Appraiser I (OCFO - Assessors Division)

Description

Examples of Duties

• Determines taxability and value of properties using methods such as field inspection, structural measurement, calculation, sales analysis, market trend studies, and income and expense analysis
• Inspects properties, considering factors such as market value, location, and building or replacement costs to determine appraisal value
• Explains assessed values to property owners and defends appealed assessments at public hearings
• Prepares and maintains current data on all real and personal property parcels regardless of taxable status, including maps of boundaries, inventories of land and structures, property characteristics, and any applicable exemptions
• Establishes uniform and equitable systems for assessing all classes and kinds of property
• Inspects new construction and improvements to existing structures and estimates building replacement costs using building valuation manuals to determine values
• Writes and submits appraisal reports for public record that outline methods by which the estimations were made and meet appraisal standards
• Completes and maintains assessment rolls that show the taxpayer of record, the unique parcel identifier, the legal description, the taxable status, the property class, the current assessed, SEV, and taxable values
• Applies one or more of the basic valuation approaches to appraise a variety of properties such as single-family homes, standard office space, or unimproved vacant lots
• Reviews appraisal reports written by Appraisers covering properties with well-defined boundaries and uses. Properties are clearly comparable with others in terms of type, location, use, and other similar characteristics.
• Researches, evaluates, and advises realty specialists on specific aspects of properties, such as estimating standard construction costs or rental rates, or conducting highest and best use studies for properties with limited, readily apparent uses; Analyzes trends in sales prices, construction costs, and rents, to assess property values or determine the accuracy of assessments; Reviews information about transfers of property to ensure its accuracy, checking basic information on buyers, sellers, and sales prices and making corrections as necessary
• Conducts regular reviews of property within jurisdictions to determine changes in value due to new construction, additions, demolitions, and/or market conditions

• Identifies the ownership of each piece of real and personal property
• Interviews landowner, tenants, and others, and observes and inspects properties and improvements to secure adequate and accurate descriptions required for the appraisal of properties history and zoning classification
• Explains assessed values to property owners and defends appealed assessments at public hearings
• Investigates and resolves taxpayer complaints, City Council Petitions, and request for property tax exemptions and abatements
• Defends assessments at all levels of appeal as needed
• Utilizes Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) software, Geographic Information Systems, and Aerial and Street Level Photography to automate the valuation process
• Assists in the preparation of petitions, assessment forms, and appraisal records
• Processes Personal Property Statements
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Qualifications (required):

• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)

• One (1) year of experience involving Real Estate appraisal is preferred but not required.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Licensing and Certifications

• Appraisers are required to obtain the Michigan Certified Personal Property Examiner designation.

• Within six months of employment, all Appraisers are required to obtain Michigan Certified Assessment Technician (MCAT) designation, with the possibility of a six-month extension for a total of twelve months.
• To advance from the entry-level position, all Appraisers will require progress towards a Michigan Certified Assessing Officer (MCAO) certification.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

LRD:11/12/2025

Knowledge of:

At the entry-level, knowledge requirements might include basic paraprofessional knowledge of:

• Appraisal practices, principles, and methodologies. The work requires skill in interpreting established appraisal standards and real estate, tax, and environmental regulations, and analyzing property data using the basic valuation approaches. Appraisers use this knowledge and skill to appraise properties where boundaries, ownership, use, and other characteristics are clear
• Property data sources to research, gather, and interpret readily available information, such as property descriptions, zoning laws, and sales figures, to determine their effect on value and arrive at logically supportable value estimate
• Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Federal, state, and departmental laws, rules, practices, methods, and procedures related to the work
• 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
• Principles, methods, and practices of one or more categories of real and/or personal property appraisal and their application to tax assessment
• Real estate terminology, real property rights, acquisition and disposal procedures, and property management. Materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads
• Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
• Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Enterprise resource planning systems and other management systems and software programs

Skill in:

• Applying the principles and practices of appraising residential properties
• Interpreting resulting financial, appraisal reports, budgets, and summaries
• Information technology relevant to appraisal and assessment functions
• Making mathematical calculations relating to building construction and real estate appraising
• Data analysis and problem solving
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying and taking time to understand the points being made
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Presenting concise assessment and appraisal information to a variety of audiences
• Report writing
• Use of personal computers
• Use of Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and other office suite software packages
• Use of Excel (e.g. Formulas, Pivot Tables, Vlookup, Hlookup, other functions, charts, tables) and other financial management software packages functionality
• Use of large complex, multi-departmental financial systems, and demonstrate the knowledge required to interpret resulting financial and accounting reports, summaries, and budgets

Ability to:

• Collect, quickly interpret, and analyze information from a variety of sources, apply criteria, draw conclusions and develop recommendations, guidelines, and policies
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense
• Effectively organize and present appraisal opinions in writing
• Conduct inspections of property and analyze findings
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work
• Develop and implement new assessment and appraisal techniques as necessary
• Communicate effectively with others, both orally and written
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies and the public
• Work as part of a team