Commercial Appraisal Job Manager

This position is primarily responsible for managing the full valuation lifecycle, or order engagement through appraisal review processes for delegated assignments within the Appraisal Department and involving a broad range of commercial real estate and residential construction properties. With minimal supervision, the candidate must be able to identify the necessary scope of work for each request to ensure that the proper valuation service is engaged, as well as identify, vet and engage competent valuation service providers for each property. The candidate must be able to determine and manage compliance with the minimum appraisal standards of Title XI of FIRREA, the Interagency Appraisal and Evaluation Guidelines (IAEGs), USPAP, Bank requirements and other various lending programs. This involves working closely with all commercial lending units and the Credit Administration/ Special Assets departments to ensure that the appraisal function: (1) supports the Bank’s ability to provide superior customer service and achieve service level agreements; (2) help the Bank maintain desired levels of credit risk; and (3) meet regulatory requirements.

Along with the key functions listed below, you will be expected to uphold the value that WaFd Bank places on simply being kind when working alongside colleagues and servicing our clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Ability to independently work with lending partners to identify and define the scope of work necessary to produce credible and compliant results, including the selection, coaching and engagement of valuation professionals to complete each assignment.
• Perform valuation reviews of all commercial and residential construction property types. This includes a thorough understanding of all predominate commercial property types and involving a wide range of complexities.  The review function includes analysis of valuation reports including: completeness, accuracy, adequacy, relevance, reasonableness, and compliance with regulatory, Bank and investor appraisal requirements.    
• Support a solution-focused and risk-based approach to the valuation process, including proficiency in understanding credit structure and in the context of collateral risk analysis.
• Effectively perform collateral risk assessment analysis during the review process, and with specific consideration for the property type and credit action.
• Effectively communicate with department staff, lending partners and valuation service providers, including the ability to resolve conflict during the valuation process lifecycle.
• Communicate with fee appraisers in the bidding and ordering of appraisal reports, and when additional documentation is necessary.  Follow up with appraisers when clarification is necessary to ensure satisfactory resolution of outstanding valuation matters.
• Possess competency in the analysis of plans and specifications, operating statements, rent rolls, cost budgets, entitlement reports, title reports, engineering reports and environmental and soils reports.
• Possess the ability and competency to generate in-house valuations in support of new loans and for loan/asset monitoring purposes, as needed.
• Ability to contribute and support the development and implementation of the department’s strategic plans and action steps that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the appraisal function and support the corporate and business unit strategic objectives and plans.
• Establish and maintain open communication with all lending departments in order to support business initiatives, strategies and needs and while maintaining appropriate levels of independence and controls.
• Stay current with market trends and regulatory requirements and be a resource of real estate information for all CRE lending areas.
• Maintain, track and measure productivity levels/goals as outlined by the Chief Appraiser.
• Perform on-site property inspections as needed.
• Maintain a current understanding and familiarity with WaFd Bank’s commercial-related lending products.
• Advise the department manager(s) of significant problems encountered in a timely manner.
• Assume additional responsibilities as they arise, cross-train within the department, and be responsive to the needs of the department.
• Adhere to bank policies and procedures designed to comply with Federal regulations, including but not limited to the Bank Secrecy Act, USA Patriot Act and OFAC regulations.

Education/Skills/Training:

• Have a valid “Certified General Real Estate Appraiser” license.  Exceptions to the licensing requirement may be permitted on a case-by-case basis and depending upon a candidate’s level of equivalent education and relevant experience. 
• Appraisal Institute designation(s) (MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, or AI-RRS) are a plus; completion of the Review Theory: General course by the Appraisal Institute is also highly encouraged. 
• Educational requirements include a 4-year college degree or higher.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Be a self-starter who can work independently, but who also has the ability to work cooperatively and will maintain effective communication with co-workers, department managers, and lending partners.
• Have a strong ability, desire, and enjoyment in working with others in a cooperative, professional and friendly spirit.
• Has the ability to learn quickly and be accurate and timely in completing responsibilities, with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, accuracy and problem solving.
• Must be a self-starter, be dependable, and can/ will work well under pressure due to volume as well as someone who can be flexible in doing assorted tasks.  Must have the willingness and desire to perform to meet/ exceed department goals and service-level agreement deadlines.
• Possess the ability to accept and/ or facilitate change, whether spurred by corporate needs, market or regulatory requirements.
• Extensive computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet (preferably with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel) and internet search skills.
• Occasional travel may be required outside of normal business hours.
• Possess good judgment, ability to accept responsibility and handle confidential information.
• Strong awareness of regional economies within lending footprint that include, but are not limited to: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, California, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada.

Experience:

• Five years of commercial appraisal experience, including a minimum of two years of commercial appraisal review experience, preferably within a regulated financial institution.  Experience must be combined with technical knowledge and education to review income property and residential construction appraisals, including complex property types.  

At WaFd Bank you get all of these great benefits!

• Paid time off for vacation, sick days and holidays
• Health insurance
• Stock options
• Bonus programs
• Generous 7% 401(k) employer matching*
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee assistance programs
• Pre-tax health and dependent-care spending plans

WaFd Bank Benefits Summary - Click here for more information

We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and/or veteran status, or disability in accordance with Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which require affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. WaFd Bank does not discriminate on the basis of national origin or citizenship status as provided under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. WaFd Bank is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities to the full extent required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you feel you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to the ADA, you are encouraged to contact us at 800.324.9375

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