• Take charge of cultivating and managing relationships with our approved appraisal management companies (AMCs) and appraisers. • Keep a close eye on vendor performance metrics, including turnaround times, quality trends, fee accuracy, and adherence to service-level agreements. • Perform regular vendor assessments and deliver insightful reports to leadership on the performance of our appraisal partners. • Proactively tackle vendor-related escalations, disputes, and performance issues, implementing corrective measures as necessary. • Evaluate and authorize appraisal fees, adjust fee changes, and resolve invoice discrepancies promptly. • Assess appraisal reports to ensure their quality, accuracy, and compliance whenever escalations come up. • Offer expert advice on appraisal corrections, reconsiderations of value (ROVs), and intricate appraisal challenges. • Collaborate closely with Underwriting Managers and teams to identify the best resolution strategies for appraisal-related conditions and escalations. • Supervise or lead the appraisal review process to support underwriting efforts, as needed. • Craft, refine, and uphold policies, procedures, and resources related to appraisals. • Guarantee adherence to Appraisal Independence Requirements (AIR), ECOA Valuations Rule, USPAP, and investor guidelines. • Assist in internal audits, investor assessments, and regulatory reviews concerning appraisals. • Lead and mentor the Sr. Appraisal Support Specialist and Appraisal Coordinators by providing clear direction on appraisal workflows and priorities. • Act as a primary point of contact for addressing any operational, quality, or compliance concerns related to appraisals.