Certified General Appraiser
About Ascent
Ascent Ascent Developer Solutions is a leading private lending platform, serving real estate developers nationwide in the acquisition, renovation, and construction of residential real estate. Founded by a leadership team with a deep understanding and personal experience in virtually every facet of real estate development, Ascent is uniquely positioned to create custom, innovative lending solutions for a variety of real estate development business strategies.
The Role
The Senior Valuation Specialist plays a crucial role in evaluating financial risks and ensuring adherence to sound credit practices. This position demands well-informed property valuation assessments through detailed understanding of each proposed project and its location within the broader market environment. The responsibilities include:
- Providing written valuation summations for presentation to Credit, Sales, Construction, and Executive departments.
- Determining project feasibility and documenting a package for further Underwriting review, including our Loan Committee.
- Aiding in compiling a comprehensive list of sources and costs for the AscentDS Data Platform.
- Reviewing borrower-supplied project information including building plans, architectural renderings, site plans, and total living space proposed.
- Fully documenting all critical information on the subject project as related to valuation.
- Preparing Valuation Summaries that identify project strengths and potential value limiters.
- Assessing location and relevant market condition metrics to prepare Internal Valuations.
- Assessing strengths or weaknesses of submitted appraisals for feedback to the Approved Appraiser List.
- Providing consistent and accurate updates to both peers and your supervisor.
- Recommend and implement best practices as part of AscentDS dedication to creating an industry-leading customer experience.
- Working efficiently under minimum supervision.
- Advising and/or reviewing peer work product as a quality control measure.
- Conducting Short Form Documented Appraisal Compliance Reviews.
- Performing Appraisal Quality Control, adequacy of comparables for feedback to Approved Appraiser List.
Your Skills and Experience
To excel in this role, candidates should possess:
- A general real estate appraiser license, MAI designation a plus.
- Broad experience in valuation of residential projects from a development perspective.
- Experience with various Project Proformas and typical cost-structure by project or asset type.
- Experience with land value and land-residue analysis.
- Ability to present valuation summaries to internal credit governance executives/committee.
- A Bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field is preferred.
- Five plus years' relevant experience in appraisal or valuation analysis.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Familiarity with industry-standard credit scoring models and underwriting processes.
- Proficiency in financial software and tools, including Excel.
The Work Environment
This role works on-site from Ascent's Encino office, Monday - Thursday (Fridays are work-from-home). Full-time, 40 hours per week; must be available for occasional overtime. Some nights and weekends required.
Pay and Benefits
Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 with 20% bonus target.
Our Benefits Package includes:
- Five health plans
- Two dental plans
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts
- Vision coverage
- A 401(k) plan
- Other optional benefits from which to choose
We also pledge to be fair and considerate in hiring and promoting individuals, ensuring everyone can contribute their fullest potential regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances. By promoting equal opportunity, we not only enhance our workplace but also contribute to a more just and equitable society.