Assessment Matters by Valuebase.ai

Will Jarvis

Assessment Matters presented by Valuebase is a weekly show that delves into the world of real estate valuation and property assessment. Our expert guests share their insights on the latest trends and techniques in the field, and offer practical advice for professionals in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned appraiser or new to the field, you'll find valuable information and inspiration. From understanding mass appraisal methodologies to staying up-to-date on the latest technology, our podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of real estate valuation.

  1. MAR 25

    71: A Fresh Perspective on AI Adoption in Assessment Offices with Trinity Taylor

    Join host Will Jarvis as he sits down with Trinity Taylor, Valuebase's newest team member focused on outreach and sales, recorded on location in Tucson. A recent University of Arizona graduate with a background in psychology and business, Trinity shares what it's been like breaking into the property assessment world, the patterns she's noticed reaching out to assessors across the country, and why she believes AI tools like ValPal are best understood not as job replacements but as a helping hand that gets you home by five. (00:01) Introduction to Trinity — University of Arizona grad who found her way from psychology and sales internships to Valuebase's outreach team(01:39) Learning the ropes in property assessment — adjusting to an unfamiliar industry with a steep but rewarding learning curve(03:05) What Trinity's heard from hundreds of assessors — urban offices lean tech-forward while long-tenured rural assessors tend to be more change-resistant(05:30) Reframing AI as a helping hand, not a replacement — why assessors shouldn't fear tools like ValPal and how domain-specific training makes the difference(09:11) The future of AI-assisted outreach — training models with HubSpot data and company knowledge to compound what works over time(12:14) The hidden complexity of property tax — Trinity's surprise at the industry's depth and her "aha moment" on vertical equity(15:01) Closing — upcoming conferences and meeting assessors in person

    15 min

  2. MAR 9

    70: Zach Smith - Doing More With Less in Rural Mass Appraisal

    On this episode of Assessment Matters, host Will Jarvis sits down with Zach Smith, a former fee appraiser turned rural county chief appraiser, to talk about the realities of mass appraisal and property tax administration. They dig into county-wide revaluations, fixing legacy data in CAMA systems, using technology and GIS to improve data quality, and how to “do more with less” by combining the right tools with the right people.

    15 min

  3. FEB 26

    69: Gonz Sanchez - Argentina, Property Taxes, and AI

    Valuebase CEO Will Jarvis sits down with Gonz Sanchez to explore what property taxation looks like in an economy crushed by extreme inflation. They unpack how Argentina’s money printing, corruption, and cash-based real estate distort assessed values and fairness, and what U.S. assessors can learn about building more resilient property tax systems.

    43 min

  4. FEB 10

    68: There’s Only One Way to Value Property: Data, Stats, and Multicollinearity with Keith Wolf

    On this episode of Assessment Matters, host and Value Base CEO Will Jarvis talks with veteran appraiser and data geek Keith Wolf about what truly drives credible valuations: data and variable interactions. They unpack: How mass and fee appraisal really overlapWhy stats and data science matter for everyday appraisalHow misunderstanding multicollinearity can lead you badly astrayIf you’re an assessor or appraiser using models, this one’s for you.

    23 min

  5. FEB 6

    67: Unlocking Better Ratio Studies: Introducing RatioPal with Will Jarvis & Jonathan Williams

    Still doing ratio studies in CAMA or spreadsheets? On this episode of Assessment Matters, Will Jarvis (CEO, ValueBase) and Jonathan Williams (Account Manager & former assessor) introduce RatioPal – a free, browser-based ratio study tool that lets you upload sales data and instantly see COD, PRD, PRB, VI, outliers, and more. Run studies from a single neighborhood to your entire jurisdiction, spot vertical equity issues faster, and keep all data on your local machine. 👉 Try RatioPal free: valuebase.ai/ratioPal

    9 min

  6. FEB 3

    66: From Small Counties to Big Data: Jonathan Williams on Modern Commercial Appraisal

    Join host Will Jarvis, CEO of ValueBase, as he sits down with Jonathan Williams, commercial appraisal expert and new member of the ValueBase team. Recorded live at the North Carolina Assessors Association Conference in Cherokee, they discuss career paths in assessment, the challenges of commercial valuation and income modeling, how better data and technology can transform jurisdictions of all sizes, and the surprising parallels between property tax and Jonathan’s second career as an organist.

    17 min

  7. JAN 23

    65: Fairness, Funding, and the Future of Assessing with Justin Eimers

    On this episode of Assessment Matters, host Will Jarvis, CEO of ValueBase, sits down with Justin Eimers, Assessment Advisor for IAAO. They discuss the role of assessors in promoting equity, challenges in explaining property tax to the public, best practices for documenting processes and leveraging automation, and why regular salary studies are essential for retaining high-quality assessment staff.

    32 min

  8. JAN 15

    64: From Shoe Store to 5-Term Assessor: Mark Chapin on Valuing Mansions, Mobile Homes, and People

    Veteran Colorado assessor Mark Chapin joins host Will Jarvis to share how a chance shoe-store encounter launched his 48-year career in property assessment. Mark explains what it’s like serving as an elected assessor in resort-heavy Eagle County, how his team values everything from mobile homes to $40M mansions using mass appraisal and market specialization, and why he believes independence from political pressure matters. He closes with practical career and leadership advice on patience, culture-building, and treating taxpayers like customers: “meet everybody like they’re your friend.”

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Assessment Matters presented by Valuebase is a weekly show that delves into the world of real estate valuation and property assessment. Our expert guests share their insights on the latest trends and techniques in the field, and offer practical advice for professionals in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned appraiser or new to the field, you'll find valuable information and inspiration. From understanding mass appraisal methodologies to staying up-to-date on the latest technology, our podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of real estate valuation.

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