How do I Become a Real Estate Assessor?

Real estate assessors work for local governments estimating the values of homes, office buildings, restaurants and other real property to help assess property taxes. They might be appointed or elected government officials. Specific licensing and certification requirements for assessors can vary widely depending on the town, city or region, so if you want to become a real estate assessor, contact your local or regional government to find out certification details. In the United States, for example, assessor boards in most states set background and training requirements for real estate assessors to gain certifications, and a few states leave it up to local governments.

Mandated training requirements to achieve certification might include assessment courses followed by an examination. Often, a specific number of hours of on-the-job training and working in the job are required to gain certification. To become a real estate assessor, contact local assessors offices and inquire about on-the-job training opportunities. In some large cities, the assessor's office farms out assessment work to revaluation companies that do the work under the oversight of the assessor’s office. Sometimes the requisite experience to gain assessor certification can be gotten working at these firms.

Even though specific requirements can vary, there are some general things that will help you to become a real estate assessor, whether you hope to apply for a position and be appointed or plan to run for an elected position. Having strong knowledge of your local real estate market is important, as is understanding the property tax laws and codes for your community. A four-year college degree in business administration, economics, finance or a related area with training in real estate law, business law and similar subjects can be helpful. Having a strong head for numbers and calculations also is important if you want to become a real estate assessor.

Other qualities that will help you become a real estate assessor include having good analytical skills and attention to detail. Being thorough in your reporting will enable you to keep detailed records might be more likely to withstand any challenges from property owners. Internet search skills to conduct online data research and the ability to learn word processing programs and other computer software are important. Good writing, editing and proofreading skills to produce written reports are important. Being good with people also will help you become a real estate assessor, because people in this position often have to deal with homeowners, business owners and other members of the community.