Santee Knight
Orange County
Summary
Accomplished mortgage professional with extensive experience in current financial services including Conventional, FHA, USDA, Alt-Doc/Non-QM Products and loan origination. Has demonstrated a considerable track record of maximizing client satisfaction and optimizing financial operations. Proficient in leveraging industry specific software and tools to enhance data accuracy and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Adept at building and leading teams to exceed corporate targets through strategic planning and effective client relationship management. Dedicated to maintaining high standards of ethics and transparency while fostering trust and integrity in all professional dealings.
Comprehensive experience in risk assessment, financial analysis, and loan approval processes. Skilled in team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs and reliable. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make valuable asset to any underwriting team.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Orion Lending
04.2025 - 10.2025
- Evaluated loan applications for compliance with underwriting guidelines and risk assessment criteria.
- Collaborated with loan officers & Wholesale Brokers to clarify borrower documentation and streamline approval processes.
- Conducted detailed financial analyses to assess borrower creditworthiness and repayment capacity.
- Verified integrity of applicants' information to minimize fraud.
- Maintained mortgage program compliance with federal agencies such as USDA, HUD, and FNMA.
- Made careful determinations based on skilled analyses of submitted documentation covering credit histories, employment records, and current financial status.
- Developed strong relationships with brokers, realtors, and other parties to facilitate smooth communication throughout the mortgage process.
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Change Home Mortgage
01.2013 - 11.2024
- Analyzed and reviewed mortgage loan packages, including credit reports, income documentation including W2/Salaried, Personal & Business Tax Returns and asset verification to ensure compliance and mitigate fraud risks. Evaluate appraisals, titles, and other critical elements to support overall credit and collateral evaluations. Make informed decisions on mortgage applications based on thorough evaluations of all income, asset, credit, and property documentation. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of investor guidelines to ensure decisions are timely and compliant with regulatory standards. Develop and sustain trusting relationships with teams across processing, sales, and closing departments through consistent delivery of quality work and sound decision-making.
- First to underwrite the Inaugural Alt-Doc/Non-QM Loan in the United States, spearheading the adoption of Non-QM products including Prime-Jumbo and Bank-Statement programs.
- Played a pivotal role in obtaining CDFI Certification and led the training of Underwriters, Sales Teams and Processors on new lending products and services.
Senior Mortgage Operations Manager
LoanNow/America’s Funding Group
01.1999 - 01.2013
- Managed comprehensive underwriting mortgage operations, incorporated training and curriculum development for nationwide operations across 38 states.
- Enhanced operational workflows and communication between wholesale, correspondent, and retail lending departments to improve process of underwriting efficiency and compliance.
- Managed Credit Union Lending Division, consistently maintaining an active pipeline of 100+ loans and closing an average of $80M per month.
- Developed training programs for staff on compliance and underwriting standards.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to align departmental goals and objectives.
- Streamlined mortgage processing workflows to enhance operational efficiency.
Senior Processor/Underwriter
First Republic Mortgage Corp.
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Conducted detailed assessments of mortgage applications to ensure compliance with FNMA, FHLMC, FHA and non-agency jumbo loan requirements.
- Oversaw loan processing workflows, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
- Collaborated with underwriting teams to enhance decision-making efficiency and accuracy.
- Managed high-volume workloads for timely and accurate completion of loan applications.
Senior Mortgage Operations Manager
The Mortgage Company, Inc.
01.1992 - 01.1997
- Supported the underwriting and processing teams by preparing thorough documentation reviews and verifications to streamline the approval process.
- Contributed to several key initiatives to optimize loan processing and customer satisfaction through improved service delivery and engagement.
- Developed training programs for new hires, fostering a collaborative environment and promoting professional growth.
- Oversaw daily operations, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion of work objectives.
Senior Loan Processor/Jr. Underwriter
Beverly Hills Savings
01.1989 - 01.1992
- Assisted in the development of loan packages for high-value clients, focusing on Conventional and FHA loans.
- Ensured strict adherence to industry guidelines and standards for all processed loans, maintaining high accuracy and integrity.
- Trained with and assisted Senior Underwriting department.
Education
University of Laverne
La Verne, CAundefined
American School of Mortgage Banking
Tustin, CASkills
- Encompass, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Dos, Calyx Point, Diamond, Genesis, SalesLogix, Data Trac, TMO, PowerPac, DocMagic, DO, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac AUS Notable experience with several correspondent LOS’s
- Credit evaluation
- Investor guidelines knowledge
- Team collaboration
Certification
NMLS Licensing, Various BRE Certifications | Allied Real Estate School | HUD CHUMS IO69
Timeline
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Orion Lending
04.2025 - 10.2025
Senior Mortgage Underwriter
Change Home Mortgage
01.2013 - 11.2024
Senior Mortgage Operations Manager
LoanNow/America’s Funding Group
01.1999 - 01.2013
Senior Processor/Underwriter
First Republic Mortgage Corp.
01.1997 - 01.1999
Senior Mortgage Operations Manager
The Mortgage Company, Inc.
01.1992 - 01.1997
Senior Loan Processor/Jr. Underwriter
Beverly Hills Savings
01.1989 - 01.1992
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American School of Mortgage Banking
University of Laverne