Christopher Kovats
Elyria,OH
Summary
Mortgage industry professional with hands-on experience in underwriting, funding and closing functions. Former Mortgage Underwriter and Underwriting Assistant with a strong understanding of loan documentation, compliance standards, and deadline-driven workflows. Combines operational expertise, bringing strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills to support accurate and efficient loan processing.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Dining Server and Bartender
Lockkeepers Restuarant
Independence, OH
01.2024 - Current
- Delivered personalized, high-touch service for private dining events, corporate functions, and special occasions ranging from 10 to 150 customers per event
- Coordinated with culinary staff, event managers, and fellow servers to ensure seamless event flow
- Maintained professional demeanor and discretion when serving VIP, executive, and high-profile guests
- Prepared and served craft cocktails, wine, and spirits in accordance with house standards and guest preferences
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of menus, wine pairings, and cocktail offerings to enhance guest experience
Server
The Verrado Grille
Buckeye, AZ
11.2018 - 04.2024
- Exceeded sales goals by 10% on a weekly basis by upselling drinks, appetizers and desserts based on specific tastes and interests of the customer
- Mediated problematic situations, resolving issues while maintaining the highest standard of service
- Trained 100% of new servers on restaurant policies, procedures and POS system to ensure consistency and proper functioning of operations
- Recognized as Employee of the Year in 2019 due to exceptional customer service to patrons
Officer Manager
W. S. Yoe's Nursery, Inc.
Madison, OH
01.2008 - 10.2018
- Managed daily office operations for a high-volume retail and wholesale plant nursery
- Maintained accurate records for inventory, vendors, and customer accounts
- Processed 150+ invoices monthly, along with purchase orders and vendor payments
- Tracked inventory levels and updated pricing in POS and inventory system
- Served as primary point of contact for retail customers, landscapers, and wholesale clients
Underwriter
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Phoenix, AZ
01.2006 - 12.2007
- Reviewed and underwrote residential mortgage loan files in accordance with conventional, and investor guidelines
- Analyzed borrower credit, income, assets, and property documentation to determine loan eligibility and risk
- Issued clear, compliant underwriting conditions and communicated findings to loan officer, processing and closing team
- Utilized AUS findings (DU/LPA) and applied manual underwriting standards when required
- Maintained a 100% compliance rating, ensuring all underwritten files met investor and regulatory guidelines
Underwriting Assistant
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Phoenix, AZ
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Supported senior underwriters by reviewing income, asset, and credit documentation
- Prepared loan files for underwriting review and verified accuracy in LOS
- Reviewed appraisal reports, title commitments, and insurance documentation
- Provided excellent customer service to agents and brokers, fostering strong relationships and facilitating timely communications on policy updates
- Trained and delivered feedback to a 10-person underwriting team by coaching subordinates on underwriting policies and decisions
Funding Specialist
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Phoenix, AZ
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Reviewed loan files for accuracy, compliance, and completion prior to funding
- Authorized and released loan funds in coordination with title and escrow partners
- Ensured compliance with investor and regulatory requirements
- Managed 100+ loan funding pipeline, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement
- Communicated funding status and resolved last-minute issues
Closing Administrator
Washington Mutual
Phoenix, AZ
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Managed pipeline of 40-60 active loans monthly while meeting title funding deadlines
- Prepared and generated complete closing document packages for conventional, FHA and VA mortgage loans
- Ensured all closing documents complied with investor, bank, and regulatory requirements (TRID, RESPA, TILA, state-specific guidelines)
- Reviewed loan files for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance prior to closing
- Identified and resolved documentation discrepancies, preventing post-closing conditions and funding delays
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Prelaw And Paralegal Studies
Kent State University
Kent, OH08-1993
Skills
Communication
Leadership
Problem-solving
Time Management
Collaboration
Adaptability
Customer service
Research and analysis
Training and onboarding
ACAPS, Aloha, Toast, LP/DU, Excel, Microsoft, QuickBooks
Timeline
Private Dining Server and Bartender
Lockkeepers Restuarant
01.2024 - Current
Server
The Verrado Grille
11.2018 - 04.2024
Officer Manager
W. S. Yoe's Nursery, Inc.
01.2008 - 10.2018
Underwriter
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
01.2006 - 12.2007
Underwriting Assistant
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
01.2004 - 01.2006
Funding Specialist
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
01.2003 - 01.2004
Closing Administrator
Washington Mutual
01.2001 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Prelaw And Paralegal Studies
Kent State University