What are the responsibilities and job description for the Underwriter position at Spark Energy, L.P.?
Underwriter
Company: Flipco Financial (www.flipcofinancial.com)
Title: Underwriter
Location: Houston, Texas – Corporate Office (this role requires an on-site/in-office work schedule)
Department: Operations
Reports to: Senior Director, Asset Management
FLSA Status: Exempt
ABOUT
At FlipCo Financial, we do lending differently. As relationship-focused, asset-based hard money lender, we’re not your typical finance company. Our mission is to empower real estate investors by removing red tape and providing fast, flexible funding solutions. We’re built by industry pros who understand the fix-and-flip world and speak the language of investors.
We're growing our underwriting team and looking for someone who knows more than just the numbers—someone who can walk a property (virtually) and tell if the budget actually makes sense.
JOB SUMMARY
The Loan Underwriter is responsible for evaluating investment property loan applications, specifically fix-and-flip, fix-to-rent, and bridge loans. You’ll assess borrower documentation, analyze proposed rehab scopes, and perform property valuations using desktop appraisal tools. Your goal: to ensure that properties meet FlipCo’s risk criteria and investment guidelines.
This role requires more than theoretical analysis—you should have a practical understanding of construction, renovation budgets, and real estate investing. We value underwriters who can spot unrealistic scopes, overpriced bids, or missing permit requirements because they’ve seen it firsthand.
- Review and underwrite residential real estate investment loan applications with a focus on asset-based criteria.
- Analyze proposed Scope of Work to ensure:
Budget pricing aligns with current market rates and project feasibility.
Permit requirements are addressed for major renovations (e.g., structural changes, MEP systems).
- Perform property valuations using desktop appraisal software, MLS data, and FlipCo’s proprietary underwriting tools to:
Determine accurate After Repair Value (ARV) based on real, comparable market data.
- Identify red flags in loan submissions such as overinflated ARVs, non-like-kind comps, incomplete contractor estimates, and missing documentation.
- Collaborate with sales, processing, and draw teams to ensure smooth loan decisions and clear communication.
- Apply FlipCo’s underwriting guidelines consistently while using good judgment and construction knowledge to fill in any gray areas.
- Communicate conditions and approval status clearly to internal teams.
- Help guide first-time investors by reviewing project expectations and offering insight where necessary.
- Assist in improving internal underwriting processes, checklists, and guideline documents.
- 2 years experience in real estate lending, construction management, residential flips, or property valuation.
- Working knowledge of:
Common renovation costs (framing, HVAC, roofing, finishes, etc.).
Permit requirements for major cities/counties.
- Strong understanding of property valuation methodology and comp analysis.
- Familiarity with desktop appraisal tools (e.g., HouseCanary, Clear Capital, Propelio, etc.).
- Ability to read and interpret scopes of work, contractor estimates, and city permit portals.
- Comfortable making judgment calls based on incomplete or imperfect data.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking.
- Bonus: Prior experience as a real estate investor, flipper, contractor, or inspector.
- Ability to meet highest attendance requirements
- Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently
- Ability to use personal computer
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time without much movement
- Ability to work in time-sensitive environment with non-flexible deadlines
- All candidates must have the ability to speak, read and write English
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Flipco Financial, is an equal opportunity employer.
**Please no staffing or recruiting firm inquiries or applicants**