Senior Mortgage Underwriter - Toronto - RFA Mortgage Corporation

Senior Mortgage Underwriter - Toronto - RFA Mortgage Corporation

Date: January 20, 2025
Location: Toronto, ON
Company: RFA Mortgage Corporation
Job Type: Permanent

About RFA
Founded in 1996, RFA (Realty Financial Advisors) is a leading Canadian-owned real estate firm. Through RFA Bank of Canada and RFA Mortgage Corporation, RFA offers mortgage brokers a complete range of Prime and Alternative mortgage solutions.

The Opportunity
We’re looking to fill a Senior Mortgage Underwriter position at RFA Mortgage Corporation!

RFA Mortgage Corporation specializes in Prime lending (Insured, Insurable and Uninsurable). Our goal is to be a long-term leader in the residential lending market by offering more than just competitive rates and compensation. At RFA Mortgage Corporation, we focus on delivering a unique value proposition in the Prime mortgage space, committed to innovation and exceptional service to meet a diverse range of borrower needs.

The successful candidates will review, process, and approve mortgage applications in a timely and effective manner resulting in the achievement of RFA Mortgage Corporations overall residential mortgage underwriting policy and applicable guidelines.

Core Responsibilities

Customer Results

• Underwrite to highest credit quality standards as defined by the Residential Mortgage Underwriter Policy.
• Negotiate, approve, recommend, and decline applications within RFA Mortgage Corporations Residential Underwriting Guidelines, including without limitation:
• Review of credit information
• Review of real estate appraisals for consistency with prevailing market conditions.
• Terms and conditions on all mortgage applications.
• Submit applications for insurer approval, where applicable.
• Prepare and issue mortgage commitments.
• Follow up on outstanding conditions/documents.
• Review and verify accuracy of required documentation related to the mortgage commitment, including income validation, down-payment validation, collateral validation, title, mortgage statements, tax statements, etc.
• Modify mortgage applications related to changes in documentation reviewed; submitting to Mortgage Insurer(s) where required.
• Identify and escalate instances of suspected fraud to Senior Management and Quality Assurance.
• Maintain service levels in an environment of high volumes and the competing demands of customers and employees.
• Maintain direct contact with mortgage originators via updates specific to the application from fulfillment through to closing.
• Build and maintain exceptional customer service levels.

Operational Efficiency and Risk Management

• Manage work volumes to meet short timelines with a high level of quality.
• Evaluate real estate and associated risks in a volatile market.
• Handle difficult interactions and unpopular decisions.
• Build relationships with mortgage brokers and related business partners.
• Keep up to date with evolving policies and procedures.

What you'll Need to Succeed:

• Must have previous residential mortgage underwriting experience.
• Undergraduate university degree is an asset.
• Detailed working knowledge of real estate and covenant assessments, legislation and land title systems in all provinces.
• Detailed working knowledge of principles of credit analysis and risk management.
• Understanding of credit scoring.
• Ability to understand financial statements and assess financial viability.
• Previous experience working with mortgage brokers or an external mortgage sales force.
• Working knowledge of PC software in a Windows environment.
• An ability to handle pressure caused by high volumes and tight turnaround times.

What Sets You Apart?

• Demonstrated ability to assess risk in a fluctuating real estate market.
• Building productive relationships with mortgage brokers, internal mortgage agents and related business partners.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrates the ability to make decisions that consider all implications and proactive management of risk.
• Demonstration of solid negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing volumes.
• Understand the needs that drive a commissioned sales force.
• An ability to multitask and handle pressure caused by seasonal high volumes and tight turnaround times.
• A very strong customer focus is required with an ability to ensure the customer experience is a positive one.
• An ability to make quick accurate decisions.
• Managing work volumes to meet short timelines with a high level of quality.
• Evaluating real estate and associated risks in a volatile market.
• Handling difficult interactions and unpopular decisions.
• Building relationships with mortgage brokers and related business partners.
• Keeping up to date with evolving policies and procedures.

What We Offer at RFA:

Along with a strong work culture, RFA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Vision Care
• RRSP Match
• Vacation & Personal Days
• Hybrid working environment

Ready to take the next step?
If this opportunity excites you and aligns with your skills and aspirations, we’d love to hear about how you can contribute to our team at RFA.

Accessibility

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.