Residential Appraiser I

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to appraise real property to determine appropriate values for tax assessment purposes.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Interprets and applies state and local laws pertaining to property appraisal and assessment while following the annual digest schedule set forth by the Board of Assessors and Chief Appraiser. Conducts field reviews of residential property, locating and identifying real property, referring to various maps, property indexes, directories, and other documents to determine taxability. Makes calculations and applies data to property appraisals with consultation and direction from Senior staff and direct Supervisor. Reviews/interprets property record cards and compares data on cards with actual property in the field, identifying discrepancies and making corrections where needed. Provides information and assistance to property owners, builders, surveyors, realtors, and other individuals regarding appraisal data, appraised values, property lines, ownership records, appeal rights, and related information. Explains assessment laws to taxpayers. Responds to questions, complaints, and correspondence from the public. Resolves issues involving angry/irate taxpayers. Researches problems, and initiates problem resolution. Conducts research of various sources; researches legal records such as deeds, deeds of trust, leases, assessments, and other records; researches returned mail to identify status of taxpayers. Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, property record cards, sales reports, improvement reports, sketches/diagrams, and other documents. Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, and modify data while verifying data accuracy. Utilizes CAMA system, multi-listing websites, Excel, Word, multiple GIS applications, Planning and Development customer support system, qPublic, Power Point, Loopnet, Microsoft Teams and Office 365 applications, Property Corrections, Georgia Secretary of State website, and Forsyth County Clerk of Courts deed search. Operates/utilizes a variety of equipment or tools which may include a motor vehicle, copy machine, scanner, fax machine, calculator, camera, engineering scale, measuring instrument, and telephone. Maintains a file system of appraisal documents, continuing education materials, returns, appeals, sales reviews, sales ratio studies, and other departmental records. Communicates with Supervisor, Senior staff, other Forsyth County departments, Board of Equalization, Hearing Officers, Clerk of Courts, Board of Tax Assessors, Certified Public Accountants, property owners, taxpayers, realtors, surveyors, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, defend appraisal values during appeal hearings, and resolve any other issues. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations. Duties During Digest Schedule: Returns Receives returns to the Board of Tax Assessors, contacting taxpayers and scheduling appointments necessary for site visits. Corrects any mistakes, additions or omissions to the property and sends for review by the Board of Assessors. Appeals Receives appeals to the board of assessors. Contacts taxpayers, tax representatives, or attorneys to schedule any appointments necessary for appeal site visits. Provides any requested information from the taxpayer within 10 days of receipt of request. Corrects any mistakes, additions, or omissions during site visits for all appeals and processes information for review by the Board of Assessors to determine the next course of action. Processes new notices and/or agreements, or forwards appeals to the BOE or Hearing Officer based on findings during the appeal process within the allotted time specified by statute of the Georgia Department of Revenue. Appeal Hearings Researches all relevant data to begin case preparation for possible Board of Equalization or Hearing Officer hearings. Compiles comparable properties into Power Point presentation using information from CAMA system, qPublic, and Multi Listing services. Provides photos, comparable maps, and data analytics to defend appraised values. Communicates with the Clerk of Courts about the scheduling and/or rescheduling of all hearings. Defends appraised values, valuation methods, and uniformity during appeal hearings. Receives decision rendered by the Board of Equalization or Hearing Officer and processes the appeal according to statute. Finalizes appeal by writing corrections, if needed, to the Tax Commissioner after resolution to the appeal has been made. Sales Compiles a monthly report of all real estate sales to review and update appraisals. Contacts any real estate agents, taxpayers, neighbors, or closing attorneys to obtain information about the recent sales. Navigates any multi-listing websites for information pertaining to sales. Submits all corrections and updates for data entry into CAMA system after an onsite visit. Permits Collects and organizes new construction and addition permits used to value improvements to properties. Verifies accuracy of map and parcel numbers and addresses, sketches improvements and forms a professional opinion of the quality of construction. Compiles all property data, structural elements, and land characteristics and submits information for data entry into CAMA system. Generates reports from CAMA system to ensure information validity. Revaluation Plots county-wide land sales to include acreage, zoning, location, and any other pertinent information. Determines and utilizes proper land valuation methods based on direction from the Georgia Department of Revenue. Applies values to assigned neighborhoods, both rural and residential. Inspects and researches all improved residential property sales to update appraisals. Uses sale data to determine market values of all residential sales, both vacant and improved, to form an annual residential real-estate tax-digest for Forsyth County. Calculates fair market values and assessment values of real property and approximate amount of property taxes due, maintaining equalization of comparative properties. Analyzes sales ratio data, generating reports from CAMA system. Conducts research of various sources and legal records such as deeds, deeds of trust, leases, assessments and other records. Researches returned mail to identify status of taxpayers. Consolidates all updates and changes to review for the Board of Tax Assessors. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol. Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, assisting customers at front counter, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail. Assists taxpayers in filing for homestead exemption and school tax exemption. Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) year of previous work experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must obtain State of Georgia Appraiser I Certification within one year of employment. Must be 21 years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.