The Real Estate Assessment Process

 

 

 

Why Have Real Estate Taxes?
The purpose of a property tax is to fairly distribute the necessary tax burden among all property owners based upon the market value of their property. Properties are appraised so that some of the costs associated with providing services, such as public education, fire and police protection, roads and utilities, can be allocated to property owners in proportion to the market value of their individual properties.

 

What Is A Reassessment?
The Virginia Beach Assessor's Office is required by law to conduct an annual reassessment of all real estate in the City. Reassessment does not necessarily result in increased assessments for all properties. The assessment is a estimation of the sale price a property would bring if sold during the time period in which the assessment was made. All residential neighborhoods do not appreciate or depreciate at the same rate. Commercial properties differ, as well, in how the market reacts to changing trends. Generally, in a given fiscal year reassessment, there will be assessments that rise, fall or stay the same based on internal and external factors that influence property values. Reassessment is simply the process by which the assessed value of each property is updated to keep that value consistent with what the property is worth on the open market.

 

There are three accepted methods for valuing real estate:

 

The Sales Comparison Approach:
To find the value of any property, the assessor must first know the selling prices of similar properties. This method compares your property to others that have sold. When using the sales comparison approach, the assessor considers and analyzes all available market data to arrive at a fair valuation of your property. Size, quality, condition, amenities, location and time of sale are some of the important factors given consideration. The sales comparison approach generally produces the most reliable indication of the value of residential property.

 

The Cost Approach:
The cost approach estimates the current costs of material and labor needed to replace your home with one of similar quality and function. Depreciation is factored into the valuation of the improvements.

 

The cost approach is a good method for appraising special purpose and unique properties that are usually owner occupied, seldom sell for the use they were constructed for, and have a limited market base.

 

The Income Approach:
The income approach values the revenue producing capabilities of a property. This method reviews market data derived from commercial properties to determine income, expenses, vacancy rates and capitalization rates. A net operating income is capitalized into a value which includes the land. The income approach is widely used to assess commercial properties which generate income derived from tenant leases.