Sonya Felton
Monroe,NC
Summary
Dynamic thought leader and customer service champion with 20+ years of experience in building and managing production focused Underwriting teams that deliver top results.
Diligent problem-solver with detailed product knowledge effective in supporting sales teams focused on securing overall high volume.
Quality-driven key contributor and cross-functional collaborator proficient in spearheading talent management strategies, including recruitment, performance management and career development.
Adaptable self-starter committed to strategic planning and project coordination.
Resourceful professional in financial services, known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialized in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and customer service. Excel using communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills to achieve goals and meet client needs.
Seasoned Mortgage Underwriter with comprehensive knowledge in loan origination, risk assessment, and financial analysis. Known for keen attention to policy compliance and underwriting guidelines while ensuring timely processing of applications. Demonstrated strengths include analytical problem-solving skills, decisive judgement, and solid communication abilities. Notable contributions include streamlining processes for efficiency in previous roles.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mortgage Underwriter III
Movement Mortgage Operations Center
Indian Land , SC
02.2024 - Current
- Reviewed and verified loan application documents for compliance with lender criteria and federal regulations.
- Performed detailed asset analysis to prevent fraud and verify sources of funds for closing.
- Analyzed applicant financial and credit status, evaluating assets and risk to determine loan feasibility.
- Determined loan eligibility and approved or rejected applications.
- Ensured loans met all underwriting guidelines for government-sponsored entities (GSEs) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, FHA and VA.
- Advised on structuring loans to meet both borrower needs and lender guidelines.
- Utilized automated underwriting systems (AUS) to expedite loan approval decisions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of changing lending regulations and guidelines.
Consumer Loan Sales Specialist
One Main Finanical
Fort Mill, SC
04.2023 - 01.2024
- Employed effective communication to engage customers and assess requirements.
- Negotiated prices and set up contracts to finalize sales agreements.
- Participated in team meetings to review progress against objectives set by management.
- Gave top-notch service to everyone in order to provide ample sales opportunities.
- Stayed up to date on company products and services to support sales objectives.
Regional Underwriting Manager
Better
Charlotte, NC
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Devised a strategy encouraging workflow optimization through open dialogue, resulting in 50% of the team becoming top performers.
- Uplifted Charlotte Site's output to rank in the top 10%, maintaining a high standard of quality with a 93% rate of acceptable reviews.
- Worked with team to develop an incentive compensation plan incorporating quality as a key criterion.
- Helped highlight the importance of home ownership to underrepresented groups.
- Enhanced direct reports' skills through professional development.
- Participated in monthly meetings with Credit Policy to review performance and industry guidelines.
- Performed audits on files to inspect the loan decisions.
- Performed analysis of time studies to aid in offshoring processes.
- Led numerous ERG groups across the company.
Lending Manager II
Wells Fargo
Charlotte , NC
04.2012 - 08.2019
- Professionally developed staff to position them for overall career growth and company promotions.
- Led the escalation of difficult loan issues to avoid not meeting contingency and/or closing dates.
- Oversaw the monthly pipeline by tracking SLA's.
- Served as an integral partner during National Underwriting and Production Risk meetings.
- Conducted continuous training sessions across the Underwriting landscape addressing guidelines comprehensively.
- Led a project to improve the communication efforts between Processors and Underwriters and established enhanced guardrails to ensure success.
- Leveraged reporting tools daily to manage the pipeline for the Team.
- Responsible for being abreast of the business continuity objectives and understanding what would be required of our department in those instances.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Hampton University
Hampton, VA05-1992
Skills
- LTV calculations
- Data interpretation
- Documentation review
- Residential mortgage lending regulations
- Underwriting guidelines
- Income verification
- Credit analysis
- Asset statements
- Debt-to-income ratios
- Collateral valuation
Certification
- DE
- VA SAR
Timeline
Mortgage Underwriter III
Movement Mortgage Operations Center
02.2024 - Current
Consumer Loan Sales Specialist
One Main Finanical
04.2023 - 01.2024
Regional Underwriting Manager
Better
09.2020 - 08.2022
Lending Manager II
Wells Fargo
04.2012 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Hampton University
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