Residential Underwriter

Who we are:

Fairstone Bank and its family of brands are united in delivering innovative, accessible and reliable financial solutions that enable Canadians to reach their goals. Over the years, our brand family has grown. In 2024, Home Trust Company, Home Bank and Oaken Financial became part of the Fairstone Bank family of brands, alongside Fairstone, EdenPark and Fig.

Together, we are the leading alternative lending bank in Canada. With a diverse suite of products—residential and commercial mortgages, consumer deposits and GICs, credit cards, retail and automobile financing, personal loans and digital lending—we offer financial solutions tailored to all Canadians, including newcomers, small-business owners, smart investors and savvy consumers.

Home Trust Company has developed a track record of success as Canada’s leading alternative lender, employing nearly 800 people in our Toronto headquarters and branches across the country. Building on the demonstrated strength of its core residential mortgage lending business, the Company also offers complementary lending services, as well as highly competitive deposit investment products, through Oaken Financial. Our culture has been shaped by the passion and integrity of our people.

Join Home Trust as a Residential Underwriter, reporting to Manager, Residential Underwriting, and be part of our talented and growing team!

About the role:

The Residential Underwriter will adjudicate mortgage applications by assessing prospective clients in accordance with the 5 C's (Capacity, Capital, Collateral, Character, and Conditions). Assessing risk and ensuring all applications adhere to both quality and service standards remain the overarching focus for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Risk and Compliance

• Make prudent credit decisions on complex mortgage files
• Receive, review, analyze and verify mortgage applications for completeness, accuracy, suitability and risk to ensure compliance with all aspects of Home Trust Company’s underwriting policies, procedures and guidelines per delegated authority matrices
• Adhere to applicable compliance obligations including Privacy, Anti-Money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing and internal Anti-Fraud Policy requirements
• File Unusual Transaction Reports as applicable to fulfill individual employee obligations to detect and deter financial crimes activity. Maintain consistent, objective and sound risk assessments in a high volume, service-oriented environment
• Handle difficult interactions and unpopular decisions

File Management

• Analyze and underwrite residential mortgage applications, including an assessment of the borrower, real estate security and loan terms as well as identifying any associated risk

Pipeline and SLA Management

• Manage work volumes to meet short timelines, build and maintain exceptional customer service levels in a high-volume environment
• Work effectively with all internal and external business partners to underwrite quality transactions and provide a high level of service
• Remain current on latest developments within industry and market trends to secure competitive advantage

Leadership

• Lead by example and provide daily feedback and coaching to team members including Mortgage Officers
• Assist in training and onboarding new hires
• Negotiate, recommend and approve loan terms within Home Trust’s risk appetite
• Maintain accurate information and detailed notes on applications
• Prepare and issue conditional mortgage commitments according to negotiated and approved terms, which outline all conditions that must be met to Home Trust’s satisfaction
• Review real estate appraisals for consistency with prevailing market conditions
• Review and verify the accuracy and completeness of required documentation submitted by the broker as required on more complex files

What we’re looking for:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a related area or discipline

• 3-5 years mortgage lending experience

• Strong understanding of residential mortgage products

• Proficient in adjudicating credit

• Exceptional Problem-solving skills

• Proactive, takes initiative and is a self-starter

• Exhibits excellent time management skills

• Team player and collaborates well within the team and others to achieve common goals.

• Skilled at fostering strong interpersonal connections.

• Communicates effectively, both in speaking and writing, with a high degree of proficiency.

• Displays a high level of professional maturity and sound judgment.

• Knowledgeable in the use of loan origination software.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, demonstrating strong capabilities in its applications.

What you’ll love about working here:

• Award-Winning Culture: We’re proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work Canada 2025 and one of Montreal’s Top Employers 2025 by Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexibility with our hybrid work model designed to support your lifestyle.

• Time to Recharge: Generous vacation based on your role, statutory holidays, plus 6 wellness days to prioritize your well-being.

• Compensation Package: Competitive base salary plus an annual incentive bonus tied to performance.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Robust health and dental coverage through Manulife, as well as virtual healthcare through Dialogue.

• Future-Ready Savings: Group Retirement Savings Plan with up to 7% employer match.

• Exclusive Perks: Discounts from top retailers via WorkPerks, plus location-based perks like gym memberships and Toronto Bike Share.

• On-Site Fitness: Gym access at our London and Montreal offices.

• Continuous Growth: Education Assistance Program and Fairstone Academy for training and skill development.

• Family Support: Parental leave top-up program to help you during life’s big moments.

• For more information on who we are as an employer click here.If what you read excites you, we’d like to hear from you! Please submit your application and we’ll contact you if you become selected for first stages of the interview process.

If what you read excites you, we’d like to hear from you! Please submit your application and we’ll contact you if you become selected for first stages of the interview process.

Learn more: https://www.fairstone.ca/en/about/canadian-lender

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fairstone/mycompany/

If you have a preferred language for communication, please kindly inform us whether you prefer French or English on your application.

Fairstone is an equal opportunity employer. Accordingly, we will make reasonable accommodations to respond to the needs of people with disabilities. Individuals who view themselves as Aboriginals, members of visible minorities, and disabled are encouraged to apply in confidence.

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Permanent