CAREER GUIDE FOR APPRAISER, REAL ESTATE

SOC Code: 13-2021.02

Pay Band(s): 3, 4 and 5 (Salary Structure)

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

Appraiser positions in the Commonwealth are assigned to the following Roles in the Land Acquisition and Property Management Career Group:

Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent I

Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent II

Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent III

While Appraisers within the Commonwealth are all located within the Land Acquisition and Property Management Career Group, individuals may want to pursue other opportunities within the Commonwealth depending upon individual training, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests.

Other Career Group(s) that may be of interest are:

Program Administration

General Administration

Procurement

Public Relations and Marketing

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND TASKS

(Technical and Functional Expertise)

Skills
Note: The technical and functional skills listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Appraisers commonly recognized by most employers. Typically, you will not be required to have all of the skills listed to be a successful performer. Recruitment and selection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the Employee Work Profile.

Using mathematics to solve problems.
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.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Knowledge

Note: The technical and functional knowledge statements listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Appraisers commonly recognized by most employers. Typically, you will not be required to have all of the knowledge listed to be a successful performer. Recruitment and selection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the Employee Work Profile.

The Knowledge of:

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.

Abilities

Note: The technical and functional abilities listed below are based on general occupational qualifications for Appraisers commonly recognized by most employers. Typically, you will not be required to have all of the abilities listed to be a successful performer. Recruitment and selection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the Employee Work Profile.

The Ability to:

Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Speak clearly so others can understand you.
Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
See details at a distance.

Tasks

Note: The following is a list of sample tasks typically performed by Appraisers. Employees in this occupation will not necessarily perform all of the tasks listed.

Tasks

Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
Draw land diagrams that will be used in appraisal reports to support findings.
Estimate building replacement costs using building valuation manuals and professional cost estimators.
Evaluate land and neighborhoods where properties are situated, considering locations and trends or impending changes that could influence future values.
Examine the type and location of nearby services such as shopping centers, schools, parks, and other neighborhood features in order to evaluate their impact on property values.
Inspect properties to evaluate construction, condition, special features, and functional design, and to take property measurements.
Obtain county land values and sales information about nearby properties in order to aid in establishment of property values.
Photograph interiors and exteriors of properties in order to assist in estimating property value, substantiate findings, and complete appraisal reports.
Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
Search public records for transactions such as sales, leases, and assessments.

INTERESTED?

Like people, occupations have traits or characteristics. These characteristics give important clues about the nature of the work and work environment, and give you an opportunity to match your own personal interests to a specific occupation. When you choose a job in an occupation that matches your own interests you have taken an important step in planning a successful and rewarding career.

The occupation of Appraiser has Enterprising, Conventional, Realistic and Social characteristics as described below:

Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Generally this is required for Appraiser positions in state government.

Real estate appraisers in the United States must be licensed or certified by their state to appraise certain types of "federally related real estate transactions." All 50 states have education, experience and exam requirements to obtain a real estate appraiser license or certification.

Employees may be required to meet licensure requirements in accordance with the Code of Virginia, Chapter 20.1 (§54.1-2009 et seq.) of Title 54.1.

Licensing information can be found for Appraisers interested in obtaining a Virginia license on the Department of Professional & Occupational Regulations' web site at: http://www.dpor.virginia.gov

EDUCATIONAL, TRAINING, AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The Appraisal Institute provides the following information:

Real estate appraisers are problem solvers. Basically, they assemble a series of facts, statistics, and other information regarding specific properties, analyze these data, and develop value estimates. Each appraisal assignment challenges the appraiser's ability to put analytical skills into practice, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively with people.

An appraisal is an opinion of the quality, value, or utility of a specific property. Appraisals may be required for just about any type of property, including single-family homes, apartment buildings and condominiums, office buildings, shopping centers, industrial sites, and farms. The reasons for performing a real estate appraisal are just as varied. In short, appraisals are usually required whenever real estate is sold, mortgaged, taxed, insured, or developed.

Education, training, and experience are essential in becoming a skilled real estate appraiser. In the past many appraisers entered the field by way of other real estate services such as sales, management, or finance. Today appraisers often enter the field directly.

A liberal arts education is a good basis for anyone considering a career in real estate appraisal. Backgrounds in economics, finance, business administration, architecture, law, engineering, computer technology, sociology, and English composition may be particularly helpful.

The State Council of Higher Education lists the University of Richmond as a Virginia educational institution offering a real estate program.

