ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Va Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sun West Mortgage-Since 1980

Be Seen First

DE and VA Underwriter- Remote

Cerritos, CA · Remote

$110K - $150K/yr

We are seeking a seasoned DE and VA Underwriter to join our growing team. This individual will be responsible for making high-stakes, independent credit decisions that directly impact $20-$30 million ...

POINT MORTGAGE CORPORATION

UNDERWRITER

Chula Vista, CA

$0.01 - $0.02/hr

At least 3+ years mortgage underwriting experience Knowledge of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA/VA underwriting process and standard guidelines Proficient with mortgage operating systems, preferably ...

NFM Lending

Senior Underwriter

Encinitas, CA

$105K - $125K/yr

VA Credit/SAR authority with a minimum of two (2) years of VA underwriting experience required or in progress. * Experience underwriting a variety of loan products, including Bond, Jumbo, USDA, and ...

NFM, Inc.

Senior Underwriter

Encinitas, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $130K/yr

VA Credit/SAR authority with a minimum of two (2) years of VA underwriting experience required or in progress. * Experience underwriting a variety of loan products, including Bond, Jumbo, USDA, and ...

Atlantic Bay

Underwriter

Underwriting Conventional, FHA, VA, and state bond program loans to verify accuracy and compliance. * Calculating income, including tax return analysis, and properly cataloging findings into a ...

SERVION INC

Underwriter II

New Brighton, MN

$31.43 - $39.29/hr

This position completes underwriting reviews of residential first mortgages in accordance with HUD/VA Credit and Appraisal Guidelines and special investor overlays in a timely manner, ensuring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVa Underwriter Jobs

Va Underwriter information

See salary details

$89.5K

$106K

$130.5K

How much do va underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for va underwriter in the United States is $105,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA Underwriter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VA Underwriter, you need a strong understanding of VA loan guidelines, mortgage underwriting principles, and risk assessment, usually supported by experience in mortgage lending or relevant certifications. Familiarity with automated underwriting systems (AUS), loan origination software, and compliance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for evaluating loan files and interacting with loan officers or applicants. These skills ensure compliant, accurate loan decisions that support both the lender’s business and veterans’ access to home financing.

What are some common challenges VA Underwriters face when evaluating loan applications?

VA Underwriters often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex borrower financial documents, ensuring strict adherence to Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines, and handling cases with unique circumstances like non-traditional income or joint loans. Balancing speed of processing with thorough risk assessment is also crucial, as VA loans have specific documentation and eligibility requirements. Effective communication with loan officers, processors, and sometimes applicants is essential to resolve issues quickly and keep the mortgage process moving smoothly.

Are VA underwriters strict?

VA underwriters are responsible for evaluating loan applications to ensure they meet VA guidelines and eligibility requirements. They follow strict protocols to assess borrower creditworthiness, income, and property standards, which can result in thorough and sometimes rigorous review processes. Attention to detail and adherence to VA policies are essential in this role.

How do you become a VA underwriter?

To become a VA underwriter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in mortgage lending or underwriting. Relevant skills include knowledge of VA loan guidelines, financial analysis, and proficiency with underwriting software; obtaining industry certifications can also enhance job prospects.

What are VA Underwriters?

VA Underwriters are financial professionals who review and evaluate mortgage loan applications submitted under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan program. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that all loans meet the VA's guidelines and requirements, including verifying the borrower's eligibility, income, credit history, and property details. VA Underwriters play a critical role in safeguarding the interests of both lenders and veterans by minimizing risk and ensuring that loans are properly documented and compliant. They work closely with loan officers, processors, and other team members to facilitate a smooth approval process.

What does a VA underwriter do?

A VA underwriter evaluates loan applications for veterans seeking VA home loans, assessing creditworthiness, income, and property details to determine eligibility and risk. They ensure that loan files meet VA guidelines and may use specialized underwriting software to make informed decisions efficiently.

What is the highest paid underwriter?

