Appraisal Manager

Job Title:

Appraisal Manager

CA - Irvine

The Risk Appraisal Manager is responsible for providing expert appraisal risk oversight and review services across all Ameri Home business lines. This role functions as a senior appraisal reviewer and risk partner, supporting the Ameri Home Risk Department through repurchase demand analysis, escalation management, third‑party originator (TPO) conflict resolution, and fraud investigation activities. The Risk Appraisal Manager also supports Credit Operations and other internal stakeholders by delivering valuation‑related services, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining strong governance through audits, policies, and industry engagement.

• Support the Residential Appraisal Director and Ameri Home Risk Department in the oversight of residential real estate appraisals, appraisal risk assessment, and compliance with Federal and State laws, GSE requirements, and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
• Perform appraisal desk reviews and risk analyses consistent with an appraisal reviewer function, identifying valuation risk, compliance deficiencies, and potential collateral concerns.
• Assist the Ameri Home Risk Department with repurchase demands
  , including appraisal‑related analysis, documentation support, escalation handling, and resolution strategies.
• Manage escalation and conflict resolution with Third Party Originators (TPOs) related to appraisal quality, valuation disputes, and risk findings.
• Participate in and support fraud investigations
  , including identification of red flags, appraisal‑related misrepresentation, and coordination with internal risk, compliance, and legal partners as required.
• Provide valuation‑related services for all business lines, including but not limited to:
  • Ordering and reviewing disaster inspections
  • Reconciling appraisals with BPOs and AVMs
  • Supporting post‑closing, servicing, secondary, and credit operations functions
• Assist the Ameri Home Credit Operations Appraisal Manager as needed to ensure operational continuity, workload coverage, and alignment of appraisal risk practices.
• Ensure appraisal and valuation work files are retained and documented in accordance with USPAP and company requirements.
• Support internal and external audits
  , including state, federal, and GSE examinations, by preparing documentation, responding to findings, and assisting with remediation efforts.
• Maintain, draft, and update department policies and procedures to ensure alignment with regulatory changes, investor requirements, and best practices.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders by providing clear, well‑supported appraisal risk conclusions and recommendations.
• Collaborate with peers and leadership to continuously improve appraisal risk processes, controls, and deliverables.
• Represent Ameri Home within the appraisal and risk community by participating in industry groups and attending conferences, webinars, and training to stay current on regulatory developments, appraisal standards, and industry trends.
• Lead and/or mentor team members as applicable, including coaching, training, and professional development support.

• 6+ years of related experience in residential appraisal, appraisal review, valuation risk, or a similar field.
• Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser license required, which must remain active and in good standing with the applicable licensing state at all times.
• High school diploma required;
  Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Prior leadership or senior‑level reviewer experience preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of:
  • USPAP and FIRREA
  • Agency and investor appraisal guidelines (FNMA, FHLMC, HUD/FHA, USDA)
• Appraisal desk review experience in a multi‑state environment
  , including multiple report formats (e.g., URAR, narrative).
• Institutional experience (bank, mortgage company, or similar financial institution) preferred.
• Field appraisal or field review experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate valuation risk issues and proposed resolutions.
• Excellent time management skills and…