Our client, a leader in property appraisal and consulting, is seeking a strong and highly detail-oriented administrative support professional to focus on the commercial side of this established business. This is a full-time, direct hire career opportunity offering $45-55K + benefits and potential bonus eligibility. The position is based on-site in Williamsville, NY.
The ideal background would be inclusive of Paralegal or Legal Assistant experience due to the demand for a demonstrated high level of detail and the experience of working with time sensitive and complex documents and data. However, other related industry experience can be considered. *Please note that a real estate agent/broker background has proven to not be an accurate match for this role.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong research and analytical skills: To gather, analyze, and synthesize information from various sources to support appraisal valuations and litigation arguments.
• Excellent communication skills: To effectively communicate with bankers, assessors, attorneys, appraisers, clients, and government entities, both verbally and in writing, including explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise manner for legal proceedings.
• Attention to detail and accuracy: To ensure precision in data compilation, report preparation, and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Organizational skills: To efficiently manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and a high volume of information, especially when assisting with court appearances.
• Technical proficiency: Familiarity with appraisal management platforms is ideal but not required. Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Access with the capacity to learn other software systems.

This commercial appraisal support professional, with occasional court-related responsibilities, acts as a pivotal point of contact, ensuring the smooth flow of information, performing market data research ensuring its accuracy and integrity of appraisal reports, and the effective presentation of valuation information, especially during support of legal proceedings.

• Order Management: Placing appraisal orders and their acceptance through various platforms, managing timelines, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Tracking & Status Updates: Monitoring the progress of appraisal orders and providing regular updates to relevant parties.
• Client Support: Assisting clients with platform navigation, answering queries, and resolving issues related to appraisal services.
• Data Analysis: Researching property data, market trends, and comparable sales and rentals to support the appraisal process research.
• Report Preparation: Assisting in the preparation of appraisal reports, including template report set-up, photographs, maps, data compilation, and formatting.
• Communication: Effectively communicating with appraisers, clients, and internal teams to ensure smooth workflow and resolve issues.
• Compliance: Ensuring all appraisal activities adhere to relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Due Diligence: Conducting research on property details, zoning regulations, taxes, and other relevant information.
• Administrative Support: Handling paperwork for building area, land area, assessments, maintaining records, and managing other administrative tasks related to appraisals.
• Managing the appraisal process for litigation cases: This includes collaborating with attorneys, appraisers, and other parties to ensure timely completion of appraisals, review, and any necessary revisions or updates for legal purposes.
• Research and data compilation: Gathering and analyzing data related to property taxes, zoning regulations, building information, market conditions, comparable sales, and historical data to support the appraiser’s findings and provide robust evidence in legal proceedings.
• Preparing and formatting appraisal reports: Creating and assembling appraisal reports, ensuring adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and reporting standards (like USPAP), while clearly and concisely presenting the appraiser’s methodology, findings, and conclusions for potential court presentation.
• Supporting expert witnesses: Assisting appraisers who serve as expert witnesses in preparing for depositions or trial testimony, which might involve providing data, analysis, courtroom and exhibits, helping to frame questions to ask appraisal experts on both sides.
• Document Management: Organizing and maintaining meticulous records of all communications, appraisal reports, reviews, data sources, and any other relevant documentation for file integrity or that might be needed as evidence in court.
• Compliance and quality control: Ensuring that appraisal reports and processes adhere to internal policies, industry best practices, and federal/state/local regulations, including those specific to bank and litigation support