What is the difference between mass appraisal and a single property appraisal?
Mass appraisal is defined as “the systematic appraisal of groups of properties as of a given date using standardized procedures and statistical testing.” It involves analyzing data collected in mass quantities, developing statistics from the data, and applying the results to large numbers of properties. Groups of sales are used to provide value indications for large populations of properties. The mass appraisal technique is used for tax assessment purposes and is necessary to accomplish mass valuation of the thousands of parcels within a locality.

When a fee appraiser values your property for financing or other purposes, you typically receive a single property appraisal consisting of three or more sales that estimate the value. The sales selected are generally similar and should be within reasonable distance to the subject property. In addition, the sales generally should have all occurred within a time frame of three to six months. Adjustments are made to the sales based on differences with your property and an indicated market value as of that date is given. Single property appraisals are not financially or logistically feasible for tax assessment purposes.

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1. Why do Real Estate Assessments exist?
2. What is the difference between mass appraisal and a single property appraisal?
3. When are the assessments done?
4. What is the effective date of the assessment?
5. How do you come up with the change to assessed value?
6. How is assessed value determined?
7. Are foreclosures and short sales used when determining assessed value?
8. Why is my purchase price different from my assessed value?
9. What should a property owner do if they think their assessment is incorrect or if they disagree with their assessment?
10. When will property owners be notified of any new assessment?
11. Does the County have a program to help senior citizens and disabled persons on their property taxes?
12. How is individual property information obtained?
13. What does “improvement” mean on my notice and how will changes to my property affect assessed value?
14. When is it necessary for an appraiser to physically inspect a property?
15. How do changes in assessment value affect the sale price of my property?
16. What are some situations outside of a reassessment when property values might change?
17. Does the assessor determine the tax rate?
18. What property information is publically available via the Real Estate Assessments Division?
19. Where do I get a copy of my deed?
20. Where do I get a copy of my plat?
21. Can I get a copy of my “survey” (the one with the house)?
22. How do I find out the history of a lot such as ownership, date, purchase price, etc. of a particular piece of property?
23. My information on the property information website is incorrect, how do I get it fixed?
24. When is ownership information updated on the website after a sale?
25. What is a Supplemental Bill?