Appraisers, Real Estate

Appraise real property to determine its value for purchase, sales, investment, mortgage, or loan purposes.

Tasks

• Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
• Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
• Search public records for transactions such as sales, leases, and assessments.
• Inspect properties to evaluate construction, condition, special features, and functional design, and to take property measurements.
• Photograph interiors and exteriors of properties to assist in estimating property value, substantiate findings, and complete appraisal reports.
• Evaluate land and neighborhoods where properties are situated, considering locations and trends or impending changes that could influence future values.
• Obtain county land values and sales information about nearby properties to aid in establishment of property values.
• Verify legal descriptions of properties by comparing them to county records.
• Check building codes and zoning bylaws to determine any effects on the properties being appraised.
• Estimate building replacement costs using building valuation manuals and professional cost estimators.
• Examine income records and operating costs of income properties.
• Interview persons familiar with properties and immediate surroundings, such as contractors, home owners, and realtors, to obtain pertinent information.
• 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.
• Draw land diagrams that will be used in appraisal reports to support findings.
• Testify in court as to the value of a piece of real estate property.

Abilities

• Written Comprehension

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Written Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Oral Comprehension

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Near Vision

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Mathematics

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Building and Construction

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• English Language

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Computers and Electronics

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Clerical

  Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

• Economics and Accounting

  Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Skills

• Writing

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Mathematics

  Using mathematics to solve problems.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Time Management

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Complex Problem Solving

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Active Learning

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Judgment and Decision Making

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Detailed information about this career can be found at the ONET Online website.