Senior Underwriter Commercial Real Estate

Job description

We are a rapidly growing commercial real estate capital markets advisory, focused exclusively on securing competitive debt solutions across all major property types. With a track record of underwriting approximately 85 transactions each year, our firm is recognized for delivering tailored financing strategies to investors, developers, and owners. Our approach emphasizes speed, precision, and integrity—whether underwriting stabilized acquisitions, construction and bridge facilities, or complex mezzanine and preferred equity placements. By maintaining strong relationships with a wide spectrum of capital providers—including banks, life companies, debt funds, CMBS platforms, mortgage brokers, and private lenders—we ensure our clients have access to the most competitive terms in the market. The organization is built on a high-performance culture where client service, disciplined execution, and long-term partnership are the foundation of success. This position is a Senior Underwriter role designed for an experienced professional with deep expertise in commercial real estate (CRE) debt underwriting, including hands-on brokerage experience . You will play a critical role in evaluating and structuring approximately 85 deals per year across diverse asset classes, including multifamily, warehousing, strip malls, office, retail, industrial, hospitality, and specialty assets. The role demands a seasoned underwriter who understands the intricacies of CRE debt like the back of their hand, thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, and can deliver precise, high-quality underwriting to support the firm’s origination and closing process. You will work closely with originators, analysts, and capital providers, leveraging your extensive brokerage and underwriting experience to ensure deals are structured competitively and meet lender requirements. The role is best suited for a detail-oriented professional with a proven track record in CRE underwriting, who values being part of a lean, entrepreneurial team with direct access to decision-makers and a meaningful impact on the firm’s continued growth. Responsibilities Underwrite approximately 85 CRE debt transactions per year, spanning all major asset classes (multifamily, warehousing, strip malls, office, retail, industrial, hospitality, and specialty assets). Conduct thorough due diligence and financial analysis, including cash flow modeling, pro forma underwriting, DSCR/DY calculations, and leverage assessments to ensure deals meet lender credit frameworks. Structure and price debt requests (perm, bridge, construction, mezzanine/preferred equity, agency/CMBS) to maximize proceeds while maintaining deal viability and lender appeal. Review and validate business plans, translating them into financeable narratives; prepare underwriting packages, including teasers, lender lists, and process calendars. Anticipate and resolve potential friction points in underwriting, addressing issues proactively to ensure smooth committee approvals. Collaborate with originators to refine capital stack strategies and negotiate term sheets that align with borrower goals and lender requirements. Maintain rigorous pipeline hygiene, providing accurate forecasting, risk assessments, and status updates to internal stakeholders and clients. Leverage deep market intelligence to stay informed on rate movements, leverage trends, spreads, and lender program appetites across asset classes. Partner with analysts/associates to produce timely models, comps, offering memoranda (OM) materials, and closing checklists. Represent the firm in meetings with borrowers, lenders, mortgage brokers, and capital providers in NYC and regularly in Lakewood, NJ (~weekly), with occasional travel for site visits. Uphold a high-touch client experience through proactive updates, transparent expectation setting, and on-time execution of underwriting deliverables. Qualifications Must come directly from a capital markets lending, brokerage, or closely related CRE debt underwriting role (bank, debt fund, life company, CMBS/agency, or mortgage brokerage). Extensive experience underwriting CRE debt across multiple asset classes, with a demonstrated track record of handling high-volume deal flow (ideally 80+ transactions annually). Deep command of capital structures, leverage metrics, DSCR/DY, pro forma underwriting, and lender credit frameworks. Exceptional analytical and financial modeling skills, with the ability to structure complex deals under tight deadlines. Strong negotiation skills with lenders, brokers, and sponsors; adept at optimizing deal terms, pricing, and structure. Process discipline in fast-paced, high-volume environments; calm under time pressure and committee deadlines. Clear, concise communicator; credible in presenting underwriting findings to institutional and entrepreneurial sponsors. NYC-based with the ability to be in Lakewood, NJ approximately once per week (or as business needs dictate). Compensation Base Salary: $250,000 Bonuses: Performance-based bonuses tied to underwriting volume and quality of closed transactions (discrete bonus components) On-Target Earnings: Approximately $300,000 in Year 1, contingent on meeting agreed-upon production and quality goals; meaningful upside beyond Year 1 as volume scales