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Job Definition
View MovieAppraise real property to determine its value for purchase, sales, investment, mortgage, or loan purposes.
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests
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.
Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Building and Construction - Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Clerical - 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.
Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Skills
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening - 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.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Tasks
Interview persons familiar with properties and immediate surroundings, such as contractors, home owners, and realtors, in order to obtain pertinent information.
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.
Draw land diagrams that will be used in appraisal reports to support findings.
Testify in court as to the value of a piece of real estate property.
Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
Search public records for transactions such as sales, leases, and assessments.
Inspect properties to evaluate construction, condition, special features, and functional design, and to take property measurements.
Photograph interiors and exteriors of properties in order to assist in estimating property value, substantiate findings, and complete appraisal reports.
Evaluate land and neighborhoods where properties are situated, considering locations and trends or impending changes that could influence future values.
Obtain county land values and sales information about nearby properties in order to aid in establishment of property values.
Verify legal descriptions of properties by comparing them to county records.
Check building codes and zoning bylaws in order to determine any effects on the properties being appraised.
Estimate building replacement costs using building valuation manuals and professional cost estimators.
Examine income records and operating costs of income properties.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $71,800.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $37,350.00 and $105,470.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 8,600 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 9,600 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 100 openings due to growth and about 170 replacement openings for approximately 270 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Real Estate - A program that prepares individuals to develop, buy, sell, appraise, and manage real property. Includes instruction in land use development policy, real estate law, real estate marketing procedures, agency management, brokerage, property inspection and appraisal, real estate investing, leased and rental properties, commercial real estate, and property management.
Similar Occupations
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Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators - Investigate, analyze, and determine the extent of insurance company's liability concerning personal, casualty, or property loss or damages, and attempt to effect settlement with claimants. Correspond with or interview medical specialists, agents, witnesses, or claimants to compile information. Calculate benefit payments and approve payment of claims within a certain monetary limit.
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage - Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine cost of repair for insurance claim settlement and seek agreement with automotive repair shop on cost of repair. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations.
Licensing Examiners and Inspectors - Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for, conformity with, or liability under licenses or permits.
Assessors - Appraise real and personal property to determine its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.
Customer Service Representatives - Interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints.
Notes
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Job Openings
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