Real Estate Appraiser I

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Ej32), VA

About The Position

This position appraises residential real estate in Fairfax County to determine property values for assessment. The appraiser evaluates single-family detached homes, condominiums, attached and townhouse dwellings, noncomplex vacant residential sites and subdivisions, and special-purpose properties such as churches and schools. The work includes office research and property inspections to gather appraisal data; analysis of sales, property characteristics, and economic information; and preparation of special reports and analyses. The appraiser explains the assessment process to taxpayers, property tax representatives, attorneys, and County officials, and defends assessments through the administrative appeal process and before the Board of Equalization. The position works under direction and supervision. The vacancy may be underfilled as a Real Estate Appraiser Trainee; trainees must meet the Appraiser I minimum qualifications within two years of the announcement closing date.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or equivalent education, experience, and training.
Two years of field experience in real property appraisal, or equivalent education, experience, and training, for the Real Estate Appraiser I level.
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
Knowledge of Fairfax County ad valorem principles, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of political, economic, social, and legal factors affecting residential property valuation in Fairfax County.
Skill in applying residential property appraisal principles and practices.
Skill with personal computer applications, including email, the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, multiple-listing systems, digital photography, building diagramming, GIS, sales and uniformity queries, and other relevant software.
Ability to compute residential real estate values using cost and market-sales appraisal methods.
Ability to apply accepted mass appraisal techniques when calculating and interpreting statistical data to support uniform and equitable assessments.
Ability to organize and summarize facts related to appeals and Board of Equalization cases.
Ability to understand architectural, subdivision, and rezoning plans.
Ability to communicate accurately and effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with County officials, staff, the professional real estate community, and citizens.
Must complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the employer's satisfaction.
Must report for duty during inclement weather and other emergencies as emergency/essential services personnel.
Must be able to physically measure residential and non-residential property in the field, read data on a computer monitor, operate keyboard-driven equipment and computers, communicate and exchange information verbally and in writing, and drive a motor vehicle; duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
Underfill candidates must be able to meet the Real Estate Appraiser I minimum qualifications within two years of the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

Experience in mass appraisal for assessment purposes.
Licensed Residential Appraiser.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Excel and Word.
Real estate appraisal experience, including fee appraisal and assessment experience.
Bilingual ability in English and another language is encouraged.

Responsibilities

Inspect properties and meet with citizens, builders, brokers, and other government agencies to collect data for residential property appraisal.
Collect and maintain residential appraisal data, using multiple-listing information to verify sales and update building characteristics.
Analyze data and apply mass appraisal approaches and individual judgment to determine residential property values.
Provide the public with information about real property legal requirements, appraisal procedures, and current market activity.
Prepare charts and graphic presentations using GIS to illustrate assessment uniformity and comparable sales for the Board of Equalization.
Present oral, visual, and written materials and defend assessments during administrative appeals and before the Board of Equalization.
Research the County Comprehensive Plan and evaluate how adopted land-use plans affect property valuations.
Measure, classify, and value new construction, including custom houses.
Maintain information on assigned subdivisions, including model types and sales data.
Analyze grantor/grantee transactions, including financial details, property characteristics, zoning and development issues, and buyer and seller motivations, to develop an inventory of bona fide sales for market analysis.
Perform office research and inspect real property to gather appraisal data.
Prepare special reports and analyses of economic data.
Meet with taxpayers, property tax representatives, attorneys, and County officials to explain the assessment process.