Real Estate Underwriter - Vice President

The Vice President -Real Estate Credit will be primarily responsible for underwriting and financially analyzing first mortgage investment opportunities as well as performing property and market due diligence on collateral properties. The Vice President will play an active role in sizing, pricing, closing and asset the firm’s real estate investments.

We are seeking someone who understands the importance of the technical skills relative to underwriting and asset analysis and building/maintaining relationships within the real estate industry across various markets.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough credit risk assessments of commercial real estate transactions, including the evaluation of borrower creditworthiness, property value, cash flow projections, and market conditions.
• Utilize personal knowledge and extensive CRE industry relationships as applicable for underwriting transactions. Work closely with origination teams, legal, and senior management to ensure that credit risk considerations are fully integrated into business decisions.
• Establish standard underwriting policies and procedures to be utilized for all transactions.
• Review and approve all loan underwriting, due diligence and related reports completed by correspondents and third-party providers.
• Lead the underwriting process for commercial real estate debt transactions, providing expert judgment on credit risk factors and structuring recommendations.
• Enforce credit risk policies and procedures specific to commercial real estate, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Monitor market trends, economic indicators, and property performance to identify potential risks and opportunities within the portfolio.
• Prepare and present detailed investment memos to senior management and stakeholders, highlighting key risks, mitigants, and recommendations.
• Prepare investment memo and present transaction to investment / credit committee for approval to fund.
• Review and approve closing checklists and funding statements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and internal policies, staying informed of changes in the regulatory environment that could impact the commercial real estate portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting
• 8-12 years of experience in real estate finance with specific experience in underwriting.  Insurance company lending experience a plus
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills

• Experience creating financial models.  High level of expertise in Excel; ARGUS and Power Point proficiency helpful but not required.

• Ability to learn new IT applications related to relationship and portfolio management
• Willingness and ability to travel
• Highly motivated, adaptable, and open to a growing role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills