Real Estate Analyst

Essex Financial Group

Real Estate Analyst

Company Description:

Essex Financial Group ("Essex") is the largest independently-owned commercial mortgage banking firm in Colorado.  Essex specializes in commercial real estate debt and equity placement.  For over 30 years, Essex has helped its clients navigate the capital markets effectively and efficiently to identify the best capital source and structure to meet their needs.

• #1 Originator of Life Insurance Company Loans in Colorado – Essex is a correspondent for 25 insurance companies in the US, including six (6) on an exclusive basis.  Since 2014, Essex has originated $4 billion in 1^st mortgage debt with its insurance company relationships. 

• Strongest and Deepest National Lending Relationships – Essex has the longest tenure in representing national non-recourse lending sources in the Rocky Mountain Region, including insurance companies, CMBS lenders, national and regional banks, and debt funds. 

• Long, Successful Track Record – Essex has 30+ years of commercial real estate lending experience, and the firm has developed, trained and empowered the next generation for another 30-year run. 

• Deep Loan Servicing Expertise – Essex directly services a 700+ loan portfolio with 44 institutional lenders that currently has an outstanding principal balance of $5.0 billion. 

Job Description:        

The Real Estate Analyst position assists with the analysis, marketing, and placement of commercial real estate loans.  The analyst plays an integral role in analyzing and processing loans through the underwriting, marketing, and closing phases of the loan production process.  The analyst will gain insight into structuring real estate debt and equity investments, and will be exposed to a wide spectrum of capital sources.

The primary functions include, but are not limited to:

• Underwriting income-producing properties using Excel and ARGUS.  The analyst is responsible for complex financial modeling of commercial real estate (office, retail, industrial and multi-family) and utilizing data (market statistics, rent and sale comparables) to correctly underwrite transactions. 
• Analyzing commercial mortgage requests to determine real estate value, risk, and feasibility.
• Creating comprehensive loan request packages with the following content – executive summary, financial analysis, borrower/sponsor description, market overview, property details, strengths and weaknesses of the proposed transaction. 
• Researching commercial real estate markets inside and outside of Colorado.
• Assisting with the loan marketing, application, commitment, and closing processes.
• Manage the flow of information and deadlines during the closing process, which includes gathering due diligence items for lenders, engaging and managing the 3^rd party report process, reviewing/abstracting leases, and completing various analyses related to closing statement figures.    

Key Accountabilities:

The following are the key accountabilities and skills that all analysts must have or learn to be successful in the real estate analyst role at Essex Financial Group. 

• Apply critical thinking to properly analyze commercial real estate transactions, model property cash flows in Excel and Argus, and assess feasibility and risk.
• Ability to communicate technical analysis factually, articulately, and concisely with sales-oriented writing and email correspondence.    
• Possess the ability, knowledge, and critical thinking skills to manage a commercial real estate transaction from start to finish.  A strong desire and drive to get the transaction successfully closed in a timely manner to meet and/or exceed customer expectations. 
• The analyst is critical to the success of the team.  The analyst is accountable to team members, lenders and clients for accuracy and deadlines.  Managing time, prioritizing work on multiple projects, following up on commitments, collaborating with others, and exhibiting a positive “can do” attitude is essential for success in a fast-paced, results-focused environment.  
• Build critical relationships with the lender community.  Develop strong working knowledge of lender programs, processes, and practices, and act as a knowledge resource for the team. 

Education & Experience:

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree with undergraduate coursework in business, finance, and real estate finance.  Previous finance or mortgage loan experience is required.  MBA is a preferrable, but not required. 

This opportunity offers a salary range of $70,000 to $90,000, based upon experience, and the potential for an annual discretionary bonus of between 10-30% of salary based upon your contribution towards achievement of organizational goals and Company profitability.  Benefits include: 401K Plan, Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Programs, Complimentary Life and Disability Programs and Paid Vacation that starts accruing on your first day of employment.