Appraisal Underwriter
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of appraisal review, underwriting, or valuation risk experience.
- Direct experience within a Non-QM lending environment.
- Strong understanding of residential appraisal methodologies, fraud schemes, and market analysis across multiple property types (SFR, condos, 2–4 units).
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business, or related field from a reputable, accredited university.
- Experience with AVMs, desk reviews, or enhanced valuation analytics.
Responsibilities
- Performs comprehensive reviews of residential appraisal reports to assess the reasonableness and supportability of concluded values.
- Evaluates the appropriateness of comparable selection, adjustments, and reconciliation, identifying unsupported data or methodological weaknesses.
- Evaluates market trends, neighborhood influences, and specific property characteristics impacting value.
- Identifies red flags indicative of appraisal fraud, inflation, or manipulation, including comparable stacking and collusion indicators.
- Analyzes transaction-level risk factors, including investor properties, DSCR, cash-out refinances, and layered risk scenarios.
- Provides clear, well-documented value conclusions and recommendations to support loan-level credit decisions.
- Articulates appraisal concerns, conditions, and reconsideration requests in a concise, defensible manner to relevant partners.
- Partners with underwriting teams to ensure consistent valuation standards across the department.
- Applies internal appraisal review standards and contributes feedback for the enhancement of valuation policies.
- Supports post-close quality control, audits, and regulatory exams related to valuation risk.
- Assists in identifying systemic risks, emerging market trends, or specific appraiser performance issues.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
