Real Estate Appraiser

Real Estate Appraiser I

The Real Estate Appraiser I, under general supervision, performs technical work in appraising residential zoned land, residential buildings, and other residential real property improvements for tax appraisal purposes. Work involves contacting property owners; sketching layouts of structures; and determining the size, type of construction, structural elements, grade of materials, quality of workmanship, and other related appraisal data needed to arrive at the taxable value. Employee is also responsible for valuing residential land by determining the highest and best use and considering influences such as road frontage, size, shape, topography, access, and location. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment in ensuring proper application of established policies and procedures to individual appraisal cases. Employee must also exercise tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with property owners, other departments, and the general public.

Appraises residential dwellings, multifamily, and ancillary improvements. Determines building structure type, quality of material and workmanship, exterior and sometimes interior dimensions of buildings, dimensions of auxiliary areas, type of foundation, type of exterior walls, type of roofing, quality of interior finish, type of heating and air conditioning, type and number of fireplaces, and number of bathrooms. Measures physical depreciation and functional and economic obsolescence of the structure. Measures and list improvements on residential properties, including, but not limited to, dwellings, detached garages, decks, porches, pools, pool houses, patios, outbuildings, etc. Sketches layouts of structures and determines size, type of construction, structural elements, grade of materials, etc. Applies a schedule of values to value land and improvements accurately and equitably. Analyzes building blueprints and specifications, zoning types and regulations, real estate sales data, construction material types, quality of workmanship, and other factors that affect property value. Appraises real estate in Union County using data and well-reasoned appraisal techniques. Values all new parcels created from splitting land from existing residential parcels by determining the highest and best use and considering influences such as size, shape, topography, access, and location. Assembles the pertinent data for the appraisal of each property in Union County and places it in the proper format for entry into computerized records. Assists interested persons and other governmental departments in obtaining data concerning property locations and ownership, assessed value of property, and other information. Respond to taxpayer questions and concerns about their property in Union County via phone calls, emails, and site visits. Reviews and analyzes documents provided by taxpayers regarding the value of their property to determine whether data is correct and whether the valuation is sufficient with comparable sales. Appears before the Board of Equalization and Review and the North Carolina Property Tax Commission to explain and defend appealed property appraisals as necessary. Analyzes building costs, market sales, rental income, and other real estate-related information for the formation of a schedule of values for reappraisal purposes as necessary. Performs sales verification consisting of reviewing real estate transactions to determine if it is an arms-length transaction as needed. Performs routine clerical duties, typing correspondence, forms, procedure manuals, etc., as requested. Reviews appraisal records for accuracy and equity. Makes decisions and defends appraisals to property owners, the public, the Board of Equalization and Review, and the North Carolina Property Tax Commission.

Reads a variety of reports, correspondence, real property appraisals and assessments, sales ratio studies, finance audit reports, deeds, surveys, permits, etc., and prepares correspondence, reports, forms, maps, studies, assessments, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Knowledge of the geographic and socio-economic layout of the County. Knowledge of the methods and procedures of the County Tax Department's appraisal division. Exercises independent judgment, initiative and fairness in correctly appraising a variety of properties. Exercises tact, courtesy and firmness in frequent contact with taxpayers. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Compares and/or judges the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Applies principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; interprets a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form. Communicates effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical or professional languages including legal, accounting, and personnel. Utilizes advanced applications of algebra, statistics, geometry and linear programming. Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Maintains high-quality communication and interacts with other County Agencies, co-workers, and the public. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas. Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiate proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction. Exercises analytical judgment in area of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specify decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Seeks expert or experienced advice and research problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strive to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and agencies within the County. Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and division benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all division employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with division employees, staffers and managers in other divisions, representatives from organizations, and the public to maintain good will toward the division and project a good division image. Can tactfully and effectively handle requests, suggestions and complaints from other divisions and persons to maintain good will within the County. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisors, professionals and the public. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the County and various regulatory agencies and to see that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace. Operates computers for data entry, word processing and/or statistical analysis purposes. Operates highly technical computer applications, such as GIS and CAMA. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree from an accredited university, and two (2) years of experience in a real estate-related industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must complete and pass IAAO course 101 and Department of Revenue course Property Tax Listing and Assessing within two (2) years of being assigned duties as a tax appraiser. Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate's degree from an accredited university, and four (4) years of experience in a real estate-related industry; or equivalent combination of education and experience. North Carolina (NCDOR) Real Property Appraiser I or equivalent. Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Physical Demands

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including computers, copiers, calculators, map machines, microfilm viewers, tape measures, tape rollers, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree. However, if the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the need to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.