Real Estate Appraiser I

City of Fairfax•Va 22030, VA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

This is responsible technical work in appraising real property for assessment purposes. Work involves responsibility for collecting, recording, analyzing and applying data and established criteria in determining the fair market value of real property for assessment purposes. Following an initial period of familiarization with legal and technical standards applicable to the work, incumbents proceed with independence in arriving at values in keeping with established procedures. Work in this class involves considerable public contact in appraising typical residential and simple commercial properties, with appraisals of more complex real estate performed under close supervision. Work is carried out under general supervision, of the Real Estate Assessment Director, through periodic checks of appraisals as well as review prompted by inquiry, complaint, and appeal processes.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited two-year college or university in business, finance, public administration, or a related field.
One to three years’ experience in real property mass appraisal, real estate appraisal or closely related experience.
Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of real property appraisal.
Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the valuation of real property for tax purposes.
Ability to read and understand residential sales activity reports, construction plans, and related data sources.
Ability to apply valuation standards uniformly and equitably.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with property owners in securing information and explaining factors affecting and criteria employed in the assignments of taxable values.
Ability to maintain records and make entries on records with accuracy and precision.
Ability to collect data and to give oral reports of findings.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Requires a driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Nice To Haves

Possession of Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser, Certified Residential, Certified General and/or designations granted by the IAAO, such as AAS, RES, MAS and CAE.

Responsibilities

Assesses residential properties including single family homes, townhouses and condominiums utilizing sales analysis, statistical models and implementation of those models in concert with Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal software (CAMA) system.
Examines public records, maps, GIS, building permits and plans, and zoning regulations to determine pertinent factors needed in the appraisal of real property.
Reviews building and site plans, references tax maps, takes measurements, determines square footage, and assesses the valuation of new construction in accordance with the Virginia State Code and other applicable laws, ordinances, or prescribed schedules.
Values new construction organizes and accounts for all permits issued by the building code office, sketching homes, additions and significant yard items into the CAMA system, and assigns values for these improvements.
Annually, field inspects 25% of all assigned neighborhoods to determine overall condition and to discover improvements that have not been permitted but add value; assigns values to those discovery items.
Conducts field inspections of all new construction and properties with condition issues; assigns values and determines percentage complete.
Conducts reassessment hearings with and responds in writing to taxpayers appeals to assessments.
Conducts detailed analysis leading to reporting of specialized assessment and/or statistical reports as needed to the Treasurer, the Budget Office and State Department of Taxation.
Assists other city departments, outside agencies, and the general public with miscellaneous reports, deed research and other general inquiries.
Presents written and oral reports before the Board of Equalization Meetings in order to defend assessed values on properties under appeal.
Reviews land use applications, site plans, subdivision plans and new construction drawings; provides comments for departments responsible for primary review of those plans and creating new parcels into the CAMA system.
Collects data on residential and commercial real property as well as townhouse and condominium developments, multifamily apartment complexes, and special-use properties; inspects premises; analyzes recent sales, construction costs, and other measures of property values; applies established criteria pertaining to location, size, facilities, construction characteristics in establishing appraisals; and records data collected.
Reevaluates properties by conducting site visits and considering such factors as current market, income, and/or cost valuation; location of property; construction or replacement costs; data ascertained from owners interviewed; review of comparables from recent sales; and modification of structure obtained from building permits filed.
Computes assessed value and enters same on records; prepares supplemental assessments and calculates applicable tax.
Remains knowledgeable of current property sales through the review of recorded deeds in the Circuit Court's "Land Records;" contact with real estate sales agents, fee appraisers, property developers, and taxpayers; and the noting of real estate "sold" signs in the course of canvassing areas.
Receives inquiries and complaints from taxpayers regarding valuations for tax purposes; explains methodology and reasons for the assessment; conducts field inspections to verify or amend property assessments based on equity or physical condition; and prepares correspondence to inform of decision and rights to appeal.
Presents testimony and supporting documentation used in arriving at the appraisal, including maps that detail surrounding sales activity, for appeal before the Board of Equalization.
Maintains office records by validating and relisting appraisal information to keep it current; answers inquiries from the public and makes referrals as appropriate; and assists in the preparation of annual reports and the land book as well as mailings of assessment notices.
Utilizes CAMA to analyze market data, sales ratios, and use of statistical ratios and statistical techniques to measure and improve the equity and level of assessments.
Performs related work as assigned.