When a property owner wants to sell real estate or refinance a mortgage, a real estate appraiser is hired to assess the residential and commercial property value. As a real estate appraiser, your duties are to inspect the property and perform research about the surrounding area as well as the general real estate market to determine a proper value for the property in question. You make visits to the home or building to assess any damage and flood, earthquake, or fire risks, and make a value determination for your client based on your comprehensive research.