Vice President of Real Estate/In-House Appraiser

Gradient Mortgage Capital•Fort Lauderdale, FL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Real Estate and In-House Appraiser is a full-time position responsible for reviewing and evaluating residential and commercial real estate appraisal reports to support sound lending decisions. This role plays a critical part in mitigating valuation risk by ensuring appraisal quality, consistency, and defensibility while supporting credit and underwriting teams with independent, well-reasoned valuation analysis. The ideal candidate is a highly experienced appraiser with strong analytical judgment who can work independently, collaborate closely with Credit leadership, and navigate complex valuation scenarios.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of income capitalization, sales comparison, and cost valuation methodologies.
Advanced understanding of market analysis and highest and best use analysis across property types.
Strong knowledge of underwriting concepts and how valuation supports credit risk decisions.
Comprehensive understanding of USPAP and FIRREA standards.
Ability to independently assess complex valuation scenarios.
Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to identify unsupported assumptions or valuation gaps.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present valuation conclusions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple reviews concurrently.
Proficiency with appraisal software, CRM/LOS systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
Demonstrated ethical judgment, professionalism, and discretion consistent with appraisal standards.
Ability to collaborate effectively across credit, underwriting, and executive leadership teams.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field required.
Certified General Real Property Appraiser designation or strongly preferred MAI designation or meaningful progress toward MAI coursework preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in real estate appraisal and/or appraisal review.
Experience supporting lending or credit decisions.
Experience reviewing both residential and commercial income-producing properties.
Familiarity with valuation risk management, internal credit policies, and audit or examination support.
Experience interacting directly with third-party appraisers and resolving valuation-related issues.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive reviews of residential and commercial real estate appraisal reports to assess accuracy, reasonableness, and overall credibility.
Evaluate valuation methodologies, market data, assumptions, adjustments, and value conclusions for consistency with market conditions and underwriting intent.
Ensure appraisal reviews comply with USPAP, FIRREA, and internal credit and valuation policies.
Identify valuation risks and communicate findings, concerns, and recommendations clearly to underwriters, credit officers, and management.
Recommend appraisal revisions, additional data support, or re-appraisals when deficiencies or inconsistencies are identified.
Provide valuation guidance on complex or non-traditional assets.
Partner with the Head of Credit and underwriting teams to support loan structuring and risk mitigation efforts.
Contribute to the development, refinement, and ongoing improvement of internal appraisal review standards, tools, and procedures.
Maintain detailed and well-documented records of appraisal reviews, findings, and correspondence within the CRM/LOS system.
Stay current on real estate market trends, valuation methodologies, and regulatory developments.
Assist in training and mentoring junior team members and supporting professional development within the organization.
Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with management to review workload, priorities, and objectives.
Support quarterly production goals and broader credit initiatives.
Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by managemenAssess valuation methods, market data, adjustments, and value conclusions for consistency and reliability.