FHA/ 203-K FHA Underwriter

Epm; United States; Remote; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

EPM is seeking a 203(k) FHA Underwriter to independently underwrite FHA 203(k) renovation loans, evaluating borrower creditworthiness, income, assets, collateral, renovation plans, and contractor documentation to ensure compliance with FHA/HUD guidelines.

The role collaborates with Account Executives, Operations, Brokers, and other internal partners to communicate underwriting decisions, clear conditions, and ensure loans are processed accurately and efficiently.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of mortgage underwriting or mortgage lending experience.
• 2+ years of FHA 203(k) underwriting experience required.
• Active DE/CHUMS certification required.
• Minimum 2 years of manual underwriting experience.
• Recent wholesale underwriting experience required.
• Strong knowledge of FHA 203(k) Standard and Limited renovation guidelines.
• Strong understanding of FHA requirements related to renovation costs, contractor documentation, rehabilitation plans, contingency reserves, permits, inspections, and after-improved value.
• Working knowledge of FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, and Non-QM loan products.
• Working knowledge of federal mortgage regulations, including RESPA, TILA, Dodd-Frank, and investor guidelines.
• Proficiency with automated underwriting systems, Encompass (preferred), and Microsoft Office.
• High school diploma required; college degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently underwrite FHA 203(k) renovation loans, including Standard and Limited 203(k).
• Review and analyze credit, income, assets, collateral, and supporting documentation to determine borrower eligibility and overall loan risk through both AUS and manual underwriting.
• Evaluate renovation plans, contractor documentation, bids, cost estimates, work write-ups, and project-related documentation to ensure compliance with FHA 203(k) requirements.
• Review appraisals, including the after-improved value, to ensure the proposed loan amount and renovation costs are supported.
• Ensure loan files meet HUD, FHA 203(k), investor, regulatory, and internal guidelines and overlays.
• Request and evaluate additional documentation as needed to make accurate and well-supported underwriting decisions.
• Approve or deny mortgage loans while clearly documenting the rationale for each decision.
• Review renovation-related conditions and ensure all required documentation is received and properly evaluated prior to final approval.
• Communicate underwriting decisions, conditions, and renovation requirements to loan officers and internal partners.
• Collaborate with operations teams, clients, brokers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate loan processing.
• Meet company service level agreements (SLAs) for turnaround times and file quality.
• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to underwriting questions and documentation requests.
• Support additional underwriting responsibilities as business needs require.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Decision making

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Organized

Education

High school diploma

College degree preferred

Tools

Encompass

Microsoft Office

Job description

About EPM

Founded in 2008, EPM is one of the leading wholesale mortgage lenders in the U.S. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and licensed in all 50 states, we offer a full range of loan products — including conventional, FHA, VA, non-QM, renovation, and USDA.

Our vision is to live in a world where everyone has the opportunity for The American Gift. Our goal is not only to facilitate homeownership but also to empower individuals and families through informed financial decisions.

Empowering You. We’re committed to giving our team members the operational support, technology, and tools they need to work efficiently and deliver exceptional service. Combined with a collaborative culture rooted in radical candor and innovation, we empower our people to do their best work every day while helping to shape our future.

The Role

EPM is growing and looking for a 203(k) FHA Underwriter to join our team. The 203(k) FHA Underwriter is responsible for independently underwriting FHA 203(k) renovation loans, evaluating borrower creditworthiness, income, assets, collateral, renovation plans, contractor documentation, and project costs to ensure compliance with FHA and HUD guidelines. This role will work closely with Account Executives, Operations, Brokers, and other internal partners to communicate underwriting decisions, clear conditions, and ensure loans are processed accurately and efficiently. Strong FHA 203(k) knowledge, attention to detail, analytical skills, and communication are essential for success in this role.

• Independently underwrite FHA 203(k) renovation loans, including both Standard and Limited 203(k) products
• Review and analyze credit, income, assets, collateral, and supporting documentation to determine borrower eligibility and overall loan risk through both AUS and manual underwriting
• Evaluate renovation plans, contractor documentation, bids, cost estimates, work write-ups, and project-related documentation to ensure compliance with FHA 203(k) requirements
• Review appraisals, including the after-improved value, to ensure the proposed loan amount and renovation costs are supported
• Ensure loan files meet HUD, FHA 203(k), investor, regulatory, and internal guidelines and overlays
• Request and evaluate additional documentation as needed to make accurate and well-supported underwriting decisions
• Approve or deny mortgage loans while clearly documenting the rationale for each decision
• Review renovation-related conditions and ensure all required documentation is received and properly evaluated prior to final approval
• Communicate underwriting decisions, conditions, and renovation requirements to loan officers and internal partners
• Collaborate with operations teams, clients, brokers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate loan processing
• Meet company service level agreements (SLAs) for turnaround times and file quality
• Provide exceptional customer service by responding to underwriting questions and documentation requests
• Support additional underwriting responsibilities as business needs require

• 5+ years of mortgage underwriting or mortgage lending experience
• 2+ years of FHA 203(k) underwriting experience required
• Active DE/CHUMS certification required
• Minimum 2 years of manual underwriting experience
• Recent wholesale underwriting experience required
• Strong knowledge of FHA 203(k) Standard and Limited renovation guidelines
• Strong understanding of FHA requirements related to renovation costs, contractor documentation, rehabilitation plans, contingency reserves, permits, inspections, and after-improved value
• Working knowledge of FHA, conventional, VA, USDA, and Non-QM loan products
• Working knowledge of federal mortgage regulations, including RESPA, TILA, Dodd-Frank, and investor guidelines
• Proficiency with automated underwriting systems, Encompass (preferred), and Microsoft Office
• High school diploma required; college degree preferred
• Strong analytical, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering quality work in a fast-paced environment

EPM is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.