Flat Branch Home Loans

Default Claims Specialist

Flat Branch Home Loans  •  Remote  •  9 days ago
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Job Description

Job Type
Full-time
Description

The Default Foreclosure Claims Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end claims lifecycle and overseeing property preservation servicing activities within a mortgage servicing environment. This role ensures compliance with investor guidelines (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA), CFPB regulations, and applicable state and federal requirements. The position partners cross-functionally to maximize claim recoveries, control costs, mitigate risk, and ensure properties are maintained in accordance with investor and regulatory expectations.

This is a fully remote position. We are looking to fill this position in one of the following states that we have offices in: AR, FL, IA, KS, MI, MO, NE, OK, TN, TX.

Key Responsibilities

Claims Management & Recovery

  • Manage the full lifecycle of foreclosure and default-related claims, including preparation, submission, tracking, reconciliation, and resolution.
  • File and monitor claims with investors, guarantors, and insurers (FHA/HUD, VA, USDA, PMI, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac).
  • Ensure timely filing and follow-up to prevent curtailments, denials, or lost recoveries.
  • Audit and validate claim calculations, including principal, interest, advances, fees, and allowable costs.
  • Conduct root cause analysis on denied or curtailed claims and implement corrective actions.
  • Research and resolve claim exceptions, deficiencies, and appeals, including supplemental claims as needed.
  • Reconcile claim proceeds and ensure accurate system and general ledger posting.

Property Preservation & REO Oversight

  • Oversee property preservation and REO servicing activities to ensure compliance with investor guidelines, CFPB regulations, and state/federal laws.

Compliance, Risk & Controls

  • Ensure adherence to agency, investor, and regulatory requirements (FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, FHLMC, CFPB).
  • Identify, document, and escalate compliance risks, servicing errors, and control gaps.
  • Maintain thorough, audit-ready documentation supporting all claim and preservation activities.

Collaboration & Operational Excellence

  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on default claims processes and property preservation requirements.
  • Gather required documentation and resolve discrepancies impacting claims or property expenses.
  • Track, analyze, and report performance metrics, including recovery rates, curtailments, timelines, and vendor effectiveness.
  • Identify trends and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and financial outcomes.
  • Assist in development and maintenance of procedures, workflows, and training materials.


Requirements

Qualifications

  • 3–6+ years of experience in foreclosure claims and property preservation.
  • Strong working knowledge of:
  • Agency/government claims (FHA Part A/B, VA, USDA)
  • GSE requirements (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac)
  • Property preservation and REO guidelines
  • Experience with mortgage servicing platforms (e.g., MSP/ICE).
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and data analysis.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong analytical and root cause problem-solving skills
  • Deep understanding of investor guidelines and compliance requirements
  • High attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation standards
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration
  • Process improvement mindset with focus on risk mitigation and cost control

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience with GNMA (FHA, USDA, VA) Foreclosure Claims
  • Claims audit, QC, or regulatory exam support experience
  • Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data validation)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Claim filing timeliness and accuracy
  • Claim recovery rate and loss severity reduction
  • Curtailment and denial rates
  • Property preservation cost control vs. investor limits
  • Vendor performance and SLA adherence
  • Audit/QA results and compliance scores
Flat Branch Home Loans

About Flat Branch Home Loans

At Flat Branch Home Loans, we know home is more than just a place. Since 2005, we've been helping families all across the Midwest achieve homeownership. As an ESOP, or employee-owned company, with over 90 branches and licensed in 38 states, we are proud to be the #2 USDA lender in the country. We lead with honesty, kindness, and a true commitment to our borrowers, whether we are guiding a first-time buyer or supporting a seasoned homeowner.

Serving the communities we live and work in is a core part of our mission. The Giving Branch, a non-profit organization for philanthropic giving, is 100% funded by the employees of Flat Branch Home Loans. The Giving Branch has given more than 5 million dollars back to the local communities.

Together with our partner entities Flat Branch Insurance Services, Flat Branch Mortgage Services, Flat Branch Bank, and The Giving Branch, we offer a full network of care and support. At Flat Branch, we're more than a mortgage lender; we are your fellow community members, friends and neighbors.

Industry
Finance & Insurance
Company Size
501-1,000 employees
Headquarters
Columbia, Mo
Year Founded
2005
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