Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California is offering a conscientious, motivated candidate an excellent hands-on opportunity to learn the skills and accumulate the hours needed to obtain a Certified General appraisal license and launch your career in the profession.
As the largest national commercial real estate valuation and advisory services firm in North America, Valbridge Property Advisors has over 60 offices across the US, with more than 675 staff members, 200 of whom are MAI designated. Our appraisers provide high-end commercial real estate appraisal services for a variety of real estate sectors including office, retail, industrial, multi-family, vacant land, and special use properties. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, lending institutions, attorneys, developers, accounting firms, and government agencies.
Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California has a team of appraisers and operational staff located in San Jose, San Ramon, and Roseville. Our firm is one with a positive, stimulating company culture and we offer full health, vision, and dental benefits plus 401(k) with matching.
Job Brief
About the Role
Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California is hiring Appraisal Analysts (Trainee) for their locations in San Jose and San Ramon, CA. In this entry-level position you will work directly with licensed commercial appraisers on valuation assignments across a variety of property types-including office, industrial, retail, multifamily, land, and special-use assets.
This role is designed to help you build skills, produce high quality work, and progress steadily toward earning your California Certified General Appraiser license
Growth Path
90 days
Master property and comp data entry, research tools, and basic section drafting with minimal revisions.
6–12 months
Write portions of the appraisal report with minimal supervision, manage parts of client communication, select and analyze comps to be used in the valuation section, and contribute to early-stage financial analysis and valuation.
12–24 months
Lead simple property assignments’ research and initial value analyses; draft full approaches under review and continue logging experience hours toward certification.
Growth Path to Certified General Licensure (AG license)
We provide full mentorship and cover the cost of your required education. The licensure process can typically be completed in about two years, depending on your pace, with the following requirements-
Education: 300 hours of qualifying appraisal coursework (completed outside work hours)
Experience: A minimum of 3,000 hours over ≥ at least 18 months, including 1,500 hours of non-residential work.
Exam: Pass the National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam.
You’ll be paired with two certified real estate appraisers and receive structured guidance and feedback. After a 90-day probationary period, you can be eligible for education reimbursement. The Appraisal Institute, State of California, and BREA’s requirements are part of the process, and you will receive mentoring and help with planning and meeting those deadlines.
Schedule
First 90 days: Full-time in office
After 90 days (with manager approval): Hybrid schedule-3 days/week in-office.
Professional attire and regular attendance required during business hours
Responsibilities
Market and subject property research - Gather, verify, and analyze, sales, lease, tax, expense, and permit data. Confirm comparables (comps) through phone/email outreach and public records. Input and manage this data in our proprietary database.
Report drafting - Write or edit sections (e.g., market overviews, property descriptions, approaches to value) and compile reports and exhibits for a supervisor review.
Field support - Assist on property inspections- photograph property, measure spaces, take notes, and interact with clients on-site.
Benefits
Base Salary: $52,500 annually
Commission: Fee split opportunity on appraisals (typically begins ~1.5years in)
Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision. 401(k) with employer match.
Educational Support: McKissock online licensing courses toward AG licensure + one industry conference per year
Requirements
Bachelor's degree or higher
Strong analytical writing and above-average math ability
High attention to detail and follow-through; clear and professional communication
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook; willingness to learn proprietary systems/tools
Valid driver’s license, and access to a reliable vehicle
Preferred: Internship or experience in commercial real estate (CRE), finance, planning, or a related field
Preferred: Progress toward California Trainee or AG license
Preferred: Familiarity with valuation tools such as Argus or Rockport is a plus
Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California is offering a conscientious, motivated candidate an excellent hands-on opportunity to learn the skills and accumulate the hours needed to obtain a Certified General appraisal license and launch your career in the profession.
As the largest national commercial real estate valuation and advisory services firm in North America, Valbridge Property Advisors has over 60 offices across the US, with more than 675 staff members, 200 of whom are MAI designated. Our appraisers provide high-end commercial real estate appraisal services for a variety of real estate sectors including office, retail, industrial, multi-family, vacant land, and special use properties. Clients include Fortune 500 companies, lending institutions, attorneys, developers, accounting firms, and government agencies.
Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California has a team of appraisers and operational staff located in San Jose, San Ramon, and Roseville. Our firm is one with a positive, stimulating company culture and we offer full health, vision, and dental benefits plus 401(k) with matching.
Job Brief
The appraisal analyst/trainee will be paired with one to three appraisers in a mentor/mentee structure with the goal of helping them master the skills needed to excel in an appraisal career. We want you to progress as quickly as you feel comfortable toward getting your license, so you can enjoy a rewarding and intellectually challenging career with Valbridge!
During the course of daily full-time work, the analyst supports the appraiser(s) by conducting research, helping write reports, selecting comparables, and completing valuation analysis. Trainees are expected to complete their appraisal courses on their own time.
In addition to mentorship and training, analysts/trainees with Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California are eligible for education reimbursement after six months of employment.
Certified General (AG) licensure in the State of California requires the following of new licensees: Commercial real estate appraisal classes totaling 300 hours, 3,000 hours of acceptable experience, and a passing grade of a rigorous examination after completion of the above items.
Benefits
Supportive team and comprehensive training
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Excellent 401(k) plan with matching
Education and networking reimbursement
Compensation: $52,500 annually
Requirements
Strong computer skills
Above average math and writing skills
Strong attention to detail, analytical, research, and communication skills
Some knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
Willingness to learn proprietary software platforms
A positive, professional attitude in the work environment and in the field
Bachelor's degree or higher
Driver's license in good standing with reliable vehicle
Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California is seeking licensed Certified General Commercial Real Estate Appraisers to join our team in San Jose, California. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in appraising all major commercial asset classes. Experience and/or interest in growing experience appraising specialty property types is preferred. Each candidate's credentials will be considered based on their experience, education and knowledge base. A minimum of two years of full-time commercial experience is preferred.
Valbridge Property Advisors has a reputation for being an excellent place to grow your career. With a collaborative work environment, wide variety of assignments, and mentorship style leadership, the sky is the limit within our firm. As a leader in the field of commercial real estate appraisal, Valbridge Property Advisors | Northern California presents growth opportunities for leading-edge professionals.
Benefits
Clearly defined fee splits
Wide variety of assignments and clients
Opportunities for growth and specialization by property type or specialty practice
Support staff to aid with sales, research, and operations
Education and networking reimbursement
Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Excellent 401(k) plan with matching
Requirements
Possess a State of California Certified General (AG) appraiser license in good standing
Proven working experience as a commercial real estate appraiser (minimum of two years preferred)
Strong attention to detail, analytical, research, and communication skills
Advanced knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and various mapping programs
Willingness to learn proprietary software platforms
A positive, professional attitude in the work environment and in the field
