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What is the Difference between an Assessment & Assessed Taxes?

By
Real Estate Agent with Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty #30RO0980081

One of the first questions I get asked from a potential buyer, is "what is the difference between an assessment and assessed taxes?" So many people get confused, and think that the assessment is either the tax amount, or there is an on-going payment due (yearly assessment)  on the home ..

What is an Assessment?

When a home is built, a valuation is placed on the property by a public officer or a board to establish a tax rate. That assessment is the charge or a levy which has been established by the town or city and is the basis on which the  taxes are charged. The assessment does not change each year in New Rochelle for example unlike neighboring Pelham unless your property has been renovated to such a degree that the footprint has been changed or noticeable capital improvements have been made. The Town of Mamaroneck, however,  is currently implementing a true market value assessment of each property, and so this spring - more so than other years, we are seeing a flurry of sales activity within that area, before the property taxes conceivably go up! It is entitled "Bringing Housing Equity to the Town of Mamaroneck" and some people are even hopeful their taxes will go down as a result of the revaluation project. It is being implemented to create fair and equitable property assessments at full market value

I have never seen as many homes on the market in Larchmont Manor which is well known for high-priced, larger properties. close to the Manor Park, Manor Beach and within a short distance to the village and trains. Like anywhere else, those properties that are seen as offering great value or offer charm, are still being sold in short order. I am seeing some families selling and downsizing but staying within the area, and I am also seeing families selling smaller homes and moving to the Manor and the waterfront. Larchmont holds so much appeal, and with it being located just 35 minutes or so from New York City, whether in a small home or large home, they just love the area.

Larchmont & New Rochelle are GREAT!

Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Gay.  In Massachusetts our assessed values have to be fair market values.

May 24, 2012 08:17 PM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Great explanation Gay.  I think people also get this confused due assessments that condos place on the owners (usually a short-term extra "tax" that the members need to pay.

May 24, 2012 09:46 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Conrad - I am sure it will be the same everywhere sooner or alter.. the tax always cometh!

May 25, 2012 04:33 AM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Debbie - exactly...  Have a great weekend.

May 25, 2012 04:34 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Confusing when different counties do their real estate taxes in different ways.  But, lots of areas are going the way of full market value.  It sounds better and the government can raise taxes easier as well.

May 26, 2012 09:27 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Gabe - true.. I am sure at the end of the day, it will be that way all over..Happy Memorial Day weekend.

May 26, 2012 11:50 PM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

 

Just in case, you were wondering if I would ever return your comment,  Gay, here I am.  I am trying to catch up on months of being delinquent, and I hope your weekend is/ and has been all that you wanted. 

 

I think people get confused about this all the time.

 

 

 

May 27, 2012 11:10 PM
Women of Westchester Working Together
Women of Westchester Working Together - West Harrison, NY
Women helping Women get ahead

Hey lady...great overview, as always, Gay about the ins and outs of real estate semantics and topics of importance.  You are the best.  We love Larchmont and Mamaroneck and take our doggies there to see the Sound, but cannot afford it as yet.  When we do, we'll call ya', but meantime:  

When we rennovated old homes to new, we took the appraised or comps as "market value" against the "taxed assessed" value by the municipality.  You divide by 2 and meet in the middle at what is likely the "for sale" value.  It seemed to be spot on, as the homes sold in that middle range.  Either way, taxes are RIDICULOUS in Fleetwood, where we live near you!  These days, we super clean homes and get water, mold and fire damage soot out of them...it's new and different!

May 28, 2012 05:07 AM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi ROn -  isn't it so.. every toher buyer questions the assessment..

May 28, 2012 06:26 AM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Debbie et al... Thank you so much for your kind words! Interesting formula you have... if it works go for it...  taxes are so high everywhere unfortunately..

May 28, 2012 06:33 AM