Carla Almeida
Lutz,FL
Summary
Persistent leader eager to lead and grow organizations. Skilled in strategic planning and forward-thinking mindset, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of business principles, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with relentless work ethic. Ready for challenges and focused on meeting future demands.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, Residential Lending Processing Manager
Amerant Mortgage
04.2021 - Current
- Writing & Maintaining Guidelines
- Configuration Specialist
- Lower Level Beta systems tester
- Demonstrated proficient leadership skills to motivate employees and build competent teams.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Identified opportunities to improve business process flows and productivity.
- Leveraged technology to automate workflows and streamline processes, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings across the organization.
- Clarified roles, responsibilities and expectations of staff.
- Mentored departmental team, boosting efficiency, success and morale among employees.
- Successfully a managed team providing assistance and answering questions.
- Enhanced team performance by providing comprehensive training programs and regular feedback.
- Fostered a culture of accountability, setting clear expectations for team members that led to improved performance metrics over time.
- Cultivated positive working relationships among team members by promoting open lines of communication throughout the department.
- Evaluated and assessed employee performance to meet production and data targets.
- Managed high-volume workloads effectively to meet strict deadlines, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.
- Program Administrator for USDA, VA, Argyle, FHLB.
- Managed a portfolio of projects demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills.
Underwriting Team Lead
Maxwell Lender Solutions, Inc
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
- Collaborated with other department leads to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals collectively.
- Increased customer satisfaction by ensuring timely completion of projects and adherence to high-quality standards.
- Minimized resource and time losses by addressing employee or production issue directly and implementing timely solutions.
- Spearheaded multiple high-impact projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines under pressure-packed situations.
- Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
- Held weekly team meetings to inform team members on company news and updates.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Underwriting Conventional, Foreign National and New Construction Builder Loans.
- Extensive Knowledge of AUS: DU/DO/LP
- Strong Analytical, Judgement and Research Skills
- Strong capacity to analyze risk and address credit related issues to ensure that underwriting meets quality assurance standards
- Knowledgeable on various income sources
- Ability to review and understand complex financial documents
- Excellent at detecting fraudulent documents & red flags – preventing defects/salability issues & adhering to all regulatory and compliance requirements
- In depth knowledgeable of mortgage regulations
Mortgage Underwriter
FBC Mortgage LLC
04.2016 - 10.2020
- Underwriting Conventional, Foreign National and New Construction Builder Loans.
- Extensive Knowledge of AUS: DU/DO/LP
- Strong Analytical, Judgement and Research Skills
- Strong capacity to analyze risk and address credit related issues to ensure that underwriting meets quality assurance standards
- Knowledgeable on various income sources
- Ability to review and understand complex financial documents
- Excellent at detecting fraudulent documents & red flags – preventing defects/salability issues & adhering to all regulatory and compliance requirements
- In depth knowledgeable of mortgage regulations
- Approved or denied loans based on established criteria and underwriting guidelines.
- Identified possible fraud risks through meticulous evaluation of application materials, protecting both lenders and homebuyers from potential losses.
- Analyzed and verified applicant income, assets and credit history to support compliance with underwriting guidelines.
- Determined credit risks by reviewing files in advance and comparing data against internal checklists and guidelines.
- Worked with processing team members to communicate errors and obtain missing information for current applications.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing timely feedback on application status and addressing potential issues promptly.
- Supported the loan origination team by providing expert knowledge and guidance on complex underwriting scenarios, enabling well-informed decisions in challenging cases.
- Maintained open lines of communication with internal stakeholders such as processors, closers, and sales representatives to ensure a seamless mortgage underwriting process.
- Achieved high levels of accuracy in data entry and analysis, ensuring streamlined processes throughout the mortgage underwriting lifecycle.
- Verified integrity of applicants' information to minimize fraud.
- Enhanced risk assessment accuracy by conducting thorough reviews of credit reports, employment history, and income verification documents.
- Made careful determinations based on skilled analyses of submitted documentation covering credit histories, employment records, and current financial status.
- Reviewed appraisals and title documents to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Demonstrated sound decision-making skills when assessing borrower eligibility based on financial stability, creditworthiness, and collateral value.
- Maintained mortgage program compliance with federal agencies such as VA, HUD, and FNMA.
- Evaluated loan applications, determining creditworthiness, assessing risk and establishing loan conditions.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry guidelines and standards.
