In this episode of the "Assessment Matters" podcast, host William Jarvis sits down with Doug, a seasoned county appraiser with over 35 years of experience. Doug shares his insights on the evolution of the GAAO summer conference, the challenges and strategies of property valuation and appeals in a small county, the importance of empathy and customer service in the assessment profession, and the future trends in real estate and technology integration. The conversation provides valuable perspectives for both new and experienced professionals in the property assessment field. Notes:

• Covers Doug's extensive career journey, working in various counties and roles within the assessor's office

• Highlights Doug's approach to dealing with property owners during revaluations, emphasizing the importance of empathy and clear communication

• Discusses the potential issues with inflated tax estimate notices and the need to encourage reasonable appeals

• Explores the impact of remote work and technology on the real estate market and assessment practices

• Provides career advice for new office workers, encouraging dedication and a commitment to serving the community

• Touches on Doug's ideas for leveraging technology, such as integrating Google Street View and capturing realtor listing data, to improve assessment processes