What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Analyst position at Dream Finders Homes?
About The Role
Dream Finders Homes is seeking a high-caliber Land Acquisition Analyst to join our team in Bluffton, SC.
This role serves as the analytical and operational engine behind our land acquisition and development activities. Working closely with executive leadership and land development teams, you will evaluate residential land opportunities, build financial underwriting models, assess market conditions, assist with cross-functional due diligence tracking, and manage operational workflows from initial intake through site entitlement and closing.
If you have a strong background in real estate finance, residential land, or multi-family construction/development and are looking for a clear trajectory to grow into a Land Acquisition Manager, this opportunity is for you.
Key Responsibilities
Dream Finders Homes is seeking a high-caliber Land Acquisition Analyst to join our team in Bluffton, SC.
This role serves as the analytical and operational engine behind our land acquisition and development activities. Working closely with executive leadership and land development teams, you will evaluate residential land opportunities, build financial underwriting models, assess market conditions, assist with cross-functional due diligence tracking, and manage operational workflows from initial intake through site entitlement and closing.
If you have a strong background in real estate finance, residential land, or multi-family construction/development and are looking for a clear trajectory to grow into a Land Acquisition Manager, this opportunity is for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Underwriting & Financial Modeling: Build and update detailed proforma financial models, DCF cash flow analyses, CMAs (Comparative Market Analyses), and land underwriting metrics for prospective residential acquisitions.
- Pipeline & Operational Flow: Oversee operational workflows and project pipeline tracking using DealPath to manage deal status, milestone checklists, and critical closing dates.
- Due Diligence Support & Fieldwork: Assist the Land Development team—who primarily leads site diligence—by supporting the review of environmental reports, geotechnical studies, boundary surveys, utility capacities, and zoning/entitlement restrictions. Perform regular on-site field visits as needed.
- Market & Competitive Research: Track submarket housing trends, competitor pricing, lot supply, permit activity, and home sales absorption rates to identify viable growth corridors.
- Approval Decks: Synthesize financial, engineering, and market data into executive-level Investment Committee memos and presentations to justify land transactions.
- Experience: 2–4 years of experience in real estate financial analysis, land acquisition, or project analysis with a homebuilder, residential developer, or multi-family construction/development firm. (This is not an entry-level/recent undergraduate role).
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Real Estate, Finance, Economics, or Business required. Master’s degree (MSRE, MRED, MBA, or MS in Construction Management) is highly preferred.
- Software & Systems Mastery:
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for complex financial modeling and CMA preparation.
- Experience with GIS mapping platforms (e.g., LandVision, ArcGIS).
- Familiarity with DealPath or similar real estate pipeline management software is a strong plus.
- Industry & Construction Knowledge: Solid understanding of site feasibility, construction operational flow, land entitlements, zoning codes, and municipal approval processes.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills; comfortable presenting data to executive leadership and interacting with local land sellers and brokers.
- Work Location: On-site in Bluffton, SC with local field visits. Must be willing to work on-site (no remote option).
- Competitive compensation structure with performance-based bonuses tied to project approvals and closings.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Clear career path toward a Land Acquisition Manager position.