Property Tax Appeal Appraisal
As the spring season draws closer, homeowners around the country are beginning to receive property tax bills.
Here are some suggestions from Sactown Appraisals for homeowners considering property tax appeal appraisal that could make the process easier.
Don’t assume that the assessor is “out to get” the property owner. In a perfect world, the assessor’s value of a particular property would match market value. However, the assessor is not able to look at each property individually as an appraiser would. The assessor applies a value model to produce what is called a mass appraisal. This differs from an individual appraisal performed for a client which focuses only on a particular property. Naturally, a mass appraisal is less precise.
Most assessors’ offices will work with an individual or company to try and achieve market valuation for the property. The assessor is not interested in seeing a consumer bring in reams of data to support their position, as too much information will usually leave everyone confused.
Property owners can be emotional about their homes, and that can get in the way of allowing the assessor to generate an agreeable value. It is preferable to have an independent appraisal prepared from Sactown Appraisals and present that to the assessor, as appraisers are third-party experts who provide credible, reliable opinions of value. Also, many appraisers collaborate with property tax consultants and attorneys who specialize in tax appeal matters, which could provide the best opportunity for a property owner to increase the chances of a successful tax appeal.
There can be different stages of tax appeals based on the municipality, and homeowners should check with their assessor’s office or a local appraiser who can provide expertise. Sactown Appraisals is an experienced local appraiser company that can also shed light on the local appeals process.
The consumer should keep in mind that assessors are usually adept at spotting faulty appraisals and “hired gun” appraisals, which appear to be unreasonably low. That is why it is very important to choose us because our work not only conforms to accepted industry standards, but to a strict code of ethics.
Here are some suggestions from Sactown Appraisals for homeowners considering property tax appeal appraisal that could make the process easier.
Don’t assume that the assessor is “out to get” the property owner. In a perfect world, the assessor’s value of a particular property would match market value. However, the assessor is not able to look at each property individually as an appraiser would. The assessor applies a value model to produce what is called a mass appraisal. This differs from an individual appraisal performed for a client which focuses only on a particular property. Naturally, a mass appraisal is less precise.
Most assessors’ offices will work with an individual or company to try and achieve market valuation for the property. The assessor is not interested in seeing a consumer bring in reams of data to support their position, as too much information will usually leave everyone confused.
Property owners can be emotional about their homes, and that can get in the way of allowing the assessor to generate an agreeable value. It is preferable to have an independent appraisal prepared from Sactown Appraisals and present that to the assessor, as appraisers are third-party experts who provide credible, reliable opinions of value. Also, many appraisers collaborate with property tax consultants and attorneys who specialize in tax appeal matters, which could provide the best opportunity for a property owner to increase the chances of a successful tax appeal.
There can be different stages of tax appeals based on the municipality, and homeowners should check with their assessor’s office or a local appraiser who can provide expertise. Sactown Appraisals is an experienced local appraiser company that can also shed light on the local appeals process.
The consumer should keep in mind that assessors are usually adept at spotting faulty appraisals and “hired gun” appraisals, which appear to be unreasonably low. That is why it is very important to choose us because our work not only conforms to accepted industry standards, but to a strict code of ethics.
