Qualifications

 

Jon (“Jay”) Dawson, SRA, RS, is a Florida State-Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser with over 20 years of experience in real property valuation and appraisal review. He is a designated member of the Appraisal Institute and the owner of Dawson Appraisal Services. He is also a designated Reserve Specialist® through the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and serves as Division Director of Reserve Studies and Insurance Appraisals at Edge Realty Advisors in Winter Park, Florida. 

Mr. Dawson is recognized for his extensive background in appraisal review and quality control, having evaluated and reviewed countless residential appraisals for mortgage lending, GSEs such as Fannie Mae, and complex litigation assignments. His review work has supported national expert witness teams in fraud investigations, valuation disputes, and compliance matters; ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to USPAP and regulatory standards.

Alongside his residential expertise, Mr. Dawson leads Edge Realty Advisors’ Reserve Studies Division, where he provides Florida condominium and homeowners associations with professional guidance on reserve planning, insurance appraisals, and Florida-mandated Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS). His and his team’s studies offer actionable financial frameworks that promote responsible budgeting and adherence to Florida statutory mandates.

Mr. Dawson’s expertise has been recognized nationally, with features in the Appraisal Institute’s Valuation Magazine, on Redfin.com, and through his leadership at Edge Realty Advisors, where he advances public trust and elevates professional standards within the appraisal and reserve study industries.

Professional Designations & Certifications

                           

  • State of Florida: - State-Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser RD4940, Certified 2005

Areas of Specialization
  • Residential Appraisal & Appraisal Review​ – Specialized in residential valuation and appraisal review, delivering precise, compliant analyses for lenders, attorneys, and regulatory purposes.
  • Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) – Florida-mandated reserve studies focused on the structural safety and financial readiness of condominium and cooperative buildings.
  • Insurance Appraisals – Developing accurate insurable values to protect assets and ensure compliance with state and association requirements.
  • Litigation Support – Expert witness testimony, defensible appraisal reports for legal proceedings, and consulting services.

Litigation & Expert Witness Experience (Partial List)

  • Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court – Seminole County, Florida  – Qualified and served as an expert witness in residential real estate valuation and marital dissolution matters.
  • ​Ninth Judicial Circuit Court – Orange County, Florida (2024) – Provided an expert appraisal report for a litigation case involving residential construction defects.
  • District Court – State of Colorado – Expert appraisal and testimony for real estate litigation case.
  • Market Stigma Consulting – Provided expert litigation consulting and market analysis for a residential property affected by prior sinkhole damage.

Career Publications & Recognition
  • Quoted by Redfin.com for expert insight on “pre-listing” appraisals.

Career History
  • Dawson Appraisal Services, LLC – Owner/Principal (2005–Present)
  • GAB Robins North America – Reserve Specialist (2008–2015)
  • Young & Associates Certified Appraisers, Inc. (2003–2005)
  • D.L. Matonis Appraisal Services, Inc. – Registered Residential Appraiser (2002–2003)