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
Chapter 539‑2: Standards for Appraisal Courses
Rules 539‑2‑.01 to .16 set standards for course approval, instructors, and advertising
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
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)
Rules 539‑4‑.01 to .11 govern administrative hearings, contested-case procedures, and pre-/post-hearing conduct
Chapter 539‑5: Standards for Appraiser Course Instructors
Rules 539‑5‑.01 to .05 cover instructor qualifications and responsibilities
📝 Key Highlights
Substantive Regulations (Chapter 1)
Rule 539‑1‑.16 clarifies appraiser classification requirements (e.g., trainees must be 18+ and Georgia residents)
Rule 539‑1‑.22 permits storing appraisal records electronically or on paper, provided copies are reproducible and accessible to the Board
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%)
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
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
📌 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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