Kathy McConnell
Sterling Heights,MI
Summary
Experienced Senior Mortgage Underwriter skilled in evaluating real estate loan applications and verifying essential information. Expertise in income calculations, tax returns, and credit reports. Demonstrates analytical thinking and adaptability in high-pressure environments while ensuring outstanding customer service. Knowledgeable in FHA, USDA, and VA loan guidelines.
Overview
1
1
Certification
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Mortgage Underwriter in Builder Division
Benchmark Mortgage
Plano, Texas
10.2015 - Current
- Applied investor, FHA, VA, and conventional underwriting standards.
- Reviewed mortgage files to support benchmark underwriting and loan compliance.
- Verified borrower income, assets, and credit for compliance with agency guidelines.
- Analyzed financial data, such as income statements, balance sheets, and tax returns to determine applicants' eligibility for mortgage loans.
- Analyzed property appraisals to ensure value and condition meet loan requirements.
- Resolved appraisal, title, and document issues to facilitate timely loan approvals.
- Communicated loan conditions to team members to ensure clarity and requirements with loan officers and processors.
- Mentored junior underwriters on Benchmark Mortgage lending policy.
- Analyzed industry trends to recommend policy adjustments for maintaining competitive advantage.
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
University Lending Group
Clinton Township, Michigan
06.2014 - 10.2015
- Analyzed financial data, such as income statements, balance sheets, and tax returns to determine applicants' eligibility for mortgage loans.
- Evaluated borrower income, assets, and credit against agency guidelines.
- Applied investor, FHA, VA, and conventional underwriting standards.
- Ensured loan completeness and accuracy through thorough analysis of mortgage applications, appraisals, and property valuations, resulting in reduced underwriting errors.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to mortgage lending practices.
- Communicated conditions and requirements to loan officers and processors to facilitate timely loan approvals.
- Developed partnerships with external vendors, including title companies, appraisers, surveyors, and insurance agents, to streamline service delivery.
DE FHA and Conventional Underwriter
Chase Bank
Troy, Michigan
09.2010 - 12.2013
- Reviewed conventional and FHA mortgage applications to ensure adherence to Chase Bank underwriting guidelines
- Analyzed loan risk to inform underwriting decisions and ensure compliance with agency and investor requirements
- Verified appraisal, title, and property documents for compliance with underwriting guidelines
- Documented underwriting decisions in Chase Bank loan systems and files
- Maintained timely decisions while supporting branch and operations teams
Regional Underwriter Manager/Supervisor/Underwriter
Flagstar Bank
Troy, MI
08.1995 - 09.2010
- Utilized underwriter authority to correspond with corporate risk appetite and strate
- Reviewed Jumbo loans using Flagstar Bank underwriting guidelines and investor rules.
- Reviewed reports, records, and documents for accuracy and compliance.
- Directed daily operations and staff assignments across department functions.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
Education
BBA - Finance
University of Michigan, Flint
Flint, MI01-1991
Skills
- Underwriting guidelines expertise
- Regulatory compliance
- Income analysis
- Appraisal review
- Risk assessment
- Analytical decision-making
- Workload prioritization
- Teamwork and independence
Certification
- FHA DE
- VA SAR
Timeline
Senior Mortgage Underwriter in Builder Division
Benchmark Mortgage
10.2015 - Current
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
University Lending Group
06.2014 - 10.2015
DE FHA and Conventional Underwriter
Chase Bank
09.2010 - 12.2013
Regional Underwriter Manager/Supervisor/Underwriter
Flagstar Bank
08.1995 - 09.2010
BBA - Finance
University of Michigan, Flint