Assessor Job Description

Assessors work in real estate and they usually estimate the value of real properties to know the ad valorem property taxes which are allocated to a local taxing authority or to a municipality. They use valuation methods which are the same to what property appraisers employ. After which, they are going to write a detailed report of every property valuation with the use of gadgets like laptop and computer models. They can also use a computer automated valuation model (AVM) which is specifically designed for their assigned authority.

Duties of an Assessor

• The duty of an assessor includes inspecting properties and determining the value of appraisal, considering the fair market value, location, and replacement fees.
• An assessor also identifies the rightful ownership of every piece of taxable property and they issue notices of taxes and assessments.
• Part of their job is to complete and maintain assessment rolls that reveal the assessed status and values of all property found in a municipality. They are able to determine taxability and value of a property by employing different techniques such as market trend studies, income and expense analysis, and field inspection.
• Assessors correspondingly inspect new construction and main improvements to current structures and determine the values.
• They are also responsible for explaining assessed values to owners of properties and defend appealed assessments at public hearings.
• Moreover, they prepare and maintain the existing data on every property assessed, property characteristics, listing maps of boundaries, and any applicable exclusion.
• In addition to the above duties, an assessor also conducts intermittent reviews of properties within jurisdictions for the purpose of determining the changes in property due to demolition or construction and they likewise review the information of transfers of property to safeguard accuracy and make proper corrections as necessary.

Education, Training, Advancement

• You need not to undergo a formal education to become a certified assessor. If you want to be an applicant, you should have at least degree in economics, real estate, or finance which can be earned in a span of 4 years. There are specific qualifications which are set by the state assessor boards which would determine the basic requirements for entry to the work force.
• The training period of assessors is at least one year under the supervision and guidance of a veteran assessor. Part of their training is also to work particular number of hours in the office of a tax assessor and must pass a written examination. The assessors are strongly required to conform to the standards of Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal (USPAP) in some states and are encouraged to employ and uphold the standards. Most of the assessors have a state appraisal license too and having an on-the-job training is very vital to fully become a qualified assessor.

Tips to Become an Effective Assessor

If you really want to become an assessor, you should have the working experience, a knowledge and background of property appraisal software such as the Microsolve CAMA or Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal and other database application programs which are usually used in conducting property assessments. Apart from the technical requirements, you should also possess good mathematical, computer, research, and lastly, analytical skills.