Real Estate Appraiser

Overview

Performs basic real estate appraisals of less complicated properties to facilitate the timely reassessment of the city for ad valorem taxation purposes, assisting citizens with property appraisal and tax matters, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under supervision as determined by the City Real Estate Assessor based on current workloads and department needs.

• Assesses real estate properties for general reassessments and reevaluation due to new construction/building permits.
• Conducts field inspections of property sites; collects data and measures/sketches property improvements using a tape measure or laser device and enters the data into the Pro Val CAMA software; reads and interprets maps, plans, drawings, and aerial photographs to collect and verify property data, improvements, boundaries, conditions, etc. to be utilized as a basis for evaluation and comparison to other properties.
• Analyzes changes in land use, zoning and building regulations, economic trends, and other factors affecting property values.
• Uses market, cost and income approaches to value. Value land, improvements and structural additions, alterations, demolitions, changes and damages to real property.
• Performs mathematical calculations, recognizes grades on the quality of construction, and follows instructions from superiors regarding appraisal assignments and general office policies and procedures.
• Compiles data for ratio studies, verifies sales, prepares reports and analyzes data used in the mass appraisal process for the general reassessment.
• Verifies/keys transfers of property ownership and processes splits/combination of land.
• Conducts informal property tax appeals with taxpayers and/or representatives; defends residential assessment values to the Board of Equalization.
• Provides information and answers questions from property owners and the general public regarding the appraisal process, property assessments, and other appraisal-related issues.

• Minimum
  
  Education and Experience:
  
  Requires any combination of education (above high school level) and/or experience equivalent to two years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills and abilities, and associated with such positions as real estate appraisers. Any combination of experience, training, knowledge, skills and abilities associated with real estate appraisers, or an equivalent combination providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Two to four years of real estate residential/mass appraising experience.
• IAAO designation/40 hours of fundamentals real estate appraisal coursework preferred.
• Virginia Real Estate Appraiser license.
  
  Note:
  
  while employed with the City, you will not be allowed to conduct real estate appraisals within the city limits. If you possess a real estate sales license it must be placed in an “inactive” or “referral status” only.
• Complete International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) mass appraisal Course 101 within one year of hire. Professional development is encouraged. License fees and all continuing education required for a State appraisal license or IAAO designation will be paid by the City.
• Valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

• Knowledge of real estate appraising fundamentals.
• Knowledge of basic economics and finance.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical statistics.
• Knowledge of building construction practices.
• Knowledge of computer operation and the use of city-standard software applications.
• Working knowledge of Pro Val or other CAMA systems is desired.

• Skill in accurate measurement, data collection and data entry of land and real estate improvements.
• Skill in making mathematical calculations relating to building construction and real estate appraising.
• Skill in making digital sketches using computer software.
• Skill in microcomputer operation and utilization of city-standard spreadsheet and word processing software applications.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and customer service skills.

• Ability to gather and organize essential facts pertinent to determining property value.
• Abili…