UWM expands underwriter duties with Underwriting+ program

United Wholesale Mortgage on Wednesday launched Underwriting+, a program designed to streamline the loan process for independent mortgage brokers by giving underwriters a larger role in moving loans from submission to closing. The program puts the underwriter who reviews a loan file in charge of more of the process, including gathering documentation, communicating with borrowers and third parties, resolving questions and clearing conditions. Traditionally, mortgage files move among multiple teams during processing, with different employees responsible for underwriting, documentation and coordination with borrowers and third parties. UWM said Underwriting+ is designed to reduce those handoffs and keep more responsibility with the underwriter who is already familiar with the loan. “Brokers should spend their time doing what they do best: originating loans and selling the right product and rate to their borrowers,” UWM President and CEO Mat Ishbia said in a statement. “From there, we’ve got it.” Under the program, UWM said its underwriters will handle both underwriting and additional processing responsibilities, including communicating with borrowers and third parties and working to c...