Meet Agnieszka Golygowska-Buta

Q&A

What does a Mortgage Underwriter do?

A Mortgage Underwriter processes and assesses mortgage applications. We also process offers received for new or existing borrowers. We review each case to ensure all the correct documents are held for the mortgage application such as ID, pay slips and bank statements. We assess the valuation report on the property and complete an affordability assessment by examining the income and outgoings for each customer. We also need check that the case is within our Lending policy and once we are happy to proceed, we produce the offer document. The case is then ready to move on for a final check which another Underwriter completes. The offer is then ready to be issued to the customer.

Talk us through a typical working day.

Every day is different. The only thing that is the same each day is our daily team meeting call at 9:30am, each day is different - that’s what makes it unique. Every day is a new adventure, and you need to learn how to prioritize your work efficiently.

What is your favourite part of the job?

The challenges I face every day! I learn something each day, each case is different, each story is different. Helping people find their dream home is special.

Did you always want to be a Mortgage Underwriter?

No. I never would have thought that one day I would be a Mortgage Underwriter. I started working as a Customer Service Assistant within the Society at first. Working within that role, I became interested in Mortgage Underwriting which would ultimately allow me to develop my career path. My previous Managers also played on important role in my career development, they always believed in me and encouraged me to develop further.

What qualifications do you have?

While still living in Poland I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and Master’s degree in Management. I also have CIPD Level 3 in Human Resources which I completed during lockdown.

What are your future career plans?

I am focusing on gaining as much knowledge and training in my role as possible which will allow me to apply in the future for a position as a Senior Mortgage Underwriter, and perhaps a Mortgage Advisor one day. Who knows? The sky is the limit!

What skills are required for you to do your job well?

Strong organizational skills are very important as well as the ability to plan your day and manage multiple cases at the one time. Good interpersonal skills are also needed as I speak regularly to Mortgage Brokers. Working with people and for people is demanding but at the same time satisfying.

If you could go back in time, would you choose the same career path?

Yes, because together all my previous experiences, from my time in Poland to my time here since 2012, have allowed me to get to where I am now. I’ve always been open to new opportunities.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my free time, which I value and respect very much I try to spend most of it outside. Whenever there is an opportunity, my Husband and I go to the mountains. We particularity like the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle, but our goal is to discover Ireland. We both love travelling and try to visit new places as much as possible each year. I also love reading books – so much so, I am running out of shelf space!

Sum up your attitude to life in a few words.

A few years ago, I came across a quote that completely change my approach to life. This quote is from the book by Charlie Mackesy “The Horse, The Boy, The Fox and the Mole”. The boy says to the horse “I can’t see a way through” and the horse asks “Can you see your next step?”. The boy replies “Yes” and the horse says, “Then just take it”. I think most of us look at the goal ahead in the future and we see how long of a journey it is and can feel overwhelmed. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I’m not going to worry about the future or next step, because it will come. With each step you will get closer. I don’t need to worry about how far away my goal is, all I need to focus on is my next step - that is my attitude to life!