DIANA
EDWARDS
Columbia, MO USA
808-***-**** ************@*****.***
Mortgage professional with over 30 years with a proven history in reviewing and underwriting, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and enhancing customer service in the mortgage lending sector. Adept at process improvement, team management, and client relations, seeking to contribute to my mortgage underwriting and team leadership expertise.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Underwriting
Credit Analysis
Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
Relationship Management
Policy Development
Reporting & Analysis
Organizational Development
Decisive and effective problem-solving
Excellent communication skills
Proficient in employee development and coaching
Quality Assurance
EXPERIENCE
SENIOR SAR
CrossCountry Mortgage
April 2024 – Present
Conducted final reviews of VA loan transactions exceeding $1 million, ensuring strict adherence to VA guidelines and company policies while mitigating risk. Managed daily workload of 2-3 new files per day.
Acted as the subject matter expert for VA loan scenarios, collaborating with production staff to resolve complex loan-level issues and providing final decisions on escalated cases.
Managed escalations and reviewed exceptions on VA loan files, ensuring timely resolutions aligned with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
Partnered with underwriters and production teams to structure loans that met risk tolerance levels and adhered to agency guidelines, including VA-specific requirements.
Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with divisional and branch production teams, focusing on those specializing in VA loans to enhance operational efficiency and support.
UNDERWRITING MANAGER
American Pacific Mortgage
MAY 2021- PRESENT
Expertly assessed borrower creditworthiness by analyzing credit, income, assets, and appraisal reports to ensure accurate property valuations.
Proficiently underwrote complex loans, including self-employed borrowers, with expertise in business tax returns and income calculations.
Specialized in VA, FHA, and USDA loans, applying detailed knowledge of program guidelines to ensure precise underwriting.
Skilled in both Automated Underwriting System (AUS) findings and manual underwriting, offering alternative financing solutions for ineligible submissions.
Delivered clear and concise loan conditions, approving variations to ensure compliance with investor and agency standards.
Mentored processing and origination staff in underwriting practices, enhancing team accuracy and proficiency.
Maintained strict quality control standards to meet agency and non-agency compliance requirements while ensuring successful loan sales.
Collaborated with loan officers, processors, and post-closing teams to facilitate smooth and timely funding.
Efficiently managed high work volumes, underwriting 2-3 new files daily and reviewing additional files for condition clearance and final approval.
DIRECTOR OF CONSUMER RISK
Veteran United Home Loans
FEBRUARY 2008 – April 2021
Led the transformation of Veterans United from a broker model to a premier mortgage lender in 2008.
Propelled the company to become the #1 VA purchase lender nationally by 2018, growing from 20 loans to serving 90,000+ families annually.
Built and structured departments to enhance the customer experience, establishing the nationally recognized Veterans United Home Loans brand.
Prioritized employee development through internal education, fostering loyalty and career growth.
Founded and expanded the Underwriting Academy, tripling its size in three years and training underwriters to manage 97% of the company’s portfolio.
Diversified educational initiatives with onsite lectures and digital platforms to meet evolving staff needs.
Earned high recognition from the Department of Veterans Affairs for dedication to VA Home Loan education.
Implemented underwriting training aligned with ISO and proprietary guidelines to support company goals.
Ensured accuracy and efficiency in underwriting processes, meeting strict timelines and quality standards.
Directed underwriting, portfolio analysis, and account decisions in compliance with protocols.
Presented key performance reports to staff, executives, and board members, driving data-informed decision-making.
Provided senior management with analytics on loss mitigation, short sales, and foreclosures.
SR UNDERWRITER III
National City Mortgage
August 2005- January 2008
Performed credit and collateral underwriting for diverse mortgage loans, assessing borrower profiles for creditworthiness and risk.
Analyzed income, asset, and credit documentation alongside contracts and title work for precision.
Maintained strict adherence to guidelines by lenders, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Assessed property conditions and market trends to ensure compliance with standards.
Offered solutions for declined loans, enabling reapprovals and fortifying internal relationships.
REGIONAL UNDERWRITING MANAGER (CENTRAL DIVISION)
Wells Fargo
June 2002 – July 2005
Performed credit and collateral underwriting for diverse mortgage loans, assessing borrower profiles for creditworthiness and risk.
Analyzed income, asset, and credit documentation alongside contracts and title work for precision.
Maintained strict adherence to guidelines by lenders, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Assessed property conditions and market trends to ensure compliance with standards.
Offered solutions for declined loans, enabling reapprovals and fortifying internal relationships.
PRIOR JOB ROLES
UNDERWRITER
MGIC
May 2001 - June 2003
SR UNDERWRITER
GMAC
February 2000 - April 2001
VICE PRESIDENT LEMDING
Gold Bank
June 1998 - 2000
SR UNDERWRITER
Patriot Financial
1995 – 1998
SR UNDERWRITER
Corinthian Mortgage
1988 – 1995
COMPLIANCE SERVICING UNDERWRITING
Charles F Curry
June 1980 - 1988
DESIGNATIONS
Department of Veterans Affairs Sr. SAR (#2479)
Department of Housing & Urban Development DE Underwriter (#L711)