- Played a vital role in the development of new underwriting guidelines that improved overall risk management practices within the organization.
Loan Processor
FBC Mortgage LLC
06.2015 - 03.2016
- Worked with customers in person and via telephone to answer questions, process transactions, and resolve issues.
- Ensured accuracy of client information, verifying data collected during the application process and updating records as needed.
- Assisted clients in understanding complex financial documents required for completing their loan applications successfully.
- Reviewed loan files for completeness, identified missing documentation, and generated condition lists for applicants.
- Set up and completed loan submission packages.
- Assisted loan officers with origination and closing processes to fastrack procedures and promote teamwork.
- Prepared documents for underwriting by verifying client income, credit reports, and other information.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and teamwork initiatives.
- Increased customer satisfaction with timely responses to inquiries and providing thorough explanations of loan processes.
- Managed multiple loans simultaneously ensuring timely completion of each task assigned without compromising on compliance or quality standards.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and loan officers to establish smooth loan process.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing borrower concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner.
- Handled any conditions sent from underwriting departments.
- Analyzed credit reports to determine eligibility of applicants and capacity for loan products.
- Conducted credit analyses on applicants to assess risk levels prior to approval decisions.
- Facilitated communication with loan applicants, underwriters and loan officers to optimize process and maintain updated information.
- Contributed to departmental goals by meeting or exceeding monthly quotas for loan approvals and fundings.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
- Monitored pipelines to track and log status of loans.
- Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.
Home Loan Service Specialist III (Loan Processor with Underwriting Authority)
Bank of America
09.2012 - 06.2015
- Worked with customers in person and via telephone to answer questions, process transactions, and resolve issues.
- Ensured accuracy of client information, verifying data collected during the application process and updating records as needed.
- Assisted clients in understanding complex financial documents required for completing their loan applications successfully.
- Reviewed loan files for completeness, identified missing documentation, and generated condition lists for applicants.
- Set up and completed loan submission packages.
- Assisted loan officers with origination and closing processes to fastrack procedures and promote teamwork.
- Prepared documents for underwriting by verifying client income, credit reports, and other information.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and teamwork initiatives.
- Increased customer satisfaction with timely responses to inquiries and providing thorough explanations of loan processes.
- Managed multiple loans simultaneously ensuring timely completion of each task assigned without compromising on compliance or quality standards.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and loan officers to establish smooth loan process.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing borrower concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner.
- Handled any conditions sent from underwriting departments.
- Analyzed credit reports to determine eligibility of applicants and capacity for loan products.
- Conducted credit analyses on applicants to assess risk levels prior to approval decisions.
- Facilitated communication with loan applicants, underwriters and loan officers to optimize process and maintain updated information.
- Contributed to departmental goals by meeting or exceeding monthly quotas for loan approvals and fundings.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
- Monitored pipelines to track and log status of loans.
- Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance metrics related to service quality, response time, and customer satisfaction scores.
- Subject Matter Expert responsible for training new employees
- Underwriting Authority
Home Loan Service Specialist II (Loan Processor with Underwriting Authority)
Bank of America
09.2012 - 01.2015
- Worked with customers in person and via telephone to answer questions, process transactions, and resolve issues.
- Ensured accuracy of client information, verifying data collected during the application process and updating records as needed.
- Assisted clients in understanding complex financial documents required for completing their loan applications successfully.
- Reviewed loan files for completeness, identified missing documentation, and generated condition lists for applicants.
- Set up and completed loan submission packages.
- Assisted loan officers with origination and closing processes to fastrack procedures and promote teamwork.
- Prepared documents for underwriting by verifying client income, credit reports, and other information.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and teamwork initiatives.
- Increased customer satisfaction with timely responses to inquiries and providing thorough explanations of loan processes.
- Managed multiple loans simultaneously ensuring timely completion of each task assigned without compromising on compliance or quality standards.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and loan officers to establish smooth loan process.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing borrower concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner.
- Handled any conditions sent from underwriting departments.
- Analyzed credit reports to determine eligibility of applicants and capacity for loan products.
- Conducted credit analyses on applicants to assess risk levels prior to approval decisions.
- Facilitated communication with loan applicants, underwriters and loan officers to optimize process and maintain updated information.