The highest paid underwriters are typically senior or specialized professionals in fields such as insurance, finance, or mortgage underwriting, often earning six-figure salaries. Factors influencing pay include experience, industry, certifications, and geographic location, with some underwriters earning over $150,000 annually. Senior underwriters with advanced skills and leadership roles tend to have the highest compensation in the field.

What Does a VA Underwriter Do?

A VA underwriter works for a lender and evaluates borrowers’ ability to repay a mortgage loan issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In this position, you evaluate a borrower’s employment history, financial position, service eligibility, and other personal data that may impact lending. Your responsibilities also include reviewing the loan file to ensure that it includes the required documentation and meets all of the criteria for the loan, including the maximum allowable amount. If you work for a non-supervised lender, your duties may include ensuring that the loan meets VA rules and seeking agency approval for the transaction. As a VA underwriter, your qualifications include both experience in general loan processing and underwriting, as well as specialized skills in and understanding of VA requirements.

More about Va Underwriter jobs
What cities are hiring for Va Underwriter jobs? Cities with the most Va Underwriter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Va Underwriter jobs? The most popular types of Va Underwriter jobs are:
What states have the most Va Underwriter jobs? States with the most job openings for Va Underwriter jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Va Underwriter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Va Underwriter jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Va Underwriter jobs? For Va Underwriter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Va Underwriter jobs near you
DE and VA Underwriter- Remote

DE and VA Underwriter- Remote

Sun West Mortgage-Since 1980

Cerritos, CA • Remote

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Sun West is a nationwide full-service mortgage seller /servicer with over 44 years of experience. Our current expansion initiative is driven with respect to the competency evolution of Sun West. Sun West has set the mark in the Mortgage industry as one of the leading company’s specialized in FHA Single Family, HUD Multi Family, VA, Conventional and Home Equity mortgages.

Sun West is one of the few direct lenders to provide in-house underwriting, funding, and servicing. Our team is dedicated to offering exceptional customer service coupled with integrity, reliability, strength and stability. We achieve this through our commitment to technology.

We are seeking a seasoned DE and VA Underwriter to join our growing team. This individual will be responsible for making high-stakes, independent credit decisions that directly impact $20–$30 million in monthly lending. If you are meticulous, deeply knowledgeable about underwriting guidelines, and thrive in a high-volume, compliance-driven environment, we want to hear from you.


Key Responsibilities

  • Independently assess loan applications and make underwriting decisions in strict adherence to Agency, Investor, and Sun West guidelines.
  • Underwrite FHA, VA, and Conventional loan products with a high level of accuracy and speed.
  • Analyze borrower credit-worthiness, collateral, and AUS findings (DU/LP).
  • Accurately issue the Loan Analysis and Loan Summary.
  • Downgrade loans to Manual Underwrite where required, as the exclusive authority on such decisions.
  • Stay current with all federal and state lending regulations and mortgagee letters (particularly those issued post-01/2008).
  • Calculate income per Agency guidelines, including complex tax return reviews.
  • Verify borrower assets including gift funds, trailing funds, and reserves.
  • Accurately compute loan amounts for Rate/Term and Streamline Refinances.
  • Identify and resolve HUD-1 deficiencies.
  • Maintain production volumes aligned with company targets, while delivering accurate results.


Required Qualifications

  • Active DE Underwriter Certification (CHUMS ID is mandatory).
  • Actively underwriting FHA loans for the last 24 months.
  • Proficient with Automated Underwriting Systems, especially DU and LP.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and customer-service orientation.
  • Deep knowledge of compliance regulations, including:
    • Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act (MDIA)
    • RESPA Reform, Appraisal Independence, and HVCC
  • Proven ability to meet and exceed underwriting production targets.


Technical Requirements

  • High proficiency in Adobe Acrobat® (e.g., splitting/creating PDFs), Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and web-based tools.
  • Excellent typing speed and computer literacy are essential.


Why Join Us?

  • Directly impact substantial lending volumes and influence decision-making.
  • Be part of a professional, compliance-focused, and highly skilled team.
  • Access to continuous learning and development resources.

Company Description

Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company and its affiliates recruit and hire qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran or disability status, medical condition, marital status, or any other factor prohibited by federal, state, provincial, and municipal laws.