Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Highlights
Timeline
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Claire Gardulski

Real Estate Transaction & Leasing Specialist
Riverview,MI

Summary

Leasing Underwriter & Compliance Specialist with 8+ years of experience in leasing operations, application screening, and risk assessment, backed by 15+ years in the real estate industry. Proven track record of reducing financial risk, accelerating lease approvals, and ensuring compliance across diverse portfolios. Expert in fraud detection, credit and income verification, and policy enforcement.

Highly skilled in Salesforce, Buildium, Yardi, and AppFolio to manage applicant pipelines, improve transparency, and streamline decision-making. Known for balancing speed and accuracy while maintaining occupancy goals and regulatory standards.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Leasing Underwriter & Compliance Specialist

American Avenue
New York, New York
12.2023 - Current

American Avenue Properties | Remote Nationwide Portfolio
(Affordable Housing • Tech-Driven Leasing • High-Volume Screening)

  • Reviewed and approved lease applications, streamlining underwriting processes and reducing turnaround time without sacrificing accuracy
  • Conducted comprehensive resident screenings, including financial, credit, and employment verifications, in compliance with company and fair housing standards
  • Collaborated across departments to resolve application discrepancies, improve data accuracy, and ensure smooth lease execution and onboarding
  • Prevented fraudulent applications by using fraud detection tools and detailed applicant reviews, reducing risk and maintaining regulatory compliance
  • Cut application processing time by 3–5 days by accelerating final leasing decisions and improving workflow efficiency
  • Minimized legal exposure by ensuring full compliance with internal policies and federal housing regulations, reducing documentation errors and potential disputes

Full-Cycle Leasing & Client Relations Specialist

Marketplace Homes
Plymouth, MI
10.2021 - 12.2023

Marketplace Homes | Remote | Nationwide Portfolio

  • Managed the entire leasing lifecycle across a national portfolio, from application intake and underwriting to lease signing, move-in coordination, and renewal
  • Verified applicant income, credit, employment, and background checks to assess risk and ensure full compliance with Fair Housing and company policies
  • Acted as a key liaison with property owners and investors, providing market insights on pricing strategy, tenant placement, and property exposure
  • Collaborated with affordable housing programs, ensuring eligibility requirements and lease compliance across various state guidelines
  • Conducted minor accounting tasks such as rent adjustments, ledger reconciliation, and lease charges to support accurate financial reporting
  • Spearheaded targeted leasing campaigns to boost visibility and reduce vacancy, resulting in higher application volume and faster occupancy
  • Increased retention and reduced turnover by managing smooth move-ins, proactive renewals, and responsive tenant support throughout tenancy

Leasing & Office Operations Manager

Michigan Commercial Realty
Ann Arbor, Michigan
08.2016 - 01.2022

University of Michigan Housing | Ann Arbor, MI
(Student Housing + Select Commercial Units)

  • Led the full leasing cycle across student, single-family, multifamily, and select commercial properties, including applications, renewals, move-ins, and tenant communication
  • Modernized all leasing operations, transitioning the company from a DOS-based system to a full digital platform with online applications, e-signatures, video tours, and online rent payments
  • Reduced application processing time by 50% by replacing paper-based workflows with streamlined digital processes, improving efficiency and reducing delays
  • Developed and implemented 3D virtual tours for every property, increasing remote applicant engagement and expanding reach during pre-leasing seasons
  • Strengthened resident screening practices by leading underwriting efforts, improving financial and background review standards, and reducing tenant default rates
  • Created and managed an organized system for lease tracking, approval workflows, and document compliance, ensuring operational consistency and legal accuracy
  • Provided light support for commercial lease renewals and tenant communications, gaining exposure to cross-sector property operations

Education

Some College (No Degree) -

Henry Ford Early College-Business, Management & Marketing
Dearborn, MI

Skills

  • Resident Underwriting & Credit Analysis

  • Tenant Screening & Application Processing

  • Fraud Prevention & Compliance

  • Yardi, Salesforce, AppFolio, Buildium

  • Lease Approvals & Risk Management

  • Lease Negotiation & Renewals

  • Fair Housing Regulations

  • Property Marketing & Social Media Strategy

  • Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (State: Michigan)

  • Commissioned Notary Public

Additional Highlights

Additional Highlights

  • Licensed Real Estate Agent and Commissioned Notary Public
  • Experience with video editing and content creation — including producing application videos and highlight reels that helped my son appear on American Ninja Warrior three times
  • Assisted with social media management, branding, and merch sales to grow a personal brand and online following
  • Collaborated with the mental health nonprofit Hope For The Day, supporting awareness campaigns and community outreach
  • Photography enthusiast with an eye for creative visuals, often used to support marketing and social media content
  • Passionate about using digital tools and creative skills to support meaningful causes and community connection

Timeline

Leasing Underwriter & Compliance Specialist

American Avenue
12.2023 - Current

Full-Cycle Leasing & Client Relations Specialist

Marketplace Homes
10.2021 - 12.2023

Leasing & Office Operations Manager

Michigan Commercial Realty
08.2016 - 01.2022

Some College (No Degree) -

Henry Ford Early College-Business, Management & Marketing
Claire GardulskiReal Estate Transaction & Leasing Specialist