JOB TITLE: GENERAL REAL ESTATE APPRAISER

JOB CODE: 17165

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 to establish the market value of real property to secure legal rights-of-way or acquire real estate.

An employee in this job performs appraisal work for all types of real property to secure legal rights-of-way and acquire real estate for other purposes. Work involves performing real estate appraisals of varying complexities, including those for agricultural, industrial, commercial, residential, and special purpose properties. Work also involves utilizing various appraisal formats to determine compensable elements of damage along with before and after values for all types of real estate; performing detailed property inspections to determine value by incorporating cost, market, and income approaches to valuation; conducting property analysis by determining comparable properties and analyzing property location, layout, and building structure; and verifying legal descriptions in public records. Work includes reviewing proposed right-of-way plans, highway construction plans, and deed information to determine the effect of proposed rights-of-way on individual properties. Work may include functioning as a lead worker to Licensed Real Estate Appraiser Trainees and Real Estate Appraisers by assigning and interpreting work; providing on-the-job training, guidance, and support; and reviewing work for adherence to appraisal standards. Work is reviewed for accuracy, sound appraisal methods, and adherence to established state and federal requirements.

DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work is distinguished from the lower-level jobs by the responsibility to appraise both residential and commercial property with no value limit and by the increased complexity of appraisals. Appraisals of increased complexity involve limited comparable sales data and leasing and zoning issues.

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 fair market value, depreciation and damage costs, and other appropriate appraisal factors.

• Inspects real estate and interviews real estate owners to obtain information concerning improvements and other pertinent real estate characteristics.

• Researches records at public offices for title searches, tax assessment data, zoning restrictions, and sales records.

• Determines the highest and best use of each property by analyzing and applying criteria for legal permissibility, physical possibility, financial feasibility, and maximum productivity.

• Conducts comparable sales data searches through real estate multi-lists, county courthouse records, or other data sources and verifies sales data.

• Researches the cost of items affected by a project, to include trees, fences, and sidewalks; calculates total property damages; and ensures claimants receive just compensation.

• Prepares appraisal reports justifying determined real estate values and damage estimates.

• Provides guidance to Residential Real Estate Appraisers with preparing residential and business replacement housing supplements, computing carve-outs, and inspecting new dwellings to ensure they are safe and sanitary for displaced property owners.

• Functions as a lead worker for the appraisal of real property by assigning and reviewing work, training employees, and performing quality control functions for the work.

• Reviews right-of-way plans and attends field views, ensures plans are accurate, and proposes changes to reduce acquisition costs.

• Provides technical guidance to residential appraisers assisting with appraisals for non-residential properties.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of 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 interpret and apply real estate data.

• 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 General Real Estate Appraiser certification.

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