Appraisal Underwriter

Job Title:            Appraisal Underwriter

Department:     Credit

Reports To:        SVP, Non-QM Credit

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: The Appraisal Underwriter is the strategic lead for the independent credit-side review of residential real estate appraisals. This role is responsible for the direct execution of valuation risk controls, converting complex market data into defensible value conclusions that support prudent lending decisions. The Underwriter serves as a critical safeguard against overvaluation, valuation manipulation, and appraisal-related fraud, ensuring that the organization’s collateral interest remains secure and backed by data-driven analysis. By maintaining a risk-based focus separate from production, this individual ensures a high-performance lending environment founded on intellectual honesty and regulatory integrity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Appraisal Review & Value Validation: Performs comprehensive reviews of residential appraisal reports to assess the reasonableness and supportability of concluded values.
• Methodological Analysis: Evaluates the appropriateness of comparable selection, adjustments, and reconciliation, identifying unsupported data or methodological weaknesses.
• Market Intelligence: Evaluates market trends, neighborhood influences, and specific property characteristics impacting value.
• Fraud Detection: Identifies red flags indicative of appraisal fraud, inflation, or manipulation, including comparable stacking and collusion indicators.
• Risk Assessment: Analyzes transaction-level risk factors, including investor properties, DSCR, cash-out refinances, and layered risk scenarios.
• Credit Collaboration: Provides clear, well-documented value conclusions and recommendations to support loan-level credit decisions.
• Communication: Articulates appraisal concerns, conditions, and reconsideration requests in a concise, defensible manner to relevant partners.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Partners with underwriting teams to ensure consistent valuation standards across the department.
• Policy Development: Applies internal appraisal review standards and contributes feedback for the enhancement of valuation policies.
• Quality Control & Audit: Supports post-close quality control, audits, and regulatory exams related to valuation risk.
• Performance Monitoring: Assists in identifying systemic risks, emerging market trends, or specific appraiser performance issues.

DESIRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Detail Oriented: Committed to the highest quality and meticulous in data verification.
• Intellectual Honesty: Demonstrates independent judgment and the courage to provide objective conclusions.
• Analytical Excellence: High proficiency in problem-solving and complex valuation analysis.
• Communication Proficiency: Advanced written and verbal skills for articulating risk.
• Resilient: Works well under pressure and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, or related field from a reputable, accredited university (Preferred).

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 years of appraisal review, underwriting, or valuation risk experience.
• Environment: Direct experience within a Non-QM lending environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of residential appraisal methodologies, fraud schemes, and market analysis across multiple property types (SFR, condos, 2–4 units).
• Preferred: Experience with AVMs, desk reviews, or enhanced valuation analytics.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position is in an office setting with computer and general office equipment.
• The position requires the ability to move freely around within the department and other department locations.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.