Commercial Property Appraiser III

Forsyth County•Cumming, GA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to appraise commercial real property to determine appropriate values for tax assessment purposes. This role involves interpreting and applying state and local laws pertaining to property appraisal and assessment, conducting field reviews of large-scale commercial real property, and collecting and recording data that affects property values. The appraiser will classify properties, determine taxability, and apply data to complex property appraisals, including advanced income valuation theories. This position requires performing complex analyses of market conditions, building income models for mass appraisal systems, and reviewing various records and documentation to determine appraised values. The role also includes providing information and assistance to property owners and other professionals, defending appraised values during appeals, and conducting research of legal and public records. Preparation of various forms and reports, computer operations, and maintaining appraisal documentation are also key functions. Continuous learning and professional development are expected, along with assisting in training other appraisers. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Supplemented by college level course work or vocational training in real property appraisal and property assessment
Supplemented by eight (8) years previous experience and/or training that includes real property appraisal, property assessment, construction cost estimation, and personal computer operations
Must possess and maintain valid State of Georgia Appraiser I, and Appraiser II certifications
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Possess or obtain the Appraiser III certification within one (1) year of employment.

Responsibilities

Interprets and applies state and local laws pertaining to property appraisal and assessment.
Conducts field reviews of large scale commercial real property; locates and identifies real property, referring to various maps, property indexes, directories and other documents; measures property size, shape, and square footage; calculates inaccessible areas of structures; collects and records data relating to number of rooms, type of construction, age, building materials, terrain, appearance, property, improvements, or other conditions affecting values; identifies various types of construction; draws sketches of structures; classifies each property and determines extent to which it is taxable; makes calculations and applies data to property appraisals of the largest and most complex properties.
Applies theory of advanced income valuation.
Conducts appraisals of complex properties demanding a high level of skill.
Performs complex analysis of market conditions for rental rates of various types of commercial property, current discount rates, and capitalization rates.
Builds income models for computer assisted mass appraisal system for various types of income producing commercial property.
Collects and organizes building permits used to locate and value properties; verifies accuracy of map and parcel numbers on permits; lists property data and submits permits for data entry.
Reviews various records and documentation in association with determining appraised values; collects, verifies, and applies data relative to land/property valuations, such as zoning, selling/asking prices, ownership, income, or building costs; researches public records of sales, leases, assessments, and other transactions; identifies other factors impacting value of existing properties, such as remodeling, new features, depreciation, changes in classification, zoning changes, or external forces such as noise, traffic, pollution, or other factors; takes such factors into consideration in determining appraised values; verifies comparable sales related to properties and makes appropriate adjustments.
Calculates fair market values and assessment values of real property based on the cost, market and income methods; calculates approximate amount of property taxes due; maintains equalization of comparative properties.
Provides information and assistance to property owners, builders, surveyors, realtors, or other individuals regarding appraisal data, appraised values, property lines, ownership records, appeal rights, and related information; explains assessment laws to taxpayers; responds to questions, complaints, and correspondence from the public; resolves issues involving angry/irate taxpayers; provides information, research problems, and initiates problem resolution.
Defends appraised values and valuation methods during appeals; conducts informal appeals to confirm validity of calculations and uniformity of property information; conducts re-appraisals and adjusts appraised values as appropriate; defends appraised values during Board of Equalization and Superior Court hearings as needed; maintains appropriate documentation and information to defend appraisals.
Conducts research of various sources; research legal records such as deeds, deeds of trust, leases, assessments, or other records; researches returned mail to identify status of taxpayers.
Reviews/interprets property record cards; compares data on cards with actual property in field; identifies discrepancies and makes corrections.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, property record cards, sales reports, improvement reports, land line reports, appeal reviews, sketches/diagrams, or other documents.
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, building permits, property record cards, improvement reports, tax bills, tax return forms, assessment notices, property listings, sales reports, deeds, valuation guides, building cost manuals, appraisal guides, tax law books, map books, topographical maps, flood plain maps, zoning maps, aerial photographs, blueprints, architectural drawings, plats, manuals, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, e-mail, Internet, or other software programs.
Operates/utilizes a variety of equipment or tools associated with work activities, which may include a motor vehicle, blueprint/map copier, light table, copy machine, fax machine, calculator, camera, engineering scale, measuring instruments, or telephone.
Maintains file system of appraisal documentation and other departmental records.
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, Board of Equalization, Board of Assessors, Hearing Officers, Board of Commissioners, property owners, taxpayers, realtors, attorneys, surveyors, tax consultants, the public, state agencies, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
Assists in training other property appraisers and support staff.
Serves as an expert witness in a Superior Court hearing supporting commercial property values.
Assists senior staff during a Superior Court Settlement Conference supporting commercial property values.
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, and filing documentation.
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
Performs other related duties as required.