What is a DE underwriter?

A DE underwriter is a mortgage underwriter who has a direct endorsement certification from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. A DE underwriter can both underwrite and approve loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

Obtaining a direct endorsement certification generally requires that an underwriter have a sponsorship from a lender approved by HUD or the FHA. The underwriter must also participate in training on underwriting loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration. As these types of loans become more popular with consumers, DE underwriters can find themselves in high demand and possibly able to obtain a higher salary.