In this episode, Will Jarvis, CEO of ValueBase, introduces ValPal, a large language model fine-tuned for property tax assessments that makes real estate valuation clearer, faster, and more consistent. ValPal offers tools for tasks like analyzing taxpayer appraisals, researching storage rental rates, and running ratio studies. The tool also includes features for handling large CSV files and generating SQL queries.

We cover:

• Introduction from Jake Parkinson 0:40

• Overview of the Presentation and ValueBase's History 3:43

• Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs) 5:57

• ValPal's Features and Benefits 14:38

• Demo of ValPal's Tools and Capabilities 18:52

• Additional ValPal Tools and Applications 30:03

• Conclusion and Future Plans for ValPal 33:51

In this episode, Bobby Upchurch, with 22 years of experience as PVA of Wayne County, discusses the county's real estate market, driven by lake properties and attracting buyers from various states. He highlights the challenges of rising real estate values and the impact of social media on public behavior. Bobby explains the property tax system, including assessments, appeals, and tax bill issuance. He notes the increase in median sale prices from $60,000 to $130,000 over five years and advises new PVAs to stay positive amid market fluctuations.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background (0:01)
• Bobby's Journey to Becoming PVA (2:29)
• Challenges and Changes in the Role (4:40)
• Real Estate Market and Property Tax System (6:20)
• Handling Upset Taxpayers and Property Assessments (10:59)
• Advice for New PVAs and Reflections on the Job (12:45)
• Final Thoughts and Encouragement (17:54)

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In this episode, Ron Dean, Muscogee County Assessor, discusses his role and responsibilities, including overseeing the valuation of 49,000 real properties and all business personal property in a county of 69,000 residents. His team of 14 conducts visual inspections every four years on 13,000 parcels annually, with additional inspections for changes or deed transfers. They aim to reflect market values by February and mail notices to property owners. Dean emphasizes the importance of accurate valuation methods, such as sales data for residential properties and cost approaches for commercial properties. He also highlights the challenges of business personal property reporting and the benefits of early tax statement mailing, which Muscogee County has achieved for the past six years.

We cover:

• Introduction and Background (0:01)
• Current Challenges and Opportunities (1:20)
• Field Work and Team Dynamics (5:41)
• Valuation Methodologies and Market Data (9:00)
• Business Personal Property and Legislative Changes (12:30)
• Energy and Mineral Extraction (15:33)
• Coordination and Budget Processes (19:53)
• New Technology and Public Engagement (23:30)
• Support from County Commissioners (27:00)
• Advice for New Assessors (29:39)
• Leadership and Association Involvement (31:34)
• Final Thoughts and Future Goals (35:14)