Managing Partner of Soundview Risk Advisors in Venice, CA, has in-depth expertise in the
valuation of solar PV and distributed energy resources. His appraisals and appraisal reviews of solar installations are used for collateral valuation by major financial institutions.
He serves as an advisor to the Clean Energy Finance Forum at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment, the CA Sustainability Alliance, the Microgrid Institute and The Appraisal Foundation.
Mr. Finlay was previously Vice President and Senior Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Manager for Wells Fargo Bank in Los Angeles. He served as Wells Fargo’s property valuation expert for solar PV and distributed energy resources.
James has entered into phased retirement. He currently provides counsel and referrals to USSV.
Managing Partner, SoundView Risk Advisors Venice, CA (July 2014 – Present).
Full-time in commercial real estate since 1986, including brokerage, development, appraisal & appraisal review. Expertise in valuation of solar PV/distributed energy resources [DER] and high performance “green” property.
July 2014 to Present: Managing Partner, SoundView Risk Advisors, Venice, CA
Commercial property appraisal review and management per the property value impact of solar PV/distributed energy resources. Produces a self-contained “solar appraisal” or DER value report
- Market value for financing underwriting; federally regulated transactions, PACE,
- Collaborator with appraisers to complete the Solar/DER value report
- Investment value analysis for property owners considering solar/DER
- Green and conventional building appraisal reviews,
1999 to June 2014 : Appraisal Reviewer –Wells Fargo Bank, Real Estate Technical Services(RETECHS), Los Angeles Vice President, Senior Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Manager
- High-performance “green” real estate – Property valuation expert with the internal Environmental Affairs Group (2006-14). Principal appraisal manager and reviewer for collateral designed to meet LEED, Energy Star and/or with solar/DER [Distributed Energy Resources].
- Small balance commercial, related mortgage technology – Specialist on small commercial property appraisal/evaluation report management and reviews, streamlined, lower cost workflow design
- Loan pool and asset portfolio due diligence team – Due diligence risk analysis, valuation and related document reviews and appraisal review screens for portfolio sampling.
Advisor positions
- National Institute of Building Sciences, Council on Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
- Clean Energy Finance Forum, Yale Center for Business and the Environment
- Appraisal Foundation – High-performance building valuation, Subject Matter Expert
- ThirdAct, San Francisco – fintech start-up small commercial property performance retrofits
- CA Sustainability Alliance – Steering Committee Member, Green Building Valuations
- Microgrid Institute – Finance and valuation analysis
Education, Certifications
1968–72 : Bachelor of Arts, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Concentrations in mechanical engineering, economics, creative arts
Professional Designations
- General Certified Appraisal License; CA: AG 021895, WA: 1102359
- MRICS designation, Member Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
- CA Real Estate Sales License 0092-7330
Send Project Locations & Sizest
Discuss Intended Use & User
Discuss Closing Schedules
Reflect Client Expectations & Appraiser Responsibilities