Certified Property Appraiser, Independent Contractor (1099)

ATS FAMILY • Marietta, GA

9d

About The Position

U.S. Forensic’s sister company, Forte, provides technical expertise to the property and casualty insurance industry, helping clients reach fair, accurate, and timely resolutions of disputed property claims. Forte is seeking newly certified appraisers and experienced claims professionals transitioning into appraisal work. The appraiser inspects damaged residential and commercial properties, prepares repair estimates, documents findings, and works with opposing appraisers to establish the amount of loss. Forte provides guidance on company procedures, client expectations, reporting standards, and quality assurance requirements. Candidates should have a foundation in property claims, damage evaluation, and estimating. The role is an independent-contractor (1099) contract position. Preferred locations include Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, and California; candidates should be willing to support assignments throughout their state.

Requirements

• Active Property and Casualty Adjuster License in applicable jurisdictions, where required.
• Property appraisal certification or completion of recognized appraisal training.
• Working knowledge of property construction, roofing systems, building materials, repair methods, and damage evaluation.
• Familiarity with Xactimate.
• Ability to prepare detailed, accurate, itemized repair estimates within established SLA timeframes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional judgment and ability to remain impartial during disputed claims.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, web browsers, PDF software, and electronic claim-management systems.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel to property inspection locations.
• Must pass a background check and maintain an acceptable MVR under company policy and client requirements.
• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under the stated ITAR-related requirement.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of residential or commercial property claims experience (listed as preferred).
• Xactimate certification.
• Familiarity with XactAnalysis.
• Experience handling wind, hail, fire, water, roofing, or large-loss claims.
• Familiarity with EagleView, Hover, or similar property measurement platforms.
• Construction, restoration, roofing, estimating, or building-code experience.
• Prior experience communicating with contractors, adjusters, policyholders, or other claim professionals.
• Experience preparing estimates, reports, or other documentation reviewed by clients or appraisal-panel members.

Responsibilities

• Inspect residential and commercial properties damaged by wind, hail, fire, water, and other reported causes of loss.
• Review assignment instructions, carrier and contractor estimates, photographs, measurements, and relevant claim documentation.
• Identify and document the scope and extent of physical damage.
• Prepare complete, itemized repair or replacement cost estimates using Xactimate.
• Take photographs, measurements, notes, and other documentation to support appraisal conclusions.
• Prepare professional narrative reports explaining inspection findings, estimate decisions, and areas of disagreement.
• Communicate professionally with opposing appraisers, umpires, adjusters, contractors, and property owners.
• Compare estimates and negotiate differences involving scope, quantities, pricing, and repair methodology.
• Remain neutral and independent while evaluating the amount of loss.
• Submit estimates, reports, awards, and supporting documentation for quality assurance review before finalizing an appraisal.
• Complete requested revisions accurately and within established turnaround times.
• Maintain timely status updates and organized electronic claim files.
• Meet company and client deadlines while managing multiple assignments.
• Follow applicable laws, licensing requirements, appraisal standards, client guidelines, and Forte procedures.
• Limit appraisal decisions to the scope and amount of loss and avoid coverage determinations reserved for the insurance carrier.
• Participate in training, coaching, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed