Appraisal Coordinator

Better is reimagining home finance and making it faster, cheaper, and easier for everyone to become a homeowner. We leverage creative technology and innovation to make the home buying journey more approachable and understandable and home finance more affordable and accessible. Here are some interesting facts to help you get to know Better:

– We’ve funded over $100 billion in loans for our customers, more than any other fintech

– We ranked #1 in the U.S. on LinkedIn’s Top Startups 2020 and 2021

– We are Forbes’ Best Online Mortgage Lender for 2023

– We are USA Today’s Best Mortgage Lenders of 2023, Best for FHA Loans

– We have raised over $1.2 billion in equity capital to transform the mortgage industry, the largest financial asset class in the world

– And we’re just getting started!

We are a place where smart, hungry, ambitious people who want to recognize their full potential thrive. 

A Better Opportunity

Better’s Collateral team is looking for an Appraisal Coordinator to join our team! Collateral is responsible for obtaining and reviewing all property-related documents associated with the loan transaction.  This includes the valuation, title, homeowner’s insurance, and homeowner’s association if in a condominium.  We are developing industry-leading technology to modernize these collateral processes, increase team member productivity, originate high-quality loans, and provide the best experience possible for our customers.  As an Appraisal Coordinator will become an expert on Agency, Non-Conforming, and HELOC policy guidelines and be exposed to other aspects of the loan origination process including sales, processing, underwriting, closing/funding, and capital markets.  If you are passionate about delivering great customer service, developing a deep understanding of collateral policy, and building best-in-class technology this is a great opportunity to continue your career in mortgage lending.  

Responsibilities

• Management of open valuation and inspection order pipeline to ensure compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLA) and timely completion of reports.
• Ensure that appraisal and/or inspection types ordered meet requirements applicable to that loan.  This includes traditional appraisals, desktop appraisals, appraisal alternatives (hybrid appraisals and property data collection reports), AVMs, property condition reports, final inspections, etc.
• Proactively identify orders that are off-track, at risk of causing delays, or otherwise needing action to be taken.
• Effectively communicate by phone or email with AMCs, appraisers, Realtors and other third parties as needed to quickly and comprehensively resolve issues.
• Serve as escalation point and subject matter expert for teammates in coordination, underwriting, and post-closing.
• Identify loan-level trends and translate into process- and partnership-level solutions.
• Recruit, vet, onboard, and maintain relationships with appraisers on our nationwide Direct Engagement Panel
• Oversee appraiser quality and performance, including handling of misconduct allegations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years appraisal operations/appraisal desk experience at mortgage lender, servicer, or investor.
• Expert level knowledge of property types, appraisal types, mortgage documentation (e.g. purchase contracts, title documents, etc) and Appraiser Independence Requirements.
• Familiarity with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and Non-Conforming property eligibility and appraisal guidelines strongly preferred
• Ability to multitask and prioritize competing priorities with tight deadlines.  Must be able to maintain organization and composure in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence in resolving loan-level escalations including order delays, missed deadlines, reassignments, escalations from sales and processing staff, reconsiderations of value, etc, 
• Initiative to suggest ideas for process and technology improvements  
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Must be action- and resolution-oriented.  
• Comfortable analyzing data, identifying trends, and working with vendor partners to develop solutions.  
• Exercises good judgment and comfortable operating with ambiguous guidelines.  Must be able to balance risk management with speed, productivity, and customer experience .
• Team-player that is passionate about helping their teammates and providing the best possible experience for our customers.  
• Open to coaching, feedback, and mentoring
• Proficient in MS Excel, with the ability to manipulate and analyze datasets effectively.
• Experience with Business Intelligence (BI) tools, proven experience in reporting, creating actionable insights and the ability to communicate insights effectively is a plus.

Company Benefits 

Our total rewards package consists of base salary, incentive compensation, equity and benefits. Some of our benefits include:

– Comprehensive healthcare, retirement, and voluntary benefits. Think medical, dental, vision, health savings accounts, 401k, and more.

– Personalized care and tools for realizing your mental health and wellness goals.

– Company paid for lunch when working in the office.

– Additional benefit perks & discounts.