Team Lead, Condo Collateral

ResiCentral

98d

About The Position

The Team Lead of Condo Collateral is a critical role within underwriting operations. This individual will be responsible for leading a team of condo and collateral specialists, providing expert-level review and analysis of appraisals and condo project approvals, with deep specialization in both agency and non-agency requirements. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert who can ensure compliance, mitigate risk, drive team efficiency, and serve as the ultimate point of escalation for complex condo and collateral issues.

Requirements

• Deep experience reviewing and approving residential appraisals across various property types and loan products, with a hands-on, solutions-first approach.
• Advanced knowledge of condo project eligibility requirements and the ability to assess documentation for compliance with FHA, VA, FNMA, FHLMC, and Jumbo/Non-QM guidelines.
• Expertise in using Fannie Mae’s Collateral Underwriter (CU) to assess appraisal risk, flag valuation issues, and support data-driven decisions.
• Proven leadership in guiding and quality-checking the work of a team of collateral and condo specialists, with a focus on collaboration, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills to navigate complex valuation scenarios and project eligibility challenges with a risk-aware mindset.
• Solid understanding of industry regulations including USPAP, FIRREA, FHA 4000.1, VA Handbook, the GSE Selling Guide, and non-agency investor criteria.
• Creative problem-solver who can identify alternative paths and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills—concise, transparent, and confident.
• Comfortable working in a fluid, fast-paced startup setting where priorities shift and flexibility is key.
• High level of customer focus and interpersonal skills, with a genuine drive to support both internal teams and external partners.
• Skilled in resolving conflicts and tackling challenges with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Exceptionally organized, with a sharp eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Nice To Haves

• DE Underwriter (FHA) and SAR/LAPP (VA) designations are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of collateral and condo underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Oversee daily workflow management and prioritize tasks to ensure timely completion of reviews in line with service level agreements (SLAs).
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex or high-risk appraisal and condo project decisions, offering expert-level guidance and resolution.
• Perform final review and sign-off on complex residential appraisal reports for all property types, including single-family homes, condominiums, PUDs, 2–4 unit properties, and manufactured housing.
• Ensure compliance with USPAP, FIRREA, agency (FHA, VA), GSE (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac), and non-agency investor guidelines for both collateral and project eligibility.
• Leverage Fannie Mae’s Collateral Underwriter (CU) tool to assess risk scores, interpret messaging, and identify potential valuation issues.
• Evaluate appraisal reports for data integrity, comparable selection, adjustment logic, property condition analysis, and valuation credibility.
• Conduct and approve comprehensive condo project reviews and certifications, ensuring alignment with FHA, VA, FNMA, FHLMC, and non-agency investor requirements.
• Analyze condo project documentation—including financials, budgets, reserve studies, insurance, governing documents, and litigation disclosures—to assess project health and eligibility.
• Make risk-based decisions on complex condo project issues such as special assessments, owner-occupancy, investor concentration, critical repairs, and pending litigation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving appraisal and condo guideline requirements across agencies and investors, and ensure the team remains current and informed.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs), including managing escalations, resolving report quality issues, and ensuring timely communication and follow-up.
• Create and maintain internal procedures, job aids, checklists, and training materials to promote consistency, quality, and scalability within the review processes.
• Respond to inquiries from Underwriting, Operations, and Investor Relations regarding appraisal and project eligibility with professionalism and subject-matter expertise.
• Ensure all reviews are completed within established timelines while maintaining a high standard of accuracy, risk awareness, and service quality.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with underwriting, compliance, and leadership teams to align collateral strategy with broader business objectives.
• Support special projects and initiatives as assigned, contributing to operational improvements and process innovation in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform related duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• 401k
• health_insurance
• dental_insurance
• vision_insurance
• paid_holidays
• flexible_scheduling

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED