Property assessors offices in Virginia education and training will teach you how to appraise personal and real and personal property in order to estimate its fair market value. Property assessors may also assess property for the purpose of setting property taxes in accordance with a prescribed schedule.

The requirements needed to become a VA property assessor are complex and vary by the type and value of the property being appraised. Generally, these requirements may be grouped in the following categories:

1. Education. While there are no formal degree requirements for property assessors in Virginia, most practicing assessors have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in economics, finance or real estate. However, the specific courses that a property assessor needs are usually taken at a community college or professional assessor organization.
2. On-the-job training. This is required to obtain a license or certification and should be acquired in the office of an independent fee appraiser, if possible.
3. Licensure. Federal law requires that Virginia property assessors have a state-issued license if they will be involved in transactions requiring a federal loan of $250,000 or more.
   

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Complete the courses needed to work in a Virginia assessors office

There are a variety of on-site universities and distance learning classes that teach students to assess Virginia property records. These institutions should update their curriculum frequently to reflect changes in the state's educational requirements for property appraisers.

I recommend: The Moseley-Dickinson Academy of Real Estate is approved to provide the qualifying education for appraisers in Virginia. R.A. Garrett Appraisal Academy provides pre-licensing education that is approved by the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board.

Get on-the-job training for Virginia property assessment

Job training to perform Virginia land assessments has specific requirements, as laid out by the Virginia Real Estate Appraisers Board. These requirements stipulate the length of time the training must take, the way in which the mentor must monitor the process, and the type of experience the trainee must acquire.

I recommend: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation provides the complete experience requirements for appraisers in Virginia. Alpha College of Real Estate summarizes the work experience needed for each level of Virginia appraiser.

Become licensed to perform VA property assessment

Virginia recognizes four categories of appraisers. A trainee must work under the direct supervision of a licensed appraiser. A licensed residential appraiser may appraise residential property worth up to $1,000,000 and non-residential property of up to $250,000. A certified residential appraiser can also perform appraisals on residential property of any value and a certified general appraiser can perform appraisals on all types of property.

I recommend: Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System specifies the complete licensing requirements for appraisers in Virginia. ActWebServices.com summarizes the licensing requirements of each appraiser category in Virginia.

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• •  Virginia property assessors must meet the minimum certification and licensing requirements established by the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation. However, many states have more stringent licensing requirements than those required by the AQB. For example, a state may require an appraisal license for all appraisers regardless of the transaction value of the property.

Virginia assessors usually handle property assessments by county. Each county has an auditor's office with employees who check out and record property values, new construction and structural improvements. While manpower may prevent them from assessing homes and lots on an annual basis, Virginia land value is updated fairly regularly.

Virginia land assessments will cause your property taxes to go up or down depending on the true market value placed on your property. If you've done improvements, you can expect it to increase. If the exterior of your property is in rough shape, your assessment will be lower. It pays to familiarize yourself with Virginia property assessors because their records will help you to:

1. Determine true market value.

2. Compare and contrast similar properties to track property market trends.

3. Evaluate whether a Virginia land assessment is fair based on comparisons with similar properties.

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Know the ins and outs of Virginia property assessment

There is no state-level VA property assessment; it's actually done at the local level. Your investment properties are taxed at 100% full market value. It pays to know how these assessments are valued, so you can determine if the figure placed on your property is fair.

I recommend: Bankrate.com is a tool that educates you on property tax assessments in Virginia. Fairfax County's website explains the annual assessment program.

Use online tools to search Virginia property assessment

Searching online records is a relatively easy way to check out VA property tax records. There are several options because Virginia property assessment information is public record. There are free and subscription-based databases.

I recommend: Searchsystems.net uses the DirectPass online database to link you to information from property assessors in Virginia. It costs about $5 per month and is categorized by county. Some cities and counties such as the City of Portsmouth, Virginia and Arlington, Virginia Real Estate Investments post their real estate records online. Search by name or address to get the assessment information. Subscribe to LoopNet for free to search Virginia property records.

Determine potential taxes based on a similar record from the VA property assessor

If you're planning to invest in a multi-unit building and there's one next door that's similar, it's safe to assume that property assessors in Virginia will assess your property at an amount close to what your neighbors pay. Unless there are vast discrepancies in the condition, age or size of the building or lot, Virginia assessors must keep it in line with neighboring properties.

I recommend: Take some time to look through the records of Virginia property assessors, such as the annual report from the Loudon County assessor. Hanover Countty Geographic Information Access System and Chesterfield Connections post their geographic information online, too.

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• •  If you feel an assessment is unfair, contact the VA property assessor in your county or city. Many of them will hold informal hearings so you can plead your case.

Virginia property assessors offices laws and regulations deal with the property taxes that derive from the estimated value of real property. Property assessors in the United States routinely assess property according to the fair market standard, although there are other standards, such as the distressed value and the foreclosure value. All federally regulated institutions must perform property appraisals with a licensed appraiser and Virginia generally requires licensed appraisers for all appraisals. Virginia property laws also specify the conditions under which a property owner may qualify for a homestead exemption or other property tax exemption.

You can find VA property assessor laws in a variety of locations. VA property assessment sources may be classified according to the types of laws they cover and include the three following categories:

1. The Virginia state government. These sources provide laws and other information on Virginia land assessments that apply to the entire state.
2. County and municipal governments in Virginia. Each jurisdiction has its own procedures for implementing laws on property assessments.
3. Law firms that practice property law. Law firms in Virginia frequently offer information for resolving disputes on property taxes.
   

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Examine the laws that control Virginia land assessment

The state government of Virginia will have specific laws for property tax assessors. Private organizations also provide summaries and general information on property tax assessor laws in Virginia.

I recommend: The Virginia Association of Assessing Officers offers a guide to the state's legal requirements for assessing property in Virginia. Title 58.1 of the Virginia Statute issued by the Virginia General Assembly provides the state laws on property taxes in Virginia.

Study the procedures for accessing Virginia property records in a particular jurisdiction

Local governments have specific procedures for property assessments and also may offer a Virginia property tax search. A complete list of Virginia property tax records may also be available.

I recommend: The Real Estate Assessor for the City of Portsmouth provides an overview of its procedures for conducting a property assessment. The Assessor's Office for Hanover County offers a summary of the property assessment process in that county.

Review laws on property assessors in Virginia from law firms

Virginia lawyers who specialize in property law frequently offer summaries on property assessments and property taxes in Virginia. They also may write articles on specific issues regarding property taxes in Virginia.

I recommend: Paulson & Paulson offers a newsletter that deals specifically with real estate law in Virginia. Kaufman & Canoles practices real estate law in Virginia and provides a summary of the Property Owners' Association Act, which deals with property values in Virginia.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The quality of Virginia property assessment is controlled by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). It was developed in the 1980s in response to the savings and loan crisis that was occurring in the United States at that time. The Appraiser Foundation (TAF) is the current administrator of the USPAP.