- Contributed to departmental goals by meeting or exceeding monthly quotas for loan approvals and fundings.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
- Monitored pipelines to track and log status of loans.
- Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance metrics related to service quality, response time, and customer satisfaction scores.
- Subject Matter Expert responsible for training new employees
- Underwriting Authority
Licensed Loan Originator/ Mortgage Broker / Loan Processor
Direct Lending Group Inc.
03.2009 - 08.2012
- Worked with customers in person and via telephone to answer questions, process transactions, and resolve issues.
- Ensured accuracy of client information, verifying data collected during the application process and updating records as needed.
- Assisted clients in understanding complex financial documents required for completing their loan applications successfully.
- Reviewed loan files for completeness, identified missing documentation, and generated condition lists for applicants.
- Set up and completed loan submission packages.
- Assisted loan officers with origination and closing processes to fastrack procedures and promote teamwork.
- Prepared documents for underwriting by verifying client income, credit reports, and other information.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and teamwork initiatives.
- Increased customer satisfaction with timely responses to inquiries and providing thorough explanations of loan processes.
- Managed multiple loans simultaneously ensuring timely completion of each task assigned without compromising on compliance or quality standards.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and loan officers to establish smooth loan process.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing borrower concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner.
- Handled any conditions sent from underwriting departments.
- Analyzed credit reports to determine eligibility of applicants and capacity for loan products.
- Conducted credit analyses on applicants to assess risk levels prior to approval decisions.
- Facilitated communication with loan applicants, underwriters and loan officers to optimize process and maintain updated information.
- Contributed to departmental goals by meeting or exceeding monthly quotas for loan approvals and fundings.
- Processed loan applications and monitored progress from start to finish.
- Monitored pipelines to track and log status of loans.
- Explained very technical financial information to applicants in easy to understand language.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance metrics related to service quality, response time, and customer satisfaction scores.
- Maintained compliance with federal and state regulations throughout all stages of the loan origination process.
- Prepared loan documents and explained terms to clarify loan conditions and requirements with applicants.
- Calculated debt-to-income ratios to determine maximum loan amounts and avoid overextending applicants.
- Contacted customers via mail, telephone and email to relay acceptance or rejection of applications.
- Explained entire mortgage loan process to borrower.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized mortgage solutions tailored to individual financial needs.
- Interviewed applicants to assess loan requirements before suggesting offers.
- Educated clients on various loan products, helping them make informed decisions about their financing options.
- Streamlined the loan application process for faster approvals and increased customer retention.
- Mentored junior team members by sharing best practices and expertise acquired over years of experience in the field of mortgage brokerage services.
Loan Processor
Direct Lending Group Inc.
02.2008 - 03.2009
Loan Processor
Hanover Funding
12.2005 - 06.2007
Skills
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Strategic Planning
- Results-Driven
- Process Improvement
- Documentation And Reporting
- Risk Management
- Training and mentoring
- Staff Development
- Project Management
- Strong Analytical, Judgement and Research Skills
- Meticulous/ Detail Oriented
- Encompass & Empower Experience
- Multi-lingual
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to work in a fast-paced high-volume environment and very well under pressure
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications
- Excellent Oral and Written Communication
- Excellent Organizational and Time Management Skills
- Strong Negotiation Skills
- Leadership, Motivational and Coaching skills
- Excellent Critical Thinking & Problem Resolution
- Adapt well and fast learner
- Self-Motivated & Determined
Languages
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
References
References upon request
Timeline
VP, Residential Lending Processing Manager
Amerant Mortgage
04.2021 - Current
Underwriting Team Lead
Maxwell Lender Solutions, Inc
11.2020 - 04.2021
Mortgage Underwriter
FBC Mortgage LLC
04.2016 - 10.2020
Loan Processor
FBC Mortgage LLC
06.2015 - 03.2016
Home Loan Service Specialist III (Loan Processor with Underwriting Authority)
Bank of America
09.2012 - 06.2015
Home Loan Service Specialist II (Loan Processor with Underwriting Authority)
Bank of America
09.2012 - 01.2015
Licensed Loan Originator/ Mortgage Broker / Loan Processor
Direct Lending Group Inc.
03.2009 - 08.2012
Loan Processor
Direct Lending Group Inc.
02.2008 - 03.2009
Loan Processor
Hanover Funding
12.2005 - 06.2007