Matthew Cowan
Southgate
Summary
Professional appraisal expert with comprehensive understanding of property valuation and risk management. Known for precise assessments and strategic decision-making that align with organizational goals. Consistently fosters collaboration and adapts to evolving industry standards. Proficient in regulatory compliance and market analysis.
My ability to lead and deliver results in an environment of utter chaos is a rare attribute. I believe that this calm demeanor and ability to make tough decisions under fire has led to success in each and every stop I have made in my career.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Appraiser
Cross Country Mortgage
Cleveland, OH
09.2021 - Current
- Established and maintained a qualified panel of fee appraisers nationally.
- Collaborated with lending teams to streamline appraisal requests, reducing turnaround times for clients.
- Work with GSEs to reconcile Repurchase Demands.
- Led the conversion from a third-party AMC to an in-house appraisal desk.
- Managed large teams of reviewers and underwriters
- Increased efficiency and streamlined workflow by developing and implementing standardized appraisal procedures across the organization.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current with industry standards and guidelines, avoiding potential fines or penalties.
- Worked with a variety of OMS platforms such as Reggora, HomeVision, Encompass, etc.
- Spoken at various conferences on valuation-related topics.
- Led comprehensive property valuation processes to ensure accurate appraisals and compliance with industry standards.
- Developed and implemented appraisal policies, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy across the organization.
Staff RE Appraiser
Amrock
09.2015 - 09.2021
- Completed residential valuations of complex properties
- Developed and mentored appraisal trainees as part of a company-wide initiative
- Created an appraiser podcast that has been used as the model for development of podcast in all other business units
- Published multiple magazine articles on appraisal best practices and appraisal quality
- Led internal teams on multiple Agency projects related to appraisal modernization
- Spearheaded an initiative to diversify and led business development with a national client
- I have been a guest speaker, including the Valuation Expo, where I spoke about “The Future of Appraising”.
- Participated in vendor recruitment at various industry events
Chief Staff Appraiser
eAMC
12.2010 - 09.2015
- Establish minimum appraisals standards for employee and contract appraisers ensuring that valuations comply with client and Agency guidelines
- Development and oversight of panel of appraisers
- Management of QC staff
- Contractual and regulatory compliance, including AMC licensing
- Mentoring and development of review and staff appraisers
- Client development and retention
President
Eagle Appraisal, P.C.
10.2005 - 12.2010
- Implemented technology solutions to streamline workflow and reduce turnaround times.
- Developed strong client relationships, leading to increased client retention and referrals.
- Performed replacement cost inspections for municipal insurance across the state of Michigan. This included inspections of wastewater treatment facilities, fire stations, police stations, city halls, etc.
- Since Hurricane Rita in 2005 I have had the opportunity to deploy to dozens of disaster areas and complete catastrophe insurance adjusting on homes damaged by hurricanes. I have led teams of up to ten+ appraisers/adjusters immediately following these catastrophes, set up mobile command centers, and successfully delivered on my clients’ expected goals.
Education
No Degree - Business
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MISRA Designation
Appraisal Institute
Skills
- Subject Matter Expert
- Team Building
- Strategic Thinking
- Operational Efficiencies
- Process Improvement
- Training
- Alternative Valuations and Products
- Regulatory compliance
- USPAP compliance
- Data collection and analysis
- Appraisal review
Accomplishments
- Guest Speaker on various topics such as the State of Appraising, and Being Obsessed with Finding a Better Way.
- Created and hosted an internal podcast that ran for three years.
- Published articles in company's monthly magazine.
- Recently interviewed on "Appraisers on Purpose" podcast.
Affiliations
Appraisal Institute, SRA designation
Certification
- State Certified Appraiser, 2008 (MI 1204070391)
- Appraisal Institute, SRA Designation, 2015
Timeline
Chief Appraiser
Cross Country Mortgage
09.2021 - Current
Staff RE Appraiser
Amrock
09.2015 - 09.2021
Chief Staff Appraiser
eAMC
12.2010 - 09.2015
President
Eagle Appraisal, P.C.
10.2005 - 12.2010
No Degree - Business
Eastern Michigan University
SRA Designation
Appraisal Institute