Real Estate Appraiser

CORRE, Inc.•Madison, WI

91d•$55,000 - $104,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Prepare appraisal reports and valuation analyses for right-of-way acquisitions and eminent-domain proceedings. The work includes before-and-after valuations for total and partial acquisitions, easements, severance damages, special benefits, access changes, and cost-to-cure items. Conduct field inspections and evaluate property characteristics, improvements, access, utilities, zoning, floodplain conditions, and highest and best use. Interpret highway plans, right-of-way plats, profiles, cross sections, surveys, legal descriptions, and construction plans; research and analyze market data; and apply the sales comparison, cost, and income approaches when appropriate. The appraiser evaluates the effects of transportation improvements on property access, parking, circulation, drainage, visibility, site utility, and value. They prepare clear, defensible reports; maintain accurate workfiles and property records; respond to appraisal review comments; and coordinate with engineers, surveyors, right-of-way staff, attorneys, project managers, and agency representatives. The role also involves explaining appraisal methods and conclusions to property owners, clients, and other stakeholders, and may include appraisal review, negotiations, litigation support, depositions, or testimony when qualified. The appraiser mentors and provides technical guidance to less-experienced staff. The position is remote/hybrid, with occasional travel for meetings, training, and events. Candidates must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation, and be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Sponsorship, relocation, and housing are not provided. Physical requirements include lifting at least 25 pounds and prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Requirements

Current Wisconsin real estate appraiser credential in good standing.
Experience preparing appraisals for right-of-way, eminent domain, transportation, infrastructure, or public improvement projects.
Comprehensive knowledge of real estate appraisal principles, methods, and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of USPAP, the Uniform Act, 49 CFR Part 24, Wisconsin eminent-domain law, and right-of-way acquisition practices.
Understanding of partial acquisitions, larger-parcel analysis, easements, severance damages, special benefits, access impacts, and cost-to-cure analysis.
Knowledge of highest and best use, land economics, market analysis, zoning, property rights, and valuation of improvements.
Ability to read highway plans, plats, surveys, legal descriptions, and engineering drawings.
Ability to research, verify, analyze, and reconcile market data.
Knowledge of mathematical, financial, and statistical methods used in appraisal.
Proficiency with appraisal software, spreadsheets, mapping tools, property databases, and public-record systems.
Ability to independently define the appraisal problem, establish an appropriate scope of work, and produce a credible and defensible appraisal.
Strong analytical, technical-writing, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to explain complex valuation methods and conclusions clearly.
Strong attention to detail, documentation, organization, and quality control.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, schedules, budgets, and deadlines.
Ability to maintain independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional ethics.
Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
Computer literacy, including use of relevant communication and file organization software.
Ability to communicate professionally with property owners, clients, public officials, attorneys, and project teams.
Strong listening, interviewing, and information-gathering skills.
Ability to manage difficult or sensitive conversations calmly and respectfully.
Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering and right-of-way teams.
Ability to present appraisal findings in meetings, hearings, depositions, or court proceedings.
Ability to mentor, train, and provide constructive technical feedback to others.
Demonstrated integrity, accountability, reliability, and sound professional judgment.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Authorization to work in the United States for any employer; sponsorship is not provided.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.
Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

Wisconsin Certified General Appraiser credential is strongly preferred.
Bachelor's degree in real estate, finance, economics, business, planning, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Experience with partial acquisitions and before-and-after valuation is strongly preferred.
Experience appraising residential, commercial, agricultural, special-purpose, and vacant properties is preferred.
WisDOT appraisal experience is strongly preferred.
Experience with appraisal review, litigation support, or expert testimony is beneficial.
Knowledge of WisDOT appraisal procedures, forms, and reporting requirements is preferred.
Knowledge of residential and commercial relocation requirements is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Prepare appraisal reports and valuation analyses for right-of-way acquisitions and eminent-domain proceedings.
Complete before-and-after valuations for total and partial acquisitions, easements, severance damages, special benefits, access changes, and cost-to-cure items.
Conduct field inspections and evaluate property characteristics, improvements, access, utilities, zoning, floodplain conditions, and highest and best use.
Read and interpret highway plans, right-of-way plats, profiles, cross sections, surveys, legal descriptions, and construction plans.
Research and analyze comparable sales, listings, leases, operating data, construction costs, and market trends.
Apply the sales comparison, cost, and income approaches when appropriate.
Evaluate how transportation improvements may affect access, parking, circulation, drainage, visibility, site utility, and property value.
Prepare clear reports explaining appraisal methodology, analysis, assumptions, and conclusions.
Maintain complete and accurate appraisal workfiles and property records.
Respond to appraisal review comments and revise reports as appropriate.
Coordinate with engineers, surveyors, right-of-way staff, attorneys, project managers, and agency representatives.
Explain appraisal methods and conclusions to property owners, clients, and other stakeholders.
Assist with appraisal review, negotiations, litigation support, depositions, or testimony when qualified.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to less-experienced staff.