property-appraiser/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — property appraiser

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-2023.00 (Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate).

Task statements

• [Core] Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
• [Core] Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
• [Core] Inspect new construction and major improvements to existing structures to determine values.
• [Core] Collect and analyze relevant data to identify real estate market trends.
• [Core] Inspect properties, considering factors such as market value, location, and building or replacement costs to determine appraisal value.
• [Core] Review information about transfers of property to ensure its accuracy, checking basic information on buyers, sellers, and sales prices and making corrections as necessary.
• [Core] Conduct regular reviews of property within jurisdictions to determine changes in property due to construction or demolition.
• [Core] Examine income records and operating costs of income properties.
• [Core] Evaluate land and neighborhoods where properties are situated, considering locations and trends or impending changes that could influence future values.
• [Core] Maintain familiarity with aspects of local real estate markets.
• [Core] Search public records for transactions such as sales, leases, and assessments.
• [Core] Check building codes and zoning bylaws to determine any effects on the properties being appraised.
• [Core] Verify legal descriptions of properties by comparing them to county records.
• [Core] Interview persons familiar with properties and immediate surroundings, such as contractors, home owners, and realtors, to obtain pertinent information.
• [Core] Photograph interiors and exteriors of properties to assist in estimating property value, substantiate findings, and complete appraisal reports.
• [Core] Obtain county land values and sales information about nearby properties to aid in establishment of property values.
• [Core] Examine the type and location of nearby services, such as shopping centers, schools, parks, and other neighborhood features, to evaluate their impact on property values.
• [Core] Estimate building replacement costs, using building valuation manuals and professional cost estimators.
• [Core] Draw land diagrams to be used in appraisal reports to support findings.
• [Core] Testify in court as to the value of a piece of real estate property.
• [Core] Analyze trends in sales prices, construction costs, and rents, to assess property values or determine the accuracy of assessments.
• [Supplemental] Prepare and maintain current data on each parcel assessed, including maps of boundaries, inventories of land and structures, property characteristics, and any applicable exemptions.
• [Supplemental] Explain assessed values to property owners and defend appealed assessments at public hearings.
• [Supplemental] Identify the ownership of each piece of taxable property.
• [Supplemental] Explain real and personal property taxes to property owners.
• [Supplemental] Establish uniform and equitable systems for assessing all classes and kinds of property.
• [Supplemental] Calculate tax bills for properties by multiplying assessed values by jurisdiction tax rates.
• [Supplemental] Determine taxability of properties, using methods such as field inspection, structural measurement, calculation, sales analysis, market trend studies, and income and expense analysis.

Detailed work activities

• Advise real estate clients.
• Analyze market conditions or trends.
• Appraise property values.
• Calculate data to inform organizational operations.
• Create images of data, locations, or products.
• Develop business or financial information systems.
• Estimate costs of goods or services.
• Evaluate condition of properties.
• Examine financial records.
• Explain financial information to customers.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Gather financial records.
• Interpret financial information for others.
• Maintain data in information systems or databases.
• Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
• Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
• Update professional knowledge.
• Verify accuracy of records.