Description
Position Summary
To appraise commercial, industrial, apartment and basic special use real estate; to gather data on all taxable and exempt properties in Ramsey County; update data to ensure that physical characteristics of a property are correctly described, including the land data, physical condition, quality and obsolescence of the property; and perform related duties as assigned. In addition to basic cost and sales analysis, a Real Estate Appraiser – Commercial may be assigned to perform income analysis for apartments and other basic commercial properties.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
This is a fully remote/mobile position. In person attendance occasionally required for meetings or office needs.
Examples of Work Performed
1) Appraise basic commercial, industrial, apartment and special use properties using mass appraisal statistical modeling techniques, direct capitalization or gross rent analysis.
2) Verify and compile data on all sales transactions of assigned properties; include the interview of all buyers, sellers, brokers, closers, attorneys, developers and any other parties relevant to the transaction to determine the sales validity for inclusion in the Department of Revenue’s annual sales ratio study; and organize and enter this data in the Assessor Commercial Exchange (ACE) database.
3) Determine the estimated values of vacant land and estimate the contribution to value of the land component of improved properties; keep up to date on various land markets for assigned property types to assist in the development of CAMA commercial and apartment land models.
4) Respond to questions and concerns from property owners, attorneys and tax representatives regarding the assessment process, commercial property valuation methods and 20 plus property tax class rates involving commercial related properties.
5) Maintain and complete an accurate record of each assigned commercial, industrial, apartment and special use property which may include over 150 fields of data for 80 different property use types.
6) Perform cost analysis based on estimated value of the land, cost of improvements and analysis of depreciation by accurately identifying and costing various building components and special features of assigned commercial and special use properties.
7) Investigate and review requests for reduction of assessed valuation or change in classification through the Open Book, Board of Equalization and Abatement process; complete appraisal reports including the use of market and income proformas; communicate with property owners for the correct financial information needed to process appeals.
8) Litigate the less complex commercial, industrial and apartment court petitions. Perform all aspects of tax petitions for income producing properties including: reviewing compliance with income data disclosure, negotiating fair settlements with tax attorneys, preparing narrative appraisals and defending values through testimony in Minnesota Tax Court.
9) Perform market research for all property types assigned, which could be up to 80 property use types, include gathering actual income and expense rates, occupancy levels, and capitalization rate to determine potential market performance of income producing properties.
10) Review and analyze various commercial real estate market surveys and publications to keep current with various assigned markets.
11) Determine the proper tax classification for individual properties as required by Minnesota statute.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Two years of post-secondary education.
Experience: Three years of property taxation, real estate or related functions and/or real estate assessment or appraisal experience.
Licensure and Certification Requirement: Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Assessors as an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) within five years of obtaining licensure as a Commercial Minnesota Assessor (CMA); licensure as an Income Qualified CMA at date of hire and must have a valid Class D Driver's License.
Licensure as a Certified General real property appraiser by the Minnesota Department of Commerce with the ability to get a temporary Certified Minnesota Assessor (CMA) license may substitute for the AMA; obtain an Accredited Minnesota Assessor (AMA) licensure under Minnesota Statues within the five-year time from the date the temporary license is issued.
Substitution: Two additional years of real estate or related experience may substitute for the post-secondary education requirement listed above. A bachelor’s degree in Real Estate or closely related field may substitute for the required experience.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:
Training and Experience Rating = 100%
The examination for Real Estate Appraiser - Commercial will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.
