Desktop Underwriter Certification and Certificate Program Information

Automated systems for mortgage underwriting are today's answer for approving a home loan based on the borrower's assets, credit scores and income. Desktop Underwriting is the federal government's Fannie Mae system, used by most loan originators. Loan interviewers or processors earn automated underwriter (AU) certificates through online courses or enrollment in mortgage banking programs at 2-year colleges.

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Desktop Underwriter Certificate

Entry-level employees and seasoned professionals can obtain the Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU) designation. In a training program for this title, students learn to use software developed by the government to approve federally insured, single-family homes. They identify acceptable properties, appraisal considerations and credit concerns. After completion of this online program, they can determine if a rural property can be securitized or is acceptable for purchase by Fannie Mae. Training also includes analyzing market conditions, appraisals and mortgage insurance options. Lessons cover differences between condominiums, co-ops and manufactured home loans, as well as what constitutes mortgage fraud.

Program Coursework

Curriculum covers three levels; achievement and professional certificates are the foundation for CRU completion. All courses are Web-based, and students have up to 12 months to complete them. Through courses, presentations and practice cases, they learn solid skills that reduce errors, increase productivity and improve the quality of loans they process. Class topics include:

Data entry
Conventional fixed-rate loans
Refinance options
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
Community mortgage loans
Veteran Administration loans
Federal Housing Authority loans
High-balance loans

Popular Career Options

Mortgage underwriters may work as appraisers and closers for banks, escrow companies and mortgage brokers; entry-level positions can lead to managerial leadership. Job titles include:

Associate underwriter
Compliance officer
Administrative assistant
Data-entry associate
Mortgage operations director

Mortgage Banking Certificates

Generalized courses of study--not specific to the Desktop Underwriter software and Fannie Mae guidelines--are available through 2-year colleges. Students develop the knowledge and skills to advance in the field of mortgage banking, pursuing their own areas of interest. Schools generally don't have entrance requirements for certificate programs; however, some have previous course requirements. Certificate-holders are qualified to sit for the SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator examination that is administered by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Registry (NMLS).

Program Coursework

College coursework includes the SAFE exam essentials as well as state-specific mortgage laws and regulations. In addition to a federal component, there are also introductions to loan processing and underwriting. Banking, marketing, business and real estate courses discuss:

Personal finance management
Customer relations
Financial markets and advisors
Bank support services
Accounting and selling
Mortgage lending and financial solvency
Quality control and loan origination

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projected growth of the loan processor or interviewer position is slower than average, but upward trending of the population is expected to spur demand for home loans. Online applications are becoming more prevalent. Overall, economic activity significantly affects employment of this sector. The best opportunities are won by those with a range of abilities such as good math, telephone and customer-service proficiency. BLS reflects median annual salaries were $33,350 as of 2099 (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education

Entry-level loan interviewers are trained on the job to familiarize them with company protocols, pricing and the electronic underwriting software specific to the institution. An option for further professional development is gaining membership in the National Association of Mortgage Underwriters (NAMU), which gives professionals educational, networking and training options. NAMU offers chat forums, industry events, webinars and industry news updates.

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