Appraisal Underwriter

Position Summary

Responsible for the review of conventional and government mortgage loan applications ensuring quality and compliance with company, investor & appraisal guidelines and meeting closing schedules.

Essential Responsibilities

• Completes a thorough analysis of loan files to determine compliance with company, investor, and FHA/VA guidelines.
• Evaluate the entire appraisal package and collateral for residential mortgage loans and ultimately ensure an “investment” quality loan product.
• Check accuracy of calculations.
• Assists with training of new underwriters.
• Recommend the loan disposition for loan amounts in excess of authority limitations to underwriting manager.
• Communicate decision on loans to appropriate parties both verbally and in writing.
• Be available to processors and correspondents for general guideline interpretations and questions on specific loan files.
• Respond to post-closing reviews and audits in a timely fashion.
• Maintains a professional image and standards consistent with company policies and procedures.
• Responsible for a high level of confidentiality and security while handling company information; verbal and/or written documentation. 
• Performs other tasks as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and communicate at a level consistent with the requirements of this position, including legal documents and to non-technical staff.
• Ability to clearly organize information, understand relevant laws, identify and fix any financial discrepancies that may arise, and perform mathematical equations accurately.
• Ability to learn and support new systems and applications, and use critical thinking to make good decisions and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously; holds self to a high level of quality.
• Must be self-motivated and enthusiastic to obtain personal and company goals.
• Ability to stay organized to easily retrieve information and documents as needed.

Job Dimensions 

Reporting to this position: No direct reports

Internal Relationships:  All internal operations staff and management, loan officers, underwriting, and compliance.

External Relationships:  Credit and title companies, Realtors, appraisers, and other outside professionals. 

 Experience and Training 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred. High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of three years’ mortgage loan underwriting experience, required.
• DE designation, required.
• Proficient with MS Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must maintain industry standard training according to company policies.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands:

• Mostly sedentary, however, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop; talk and hear.
• Extensive reading and computer use is expected more than 50% of the time. Receiving and expressing detailed information verbally, in person and by telephone is essential. Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with others.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.
• Regular attendance is necessary and essential to this position.

Work Environment:

• Professional atmosphere in a branch environment
• Routinely uses office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinet and fax machine. 

Why is Ruoff Mortgage the right career choice?

• At Ruoff Mortgage, we truly believe that where you work and loving your job matters, so you will receive all the vital resources necessary for your career to take off! Our team is focused on helping our clients achieve their home borrowing goals while providing our employees with a rewarding, professional experience, and a friendly team-oriented work environment.

We offer a comprehensive Ruoff Total Rewards benefits package designed to support the well-being and success of our employees. 

• Health & Wellness: Enjoy comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, to keep you and your family healthy.
• Retirement Savings: Take advantage of a 401(k) plan with company match to help you plan for your future.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave to ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional Development: We support your growth with training, education, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access confidential counseling and support services for personal or professional challenges.

We’re committed to providing our employees with the tools and resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

Ruoff Mortgage reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any manner the company desires. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “At Will.” The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. While we thank all candidates for your interest in our company, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Ruoff Mortgage is an equal opportunity employer.