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Underwriting specialist vs closer

The differences between underwriting specialists and closers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an underwriting specialist has an average salary of $63,325, which is higher than the $29,291 average annual salary of a closer.

The top three skills for an underwriting specialist include customer service, underwriting guidelines and financial statements. The most important skills for a closer are customer service, cleanliness, and punctuality.

Underwriting specialist vs closer overview

Underwriting SpecialistCloser
Yearly salary$63,325$29,291
Hourly rate$30.44$14.08
Growth rate-4%4%
Number of jobs25,1647,560
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age4445
Years of experience-6

What does an underwriting specialist do?

An underwriting specialist is responsible for reviewing clients' applications in availing financial services and determining their eligibility by analyzing credit scores and risk potential. Underwriting specialists record all necessary information and may ask for additional requirements for further investigation. They assess policy applications and implement terms and conditions upon approval and ensure that the clients understood the process to prevent miscommunication and payment delays. An underwriting specialist must have extensive knowledge of the loan and insurance disciplines to identify coverage and limitations for efficient contract negotiations.

What does a closer do?

The duties of a closer depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to ensure that they understand and adhere to all terms of the agreement, completing all requirements and necessary documents, and maintaining records of all transactions. A closer must also monitor the regular payments of clients to ensure their compliance with the agreement, answer any inquiries, perform follow-up calls, and address any issues or concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently.

Underwriting specialist vs closer salary

Underwriting specialists and closers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Underwriting SpecialistCloser
Average salary$63,325$29,291
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $101,000Between $20,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAGreece, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsHawaii
Best paying companyAIGGPAC
Best paying industryFinance-

Differences between underwriting specialist and closer education

There are a few differences between an underwriting specialist and a closer in terms of educational background:

Underwriting SpecialistCloser
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Underwriting specialist vs closer demographics

Here are the differences between underwriting specialists' and closers' demographics:

Underwriting SpecialistCloser
Average age4445
Gender ratioMale, 39.0% Female, 61.0%Male, 45.0% Female, 55.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.9% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 5.8% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 6.1% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage9%8%

Differences between underwriting specialist and closer duties and responsibilities

Underwriting specialist example responsibilities.

  • Risk assessment to achieve profitability on assign book of business through renewal calculations and RFP responses.
  • Manage the execution of underwriting, portfolio analysis and account- base decision making in accordance with establish guidelines and processes.
  • Work closely with post-closing on VA deficiency response and actions, in addition to HUD & FNMA.
  • Analyze risk and apply underwriting guidelines to decision loan applications and grow profitable loan portfolio.
  • Underwrite PPO, EPO, HMO, POS and other health benefits.
  • Mentore, and utilize strong negotiation skills working with diverse group of associates.
  • Show more

Closer example responsibilities.

  • Time management and organization skills to effectively prioritize multiple objectives and achieve volume goals.
  • Process conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans, clearing conditions before submission.
  • Clear property conditions for insurance and title on all FHA, VA and USDA loans.
  • Submit information to mortgage insurance carriers, FHA, VA, FHLMC, and FNMA for workout alternatives to foreclosure.
  • Coordinate with foreclosure and eviction and litigation teams to ensure properties are in transferable condition prior to closing.
  • Prepare high volume of loan closing packages under a variety of loan programs including conventional, FHA and VA.
  • Show more

Underwriting specialist vs closer skills

Common underwriting specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Underwriting Guidelines, 9%
  • Financial Statements, 6%
  • Underwriting Process, 5%
  • Life Insurance, 5%
  • Loss Control, 4%
Common closer skills
  • Customer Service, 42%
  • Cleanliness, 31%
  • Punctuality, 8%
  • Dependability, 4%
  • Food Orders, 4%
  • Work Ethic, 1%

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