Director of Appraisal Services

Here at Lower, we believe homeownership is the key to building wealth, and we’re making it easier and more accessible than ever. As a mission-driven fintech, we simplify the home-buying process through cutting-edge technology and a seamless customer experience.

With tens of billions in funded home loans and top ratings on Trustpilot (4.8), Google (4.9), and Zillow (4.9), we’re a leader in the industry. But what truly sets us apart? Our people. Join us and be part of something bigger.

Job Description:

We are a nationwide mortgage lender specializing in residential and commercial lending. The Director of Appraisal Services is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, daily operations, and regulatory compliance of the company’s appraisal function. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of residential real estate valuation, strong team management skills, and the ability to implement scalable appraisal practices aligned with industry standards and organizational goals.

What you’ll do:

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of appraisal coordinators and support staff.
• Assign appraisal review tasks, conduct performance evaluations, and guide staff through complex valuation scenarios.
• Cultivate a high-performing team focused on accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.
• Develop and oversee training programs for appraisal team members to ensure they remain current with evolving industry regulations, standards, and technology.

Appraisal Policy & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain appraisal policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and investor regulations.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes (e.g., USPAP, FIRREA) to ensure the department remains in full compliance.

Quality Assurance & Risk Oversight

• Oversee appraisal reviews and quality control processes to ensure valuations are credible, defensible, and in line with applicable standards.
• Identify valuation risks, trends, or discrepancies and implement proactive mitigation strategies.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Manage relationships with external appraisal firms, Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs), and independent appraisers.
• Evaluate vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality appraisal services.

Technology & Operational Efficiency

• Collaborate with technology teams and operations to assess, implement, and optimize appraisal software and tools to improve department workflow and reporting accuracy.
• Drive process improvements to reduce turnaround times and improve service quality.

Dispute Resolution

• Lead resolution efforts for appraisal-related disputes, discrepancies, or escalations from stakeholders, ensuring objectivity and professionalism.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare and present reports on appraisal activities, performance metrics, and compliance status for executive management and regulatory bodies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for appraisal-related inquiries from internal departments and external partners.

Who you are:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in residential real estate appraisal, with at least 2+ years in appraisal review and managing appraisal teams within a regulated institution or AMC.
• Strong background in complex residential valuation across multiple regions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office & appraisal software
• Advanced knowledge of residential valuation methodologies, regulatory standards, and industry trends.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify process improvements and risk exposures.
• Proven ability to manage change, resolve conflicts, and foster internal and external collaboration.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Residential or Certified General Real Estate Appraiser License (active and in good standing).

Why you’ll love working at Lower:

• You’ll be surrounded by talented, dedicated people who believe in the company’s mission.
• You’ll be able to shape the future of Lower’s user experience.
• You’ll join a locally and nationally recognized best place to work that values promotion from within.
• There is opportunity for professional growth and development.

Plus:

• Competitive compensation plan
• Extended benefit offerings including: Medical/dental/vision
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401K with company match
• Discount on home mortgage refinances or purchase

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: This role can be fully remote, or hybrid at either our Columbus, OH or Austin, TX office.

Pay: $90,000 - $105,000

Lower provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Privacy Policy