Frequently Asked Questions About Property Revaluations

Why must we go through another valuation update?
State law requires a full value reassessment at least every five years. This is so that assessments will reflect current market value, as the real estate market changes (up or down).  During a revaluation, the municipality is required to be within 90% - 110% of market value.  

What if I disagree with the new assessment?
If a taxpayer wishes to question the new assessment, they may call to speak with a staff appraiser at City or Town Hall to discuss the new assessment. If any changes are justified, those adjustments will be made prior to the issuance of the fall tax bills.   To submit any documentation, such as recent fee appraisals or market analyses, please email or mail those to your local  Assessing Office (do not submit through this site).  

What if the appraisers make no adjustments and I still disagree with the new assessment?
The normal abatement and appeal process is still available to all taxpayers. This involves filing an application after receipt of the fall tax bill and before the following March 1st, requesting that the Assessor and or Selectmen review and reconsider the assessment. If a taxpayer is still dissatisfied after the decision of the Assessor and or Selectmen, they may file with the Board of Tax & Land Appeals or Superior Court, but not both, prior to September 1,

Considerations:

*  Consider the realistic market value of your property.  The most important question is "Can I get this          value/price in the market?".  The end goal of a revaluation is to have the assessments reflect as close to market value as possible.    

*  Consider local sales in your community.  Usually the local assessing office will provide you with a list of the most recent sales in your area.  Many times this information is on the assessing web page of your community.  

*  Consider and review the values of other properties in your neighborhood.  Do similar homes have a value similar to yours?  Are there amenities that your property has or does not have that is different from your neighbor?   Such differences might include a finished basement area or central air conditioning which could generate different values for seemingly similar properties.

*  Consider getting a fee appraisal or free market analysis from a local realtor.  If your recent fee appraisal and or market analysis has a considerably different value conclusion, then provide that report to your local assessing office for consideration.

*   Consider obtaining a copy of your most recent property record card and reaching out to your local assessing department to request a full inspection of your property if one has not been completed by the municipality's assessor in recent years.    If you feel there are data errors on your property record card such as wrong exterior measurements or wrong number of bedrooms or bathrooms, this can be easily remedied with an inspection and may change your overall assessment.  

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