials
We act like owners, not just employees
We work to find answers on our own, not wait for them to be given to us
We optimize for mission, not ego
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