Staff Appraiser (Appraisal Review & Collateral Risk)
CMG Financial is seeking an experienced residential appraiser to serve as a Staff Appraiser focused on appraisal review, collateral risk management, and valuation oversight.
This role will not perform field appraisals. Instead, the Staff Appraiser will be responsible for reviewing completed appraisal reports to identify valuation risk, overvaluation concerns, SSR alerts, reconsiderations of value (ROVs), and compliance issues.
The ideal candidate combines strong valuation expertise with sound risk judgment and the ability to communicate clearly with underwriting, production, and external appraisal partners.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES, include the following responsibilities, but not limited to:
Appraisal & Collateral Review
- Perform independent reviews of residential appraisal reports to assess accuracy, supportability, and compliance with USPAP, agency, and investor guidelines
- Evaluate reports flagged for elevated SSR scores, collateral risk indicators, or automated valuation discrepancies
- Identify potential overvaluation, unsupported adjustments, market condition concerns, or data inconsistencies
- Review and resolve Reconsideration of Value (ROV) requests and borrower escalations
- Provide clear written conclusions and risk-based recommendations
Risk Oversight & Quality Control
- Conduct targeted audits of appraisers and AMCs to identify performance trends and quality concerns
- Monitor valuation trends by geography, product, or production channel
- Support appraisal policy updates and process improvements
- Partner with risk, QC, and secondary marketing teams on collateral risk initiatives
Training & Advisory
- Provide targeted training and guidance to underwriters on appraisal interpretation and red flags
- Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for valuation-related questions
- Support production teams with guidance on complex or high-risk valuation scenarios
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Required
- Current Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser license (active and in good standing)
- 5+ years of residential appraisal experience
- Strong knowledge of USPAP, Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines, and common investor overlays
- Experience reviewing appraisal reports for compliance and valuation supportability
- Deep understanding of comparable selection, adjustments, market trends, and collateral risk
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
- Prior experience working for a mortgage lender, bank, or AMC in an appraisal review capacity
- Familiarity with SSR tools (Collateral Underwriter / Loan Collateral Advisor)
- Experience in handling ROVs and borrower escalations
- Experience conducting training for underwriting or production staff
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Direct Reports: N/A
PHYSICAL and ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This role operates in an ADA compliant office environment, utilizing typical office equipment and tasks including computer work. The position may involve partial stationary positions and moving throughout the day. Flexibility to work overtime to meet project deadlines is required.
Base Compensation Information – This is a remote role that can be performed from within the United States. Residents of the states of CA & CO, and NY are excluded from this remote role at this time. Information regarding base wages provided upon request.
