Credit Risk Specialist

The Credit Risk Specialist is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of all documentation and milestones supporting a client’s financing from contract through home start. This position combines credit review, appraisal analysis, and operational compliance to minimize risk and ensure that all approvals meet company and lending standards prior to construction.

The Credit Risk Specialist will evaluate client credit files, appraisal results, and lender documentation to identify potential risk, resolve discrepancies, and maintain alignment with contractual timelines and internal conformance standards. The role requires strong analytical ability, sound judgment, and proactive communication with lenders, appraisers, and internal partners to deliver a consistent and risk-aware experience for clients.

A successful candidate demonstrates ownership of process outcomes, an eye for detail, and the ability to balance accuracy, timeliness, and collaboration across multiple departments.

Responsibilities:

• Reviews credit qualification and appraisal documentation to verify accuracy, completeness, and adherence to company and investor guidelines

• Identifies, documents, and escalates any potential or actual credit or appraisal risk to the Credit Manager

• Coordinates with lenders to ensure timely receipt of credit approvals, appraisals, and related documentation needed for home start release

• Engages directly with appraisers to answer common questions, provide clarification, and supply comparables, specifications, and documentation needed to support accurate valuation of the subject property

• Conducts detailed appraisal reviews to confirm that subject property characteristics, options, and specifications are accurately represented, and that comparable data reflects current market conditions

• Collaborates with lenders, sales, and internal teams to resolve low appraisals, documentation deficiencies, and nonconformance items in a timely manner

• Ensures all “Clear to Start” (“CTS”) documents are complete, compliant, and properly recorded in company systems prior to release

• Administers and maintains reporting tools and dashboards to monitor credit and appraisal performance, compliance trends, and conformance with established timelines

• Facilitates communication with preferred lending partners to ensure alignment on underwriting expectations and timely resolution of file holds or deficiencies

• Reviews and tracks nonconformance reports; ensures documentation and corrective actions are properly logged and followed through

• Partners with the Credit Manager to identify recurring trends or training needs that may improve overall team accuracy and efficiency

• Participates in daily or weekly operational calls as assigned, including Starts Meetings and nonconformance reviews

• Performs other duties as needed or required

Results / Accountability:

• Confirms and documents the status of all credit and appraisal deliverables within two business days of the due date.

• Performance will be measured through the Gate Conformance by Market Report, with an average turn of total performance versus gate standard equal to 0 or less.

• Maintains a minimum of 61% conforming performance across all categories: Prequalification, Form A, and Appraisal.

• Reviews and validates all appraisal results within 24 hours of receipt; identifies, documents, and reports inaccuracies or unsupported values to the Credit Manager.

• Responds to all appraiser inquiries within 24 hours, providing clarification, comparables, and documentation as needed to support accurate valuations.

• Collaborates with lenders, sales, and internal partners to resolve low appraisals, nonconforming documentation, and timeline variances.

• Partners with the Prospect Pipeline Specialist to review and resolve unacceptable risk, including identifying viable solutions such as Home Buyers Club or Game Plan assignments.

• Ensures all “Clear to Start” (CTS) approvals meet documentation and compliance standards prior to home start release.

• Maintains accurate and complete records in company systems, including notes, alerts, and supporting documentation.

• Provides timely and accurate reporting of nonconformance trends, lender performance, and credit risk indicators as requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field preferred; high school diploma or GED required

• Minimum three to five years of experience in mortgage lending, credit analysis, or real estate finance required

• Demonstrated understanding of the mortgage finance process, including prequalification, underwriting, and appraisal methodologies

• Proven ability to identify, assess, and communicate risk based on review of credit and appraisal documentation

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends affecting credit and appraisal conformance

• Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills

• Effective communicator capable of building professional relationships with lenders, appraisers, sales, and internal partners

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint; experience with loan origination or CRM systems preferred

• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and composure

• Valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and reliable personal transportation for occasional local travel within NC and SC

General Requirements:

• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy and accountability in maintaining credit and appraisal documentation

• Exhibits strong written and verbal communication skills to ensure clarity and professionalism in all interactions with lenders, appraisers, and internal partners

• Maintains strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple files and priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates critical thinking and analytical ability to identify risks and recommend appropriate solutions

• Maintains confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive client and financial information

• Complies with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

• Demonstrates the qualities and character traits as defined in the True Difference

• Maintains a positive and collaborative approach in support of team goals and corporate objectives

• Supports continuous improvement by identifying and communicating process or system enhancements to leadership

• Maintains an up-to-date understanding of available loan programs, including specialty products and solutions that may assist clients in finding suitable financing options

• Participates in ongoing training and development opportunities to maintain a high level of job knowledge and functional expertise

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time

• Occasionally moves about the office to collaborate with team members or attend meetings

• Constantly operates a computer and other standard office equipment