Sarah Cosenza
Cherry Hill
Summary
Experienced underwriting and mortgage professional with over 20 years in FHA/VA loan programs and risk management. Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and enhance operational processes while ensuring compliance. Proficient in managing complex underwriting tasks and driving interdepartmental collaboration to achieve business objectives. Strong track record in risk control and profitability, with a focus on supporting marketing and sales initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Underwriter
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Philadelphia
01.2013 - Current
- Lead underwriting assessments and manage complex customer inquiries, ensuring timely and professional resolutions.
- Serve as the primary resource for underwriting guidelines, training new hires, and driving adherence to departmental policies.
- Act as a liaison between cross-functional teams, providing guidance and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
- Host and develop public-facing webinars to educate stakeholders on FHA guidelines and underwriting policies.
- Step in as Acting Branch Chief in the absence of leadership, overseeing team operations, assigning workload and decision-making.
Underwriter
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Conducted thorough evaluations of FHA loan applications, determining acceptability based on credit, financial stability, and risk assessments.
- Collaborated with lenders and brokers to clarify decisions and ensure full understanding of FHA policies and procedures.
Government Underwriting Supervisor / Credit Risk Specialist
PHH Mortgage
Mt. Laurel
06.2009 - 09.2011
- Managed a team of underwriters, providing guidance and fostering professional growth through continuous training and performance evaluations.
- Ensured compliance with FHA/VA guidelines, improving operational efficiency and underwriting accuracy.
- Collaborated with multiple departments to implement system enhancements and resolve issues, driving process improvements across the organization.
- Played a key role in auditing and reviewing loans to meet investor requirements and regulatory standards.
Level 4 Underwriter
PHH Mortgage
03.2008 - 06.2009
- Provided quality control and mentorship to junior underwriters, ensuring loan submissions met FHA/VA standards.
- Identified and recommended alternative solutions for declined loan applications, facilitating loan approvals.
- Evaluated FHA and VA loan submissions for creditworthiness, verifying compliance with lending guidelines.
Team Manager
Indymac Bank
Marlton
07.2004 - 03.2008
- Directed loan operations, supervising multiple teams of Processors, Underwriters and Closers ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- Developed and delivered training programs, enhancing staff performance and operational effectiveness.
- Played a key role in process optimization, improving loan servicing workflows and customer satisfaction.
- Underwrote Prime, Alt-A, and Subprime loans, conducting thorough risk analysis and ensuring compliance with investor guidelines.
- Coordinated with account managers, brokers, and the funding department to resolve underwriting issues.
Skills
- FHA and VA loan underwriting guidelines
- Problem solving
- Training development
- Credit risk analysis
- Team leadership
- Loan quality control
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Customer experience management
- Salesforce expertise
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Timeline
Senior Underwriter
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
01.2013 - Current
Underwriter
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
01.2011 - 01.2013
Government Underwriting Supervisor / Credit Risk Specialist
PHH Mortgage
06.2009 - 09.2011
Level 4 Underwriter
PHH Mortgage
03.2008 - 06.2009
Team Manager
Indymac Bank
07.2004 - 03.2008
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