JOB NAME: REAL ESTATE APPRAISER

JOB CODE: 17161

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Real Estate Appraiser job series describes professional work in the appraisal of real property to secure legal rights-of-way or acquire real estate.

DEFINITION: This is professional and analytical work performing appraisals of residential land and buildings of one-to-four family dwelling units to establish market value, or performing general appraisal work under the guidance of a certified general appraiser.

An employee in this job gathers, verifies, and analyzes property data by performing internal and external property inspections, measuring structures, photographing properties, and analyzing market sales. Work involves researching deed descriptions and court records to determine types of ownership, easements, and recorded covenants; assisting displaced property owners with the relocation process; and determining compensable elements of damage, including before and after values. Work also involves inspecting properties and interviewing property owners to determine fair market and depreciation values; identifying liens, judgments, and gas and mineral rights; and utilizing appropriate appraisal methods to compute diminution in value following a finding of compensable damages. Work may include providing guidance and support to Licensed Real Estate Appraiser Trainees. Work is reviewed for accuracy, sound appraisal methods, and adherence to established state and federal requirements.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Performs appraisals and derives real estate values by applying market, cost, and income value appraisal methods on land and buildings of one-to-four family dwelling units.

• Reviews proposed right-of-way plans, highway construction plans, and deed information to determine the effect of proposed rights-of-way on individual properties.

• Performs title searches and researches tax assessment data, zoning restrictions, and sales records.

• Determines the most profitable use of a property by analyzing and applying the four tests of highest and best use.

• Conducts comparable sales data searches and verifies sales data using real estate multi-lists and county courthouse records.

• Reads construction plans, real estate descriptions, and deed information to determine the location and size of a needed right-of-way.

• Determines the fair market value of trees, fences, sidewalks, and other affected or damaged property items to compensate claimants.

• Prepares replacement housing and rent supplements, computes carve-outs, and inspects new dwellings to ensure they are safe and sanitary for displaced property owners.

• Reviews and proposes revisions to right-of-way plans to ensure accuracy and reduce acquisition costs.

• Functions as a lead worker for the appraisal of residential land and buildings of one-to-four family dwelling units by assigning and reviewing work, training employees, and performing quality control functions for the work.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of residential real estate appraisal methods and procedures.

• Knowledge of technical writing principles.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to real estate, conveyances, easements, and eminent domain.

• Knowledge of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

• Ability to analyze written and numerical information.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser certification.

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

• Certain positions must obtain an active Pennsylvania Certified General Real Estate Appraiser certification within 2 years of employment.