Construction Lending Panel Video from the 2025 Lending Conference
Watch the 2025 American Lending Conference construction lending panel video. Risk, budgets, draws, and docs every lender needs to get right.
The American Lending Conference (March 2025) brought together some of the most experienced voices in private lending for a no-nonsense panel on construction lending. Moderated by Class Valuation’s Mark Walzer, the session focused on what lenders actually need to know before funding ground-up construction, rebuilds, or major renovations.
Whether you’re scaling your construction loan offerings or just getting started, you’ll want to bookmark this.
Panel Participants:
Dennis Doss – Managing Partner, Doss Law / Doss Docs
Mark Walzer – SVP, Class Valuation
Marcus Carter – President, La Mesa Fund Control
Dave Gray – Vice President, Anchor Loans
Mark Cassidy – Chief Valuation Officer, Service 1st
What’s Covered in the Construction Lending Panel Video
Why Construction Lending is a Growing Opportunity
Where market volume is shifting
New construction trends and housing demand
Why this space matters more in a high-rate market
The Economic Climate and Lending Strategy
How rates, costs, and materials are impacting loan performance
Affordability and pricing pressure
What to expect in the year ahead
Risk Management in Construction Loans
Why most lenders avoid the space
How to build a repeat borrower base
Common pitfalls lenders should plan for
Valuation and Land Considerations
What to know before financing a rebuild
Land risk, location timing, and environmental red flags
Ground valuation best practices
Core Risks Lenders Need to Watch
Poor budget quality and disbursement issues
Contractor reliability
Time overruns and funding gaps
Construction Budgets: What Makes or Breaks the Deal
Real examples of good vs. bad budgets
How vague line items cause draw delays
Why budget accuracy drives project outcomes
Appraisals and As-Completed Value
What appraisers need to do their job right
Common valuation misses
Budget and spec alignment with appraisal logic
Draw Schedules and Disbursement Risk
How poor draw management can wipe out profit
Legal risk and verification blind spots
Best practices from fund control experts
Technology vs. Manual Oversight
Where tech helps and where it fails
Photo verification, inspections, and transparency tools
How to combine automation with proper controls
Structuring Construction Loan Docs
Why strong docs matter more in construction
Mechanics liens, title insurance, and priority risk
The importance of assignments, reserves, and GC contracts
Final Takeaways from the Panelists
What experienced lenders always double-check
How to think about repeat business, draw controls, and borrower vetting
The cost of not planning ahead
Audience Q&A: Title and Rebuild Risk After Disasters
Title insurance issues with fire-damaged lots
How toxic ground impacts valuation and rebuild plans
What lenders should confirm before funding a rebuild
Full Transcript
Want the full transcript? Check it out here.
