Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate

13-2023.00

Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
• Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
• Inspect new construction and major improvements to existing structures to determine values.
• Collect and analyze relevant data to identify real estate market trends.
• Prepare and maintain current data on each parcel assessed, including maps of boundaries, inventories of land and structures, property characteristics, and any applicable exemptions.
• Explain assessed values to property owners and defend appealed assessments at public hearings.
• Identify the ownership of each piece of taxable property.
• Inspect properties, considering factors such as market value, location, and building or replacement costs to determine appraisal value.
• Complete and maintain assessment rolls that show the assessed values and status of all property in a municipality.
• Review information about transfers of property to ensure its accuracy, checking basic information on buyers, sellers, and sales prices and making corrections as necessary.
• Explain real and personal property taxes to property owners.
• Conduct regular reviews of property within jurisdictions to determine changes in property due to construction or demolition.
• Establish uniform and equitable systems for assessing all classes and kinds of property.
• Examine income records and operating costs of income properties.
• Evaluate land and neighborhoods where properties are situated, considering locations and trends or impending changes that could influence future values.
• Maintain familiarity with aspects of local real estate markets.
• Search public records for transactions such as sales, leases, and assessments.
• Check building codes and zoning bylaws to determine any effects on the properties being appraised.
• Verify legal descriptions of properties by comparing them to county records.
• Interview persons familiar with properties and immediate surroundings, such as contractors, home owners, and realtors, to obtain pertinent information.
• Photograph interiors and exteriors of properties to assist in estimating property value, substantiate findings, and complete appraisal reports.
• Obtain county land values and sales information about nearby properties to aid in establishment of property values.
• Examine the type and location of nearby services, such as shopping centers, schools, parks, and other neighborhood features, to evaluate their impact on property values.
• Estimate building replacement costs, using building valuation manuals and professional cost estimators.
• Draw land diagrams to be used in appraisal reports to support findings.
• Testify in court as to the value of a piece of real estate property.
• Calculate tax bills for properties by multiplying assessed values by jurisdiction tax rates.
• Approve applications for property tax exemptions or deductions.
• Analyze trends in sales prices, construction costs, and rents, to assess property values or determine the accuracy of assessments.
• Determine taxability of properties, using methods such as field inspection, structural measurement, calculation, sales analysis, market trend studies, and income and expense analysis.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator
• Analytical or scientific software - a la mode Pocket TOTAL; a la mode WinTOTAL; Compass Municipal Services CAMAlot; Computer assisted mass appraisal CAMA software; Construction Management Software ProEst; Hansen CAMA; Manatron CustomCAMA; Manatron ProVal Plus; Mass appraisal records system MARS; MicroSolve CAMA; Wilson's Computer Applications RealEasy Appraisals; WinEstimator WinEst; WinGap
• Calendar and scheduling software - Govern Software Land and Permits Management System
• Data base user interface and query software - Ascend Property Assessment; Bruno Realty eNeighboorhoods; Business Management Systems Municipal Geographic Management System MGMS; Database software; eTrac; FBS Data Systems Flexmls; GCS Property Assessment and Tax Billing; Microsoft Access 🔥; Modellium PariTOP; Multiple listing service software; Softree Technical Systems Terrain Tools; Visual PAMSPro; Yardi software 🔥
• Desktop publishing software - ACI Appraiser's Choice
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Financial analysis software - Cost estimating software; CPR Visual Estimator; Howard and Friends Computer CMA Plus; HP 49G+ Appraiser Fee Calculator; Manufacturing Technology Costimater; Real Edge; Real Estate Center Caparate Calculator; RealData Comparative Lease Analysis; Realty Tools Toolkit for Market Share; REI Wise Commercial; RPIS Silent CMA; TietoEnator ProMatch
• Geographic information system - Geographic information system GIS systems; Govern Software GovMap
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Bradford ClickFORMS; Wilson's Computer Applications RealEasy Photos Plus
• Information retrieval or search software - Online title search and property report software
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Map creation software - Apex IV Assessor; Apex IV Fee Appraiser; Apex MobileSketch; Emerald Data Deed-Chek; Geomechanical design analysis GDA software; Greenbrier Graphics Deed Plotter; Informatik MapDraw Deed Mapper
• Office suite software - Google Workspace software 🔥; Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Apple iOS 🔥; Microsoft Windows 🔥; Operating system software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Tax preparation software - Manatron MVP Tax
• Video conferencing software - Google Meet
• Word processing software - Concierge Systems Report Concierge; Microsoft Word 🔥; ValueTech Report Builder; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Appraise property values.
• Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
• Analyze market conditions or trends.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.
• Interpret financial information for others.
• Examine financial records.
• Prepare financial documents.
• Verify accuracy of records.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Explain financial information to customers.
• Advise real estate clients.
• Evaluate condition of properties.
• Develop business or financial information systems.
• Update professional knowledge.
• Gather financial records.
• Create images of data, locations, or products.
• Estimate costs of goods or services.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Calculate data to inform organizational operations.
• Verify application data to determine program eligibility.