Appraisal Reviewer

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 Reviewer 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 Reviewer you 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

• Review appraisal reports and other valuation products to ensure compliance with investor property eligibility and appraisal guidelines.  
• Focus on high-risk appraisals, unique property types, high-end properties, reconciliation of multiple valuation reports, etc.
• Use third party analytics tools and online market data to determine credibility of appraised values.
• Effectively communicate revision requests to AMCs and appraisers as needed. 
• Process Reconsider of Value requests from customers in accordance with internal policies and procedures.
• Balance high productivity with high quality.
• Serve as escalation point and subject matter expert for teammates in coordination, underwriting, and post-closing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of appraisal review experience at mortgage lender or servicer required  
• Prior experience with jumbo loans, complex properties, and reconciliation of multiple valuation products is a plus
• Expert-level knowledge of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and Non-Conforming property eligibility and appraisal guidelines
• Deep understanding of key appraisal aspects including comparable selection, adjustments, reconciliation, market trend analysis, zoning/usage, highest-and-best use, etc.  
• Familiarity with appraisal review utilities (e.g. Collateral Underwriter) strongly preferred
• Past or present appraisal licensing is a plus
• Ability to multitask and prioritize competing priorities with tight deadlines
• Initiative to suggest ideas for process and technology improvements  
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Effective verbal and written communication/presentation skills
• Focused & detail oriented
• Team-player that is passionate about helping their teammates and providing the best possible experience for our customers 
• Exercises good judgment and comfortable operating with ambiguous guidelines.  Must be able to balance loan quality/risk management with speed, productivity, and customer experience 
• Open to coaching, feedback, and mentoring

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.