Real Estate Appraiser

City of Hopewell, VA • Hopewell, VA

40d

About The Position

Performs basic real estate appraisals of less complicated properties to facilitate the timely reassessment of the city for ad valorem taxation purposes, assisting citizen with property appraisal and tax matters, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under supervision as determined by the City Real Estate Assessor based on current workloads and department needs.

Requirements

• Requires any combination of education (above high school level) and/or experience equivalent to (2) two years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills and abilities, and associated with such positions as real estate appraisers. Any combination of experience, training, knowledge, skills and abilities and associated with such as real estate appraisers, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Knowledge of real estate appraising fundamentals.
• Knowledge of basic Economics and Finance.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical statistics
• Knowledge of building construction practices.
• Knowledge of computer operation and the use of city standard software applications.
• Skill in accurate measurement, collection and data entry of land and real estate improvements.
• Skill in making mathematical calculations relating to building construction and real estate appraising.
• Skill in making digital sketches using computer software.
• Skill in microcomputer operation and utilization of city standard spreadsheet and word processing software applications.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Strong communication (oral and written) and customer service skills.
• Ability to gather and organize the essential facts pertinent to the determination of property value.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, other city departments, contractors, property owners, and other parties which provide necessary information used in assessing real estate.
• Ability to regularly bend, stoop, or climb stairs when applicable to assignment.
• Ability to maneuver over rough or uneven terrain to gather appraisal data.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring incumbent to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform data entry or maintain handwritten or electronic records.
• Ability to work outdoors as necessary with occasional exposure to inclement weather.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform tasks that require obtaining cooperation from co-workers or citizens to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Ability to work independently ,but seek guidance when uncertainties arise.
• Ability to remember procedures and recall them to carry out routine tasks.
• Ability to adjust routine procedures to accommodate challenges or improve processes.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Nice To Haves

• Two-four years of real estate residential/mass appraising experience
• IAAO designation/40 hours of fundamentals real estate appraisal coursework preferred.
• Virginia Real Estate Appraiser license. Please note while employed with the City, you will not be allowed to conduct real estate appraisals within the city limits. Additionally, if you possess a real estate sales license it must be placed in an "inactive" or "referral status" only.
• Complete International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) mass appraisal Course 101 within one year of hire. Professional development is strongly encouraged.
• Working knowledge of ProVal or other CAMA systems desired.
• License fees and all continuing education required fora State appraisal license or IAAO designation will be paid by the City.

Responsibilities

• Assesses real estate properties for general reassessments and reevaluation due to new construction/building permits.
• Conducts field inspections of property sites; collects data and measures/sketches property improvements using a tape measure or laser device and enters the data into the ProVal CAMA software; reads and interprets a variety of maps, plans, drawings, and aerial photographs to collect and verify property data, improvements, boundaries, conditions, etc. to be utilized as a basis for evaluation and comparison to other properties.
• Analyzes changes in land use, zoning and building regulations, economic trends, and other factors affecting property values.
• Uses market, cost and income approaches to value. Value land, improvements and structural additions, alterations, demolitions, changes and damages to real property.
• Thoroughly and accurately perform mathematical calculations, correctly recognize grades on quality of construction and thoroughly follow the instructions of superiors regarding appraisal assignments and general office policies and procedures.
• Compiles data for ratio studies, verify sales, prepares reports and analyze data used in mass appraisal process for the general reassessment.
• Verify/key transfers of property ownership and processes splits/combination of land.
• Conducts informal property tax appeals with taxpayers and/or representative; defends residential assessment values to the Board of Equalization.
• Provides information and answers questions from property owners, and the general public regarding the appraisal process, property assessments, and other appraisal related issues.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED