Mortgage Loan Underwriter | Sage Loans

Overview

This role requires a hybrid schedule and will be based in our South Charlotte, NC Headquarters (Tuesday through Thursday) and work fully remotely on Mondays and Fridays each week.

As an Underwriter on our Mortgage team, you’ll be a key decision-maker, applying your expertise to evaluate risk, ensure compliance, and protect both our clients and our company with every loan you touch. You’ll work across a broad range of loan types—from conventional and jumbo to FHA, VA, and USDA—using both manual judgment and AUS tools to assess borrower financials, validated documentation, and determine loan eligibility.

You’ll partner closely with Loan Officers, Processors, Closers, and other internal stakeholders in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment that values accuracy, collaboration, and a client-first mindset. Our team believes in doing the right thing—every time—and you’ll play a crucial role in upholding that standard while helping us leave the woodpile higher with every deal we close. If you’re passionate about underwriting excellence, thrive in complexity, and bring a spirit of ownership and continuous improvement, we’d love to have you on the team.

• Underwrite a variety of residential real estate loans, including Conventional (conforming and jumbo), FHA, VA, and USDA products
• Utilize both manual and automated underwriting systems to evaluate risk, determine loan decisions, and apply investor-specific overlays
• Complete detailed cash flow analysis and assess overall borrower financial condition through review of financial statements, credit reports, income documentation, and qualifying ratios
• Review and validate complex loan files for accuracy, regulatory compliance, documentation requirements, and adherence to investor guidelines
• Evaluate collateral by reviewing property appraisals to ensure they meet investor and agency requirements
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines and processing requirements
• Serve as a subject matter expert in residential underwriting and home equity lending, staying current on industry trends and investor changes
• Ensure strict compliance with all state and federal regulations, acting as a final line of defense for loan eligibility and regulatory integrity
• Approve loans within lending authority, review and sign off on secondary market loan denials, and escalate complex scenarios for higher-level review
• Contribute to the development, documentation, and improvement of departmental processes, policies, and benchmarks
• Work in an Encompass-based lending environment and contribute to process efficiency through system fluency

• Bachelor’s degree or college coursework in Business Administration or a related field
• Current CHUMS /or VA LAPP/SAR designation required
• 5+ years of experience underwriting all loan types for both secondary market sale and portfolio use
• Expertise in Conventional (conforming and jumbo), FHA, VA, and USDA loan programs
• Strong knowledge of mortgage and home equity products, pricing, and regulatory/tax requirements
• Proficient in evaluating residential mortgage and home equity lending applications
• Skilled in resolving title, appraisal, and underwriting issues through sound judgment and negotiation
• Experience with cash flow analysis and applying financial math concepts
• Familiarity with FCRA, ECOA, and all applicable federal/state credit regulations
• Proficient in Automated Underwriting Systems (e.g., DU/LP) and Encompass Loan Origination System
• Highly organized, with the ability to analyze complex data, identify risk, and draw sound conclusions
• Effective communicator who works collaboratively with borrowers, loan officers, vendors, and internal stakeholders
• Contributes to continuous improvement by providing input into underwriting procedures and mentoring support staff

This range reflects total cash compensation, which may include base salary only or base salary plus target bonus, depending on the role. Where eligible, equity may also be offered separately and not included above. Actual compensation varies based on location, experience, and qualifications.

Total Cash…