Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia Department 539 - RULES OF GEORGIA REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS BOARD
Here’s an overview of the Georgia Department 539 – Rules of the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board, current through March 18, 2025:
📘 Table of Contents
Administrative History
Chapter 539‑1: Substantive Regulations
Includes Rules 539‑1‑.01 to .24 covering definitions, organization, fees, classifications, record‑keeping, disciplinary actions, appraiser classifications, experience, continuing obligations, appraiser management companies, and more (law.cornell.edu).
Chapter 539‑2: Standards for Appraisal Courses
Rules 539‑2‑.01 to .16 set standards for course approval, instructors, and advertising (rules.sos.ga.gov).
Chapter 539‑3: Standards for Appraisals
Rules 539‑3‑.01 to .15 define appraisal standards.
Rule 539‑3‑.02: Outlines mandated practices for credible appraisals—data verification, scope, comparable selection (within one year and geographic proximity), adjustment limits, disclosure of appraiser classification and number (rules.sos.ga.gov, law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com).
Rule 539‑3‑.04: Sets specific criteria for “Evaluation Appraisals” (for smaller-value or limited scope assignments), detailing content requirements, certification language, inspection standards, and transaction thresholds (≤ $250k for real estate; ≤ $1M for business loans) (grec.state.ga.us).
Chapter 539‑4: Procedural Rules
Rules 539‑4‑.01 to .11 govern administrative hearings, contested-case procedures, and pre-/post-hearing conduct (rules.sos.ga.gov).
Chapter 539‑5: Standards for Appraiser Course Instructors
Rules 539‑5‑.01 to .05 cover instructor qualifications and responsibilities (rules.sos.ga.gov).
📝 Key Highlights
Substantive Regulations (Chapter 1)
Rule 539‑1‑.16 clarifies appraiser classification requirements (e.g., trainees must be 18+ and Georgia residents) (casetext.com).
Rule 539‑1‑.22 permits storing appraisal records electronically or on paper, provided copies are reproducible and accessible to the Board (law.cornell.edu).
Standards for Appraisals (Chapter 3)
Credible Appraisals: Rule 539‑3‑.02 requires appraisers to verify data from multiple reliable sources and maintain documented proof of information collected; comparable sales must be within one year and a reasonable geographic radius; adjustments capped (net ≤ 15%, gross ≤ 25%) (regulations.justia.com).
Evaluation Appraisals: Rule 539‑3‑.04 defines “Evaluation Appraisals”—limited scope reports, permitted for smaller or business loan transactions, with strict content and certification requirements (grec.state.ga.us).
Course and Instructor Standards (Chapters 2 & 5)
Courses must meet board-defined standards (approval, advertising, instructor qualifications)—e.g., Rule 539‑2‑.12 prohibits misleading advertising .
Procedural Rules (Chapter 4)
Detailed due-process rules for contested cases, hearing notices, evidence, and appeals (public.fastcase.com).
📌 Summary
Department 539 structures the professional regulation framework for real estate appraisers in Georgia by defining:
Who may practice and under what classification,
Education standards for courses and instructors,
Appraisal quality requirements to ensure credibility and consumer protection,
Process safeguards for disciplinary or contested matters.
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