Certified General Appraiser/ Senior Valuations Specialist

About 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

As a Senior Valuation Specialist, you will play 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. Provides written valuation summations for presentation Credit, Sales, Construction and Executive departments.


Your efforts will consistently help determine project feasibility and document a package for further Underwriting review, including our Loan Committee.


The Work

• Assist in compiling a comprehensive list of sources and costs for the AscentDS Data Platform.
• Review borrower supplied project information including any building plans, architectural renderings, site plan and total living space proposed.
• Fully document all critical information on subject project as related to valuation.
• Prepare Valuation Summary which identifies project strengths and potential value limiters.
• Assess location and relevant market condition metrics to prepare Internal Valuation.
• Assess strengths or weaknesses of submitted appraisals for feedback to Approved Appraiser List.
• Provide 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.
• Work efficiently under minimum supervision.
• Advise and/or review peer work product as a quality control.
• Short form documented Appraisal Compliance Review.
• Appraisal QC, adequacy of comparables for feedback to Approved Appraiser List.

Your Skills and Experience

• Required 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.
• 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.

Salary Range

• $125,000 - $150,000 with 20% bonus target

Our Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits include five health plans, two dental plans, health savings and flexible spending accounts, vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, and other optional benefits from which to choose.

Our Pledge

We 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. At Ascent, we stand united in building a community where everyone is empowered to succeed. Thank you for joining us on our journey towards a more inclusive future.