COMMONWEALTH COMPETENCIES

Competencies are a set of identified behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities that directly and positively impact the success of employees and the organization. Competencies can be observed and measured. When consistently demonstrated, competencies make employees particularly effective in their work. Competencies help lay out a road map to career success. You can use the Commonwealth Competencies to help improve your individual performance by adopting behaviors that make high performing employees successful in their jobs. In this way, you can use the Commonwealth Competencies for your further professional development.

The Commonwealth Competencies are:

Technical and Functional Expertise
Understanding the Business
Achieving Results
Serving the Customer
Teamwork
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Leadership and Personal Effectiveness

The above competencies may be applied to employees throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. They can be rank-ordered by agencies and hiring managers to represent the needs of a specific job. The rank ordering will change depending upon the occupation, an organization's priorities, the actual job requirements, and the supervisor's preferences.

Career success is both about what you do (applying your technical knowledge, skills, and ability) and how you do it (the consistent behaviors you demonstrate and choose to use) while interacting and communicating with others. Hopefully, by studying the Commonwealth competencies, identifying your developmental opportunities, and working to refine your own competence, you can take charge of your career!

For additional information about the Commonwealth Competencies go to: http://jobs.state.va.us/cc_planningctr.htm. For the competencies, we first list the competencies and then define each. Finally, we list competency indicators; to describe what successful performance looks like.

COMMONWEALTH CAREER PATH

Career opportunities in the Commonwealth are not limited to moving “up” to the next highest role and pay band, changing positions, or to becoming a supervisor. That's because most roles describe a broad group of occupationally related positions that perform a range of work that requires increased knowledge and skills. For that reason, Commonwealth roles describe the career paths within the same or higher-level role for the same or different Career Group. The broad salary range and the Commonwealth's pay practices provide flexibility in recognizing career development and advancement. (Salary Structure)

For example: Appraiser

PAY BAND	PRACTITIONER ROLES	PAY BAND	MANAGER ROLES
3	Land Acquisition & Property Management Agent I
4	Land Acquisition & Property Management Agent II
5	Land Acquisition & Property Management Agent III	5	Land Acquisition & Property Manager I
		6	Land Acquisition & Property Manager I

Sample Career Path

Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent I

The Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent I role provides career tracks for land acquisition agents and property managers who engage in duties associated with transportation right of way such as property appraisal, negotiation, relocation, and legal obligations. Responsibilities range from those of a trainee to entry-level and may include reviewing plans, researching records, participating in property appraisals, explaining program to affected persons, calculating cost estimates, conducting building inspections, preparing reports, and property management activities. Employees typically rotate through all functional right of way areas to learn program terminology, documents, practices, and principles.

Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent II

The Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent II role provides career tracks for land acquisition agents and property managers whose responsibilities range from entry- to journey-level such as: appraising property for acquisition; performing tax assessments; relocating property owners; working with attorneys and titles/closings/legal documents; consulting with engineers; identifying potential office space and negotiating leases (in State and non-State owned buildings); arranging and coordinating State office moves; and providing technical assistance to localities involved in the tax assessment of real and personal property; and property management activities.

Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent III

The Land Acquisition and Property Management Agent III role provides career tracks for land acquisition agents and property managers who perform, lead, and/or supervise: transportation right of way activities; property appraisals; tax assessments; analysis of property transactions; negotiation of complex, statewide contracts and leases; and property management activities.

Land Acquisition and Property Manager I

The Land Acquisition and Property Manager I role provides career tracks for first-level managers who manage the work of staff engaged in equipment and facilities management or a transportation right of way program such as property appraisal, relocation, negotiation, reimbursement, legal, etc., and property management activities. Program and project planning and prioritization are typical responsibilities of this role.

Land Acquisition and Property Manager II

The Land Acquisition and Property Manager II role provides career tracks for senior-level managers who exercise broad discretion in developing, implementing, and/or administering multiple, regional, or statewide programs involving all aspects of acquisition and real property management.

ADDITIONAL OCCUPATIONAL INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT:

O*NET (Occupational Information Network)

http://online.onetcenter.org/gen_search_page

Virginia Employment Commission

http://www.alex.vec.state.va.us/

Career One Stop

http://www.careeronestop.org/

Virginia Career Resource Network

http://www.vacrn.net/

American Society of Appraisers

http://www.appraisers.org/

The Appraisal Institute

http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/