How does the Assessors’ Office determine the value of my house?

Massachusetts law requires that all municipalities establish the full and fair cash value of all real estate as of January 1st of the prior year.

The Town then uses a software application from Vision Government Solutions, Inc., which includes a "Mass Appraisal" computer software model. This is used to calculate property values based on the market activity as well as certain property-specific attributes such as location, size, construction quality, style, and condition. Frequently Asked Questions about Vision and their software model

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1. How does the Assessors’ Office determine the value of my house?
2. What does 100% of full and fair cash value mean?
3. How is Mass Appraisal different from a Fee Appraisal?
4. What is the basis for determining residential property values?
5. Why do land values change at different rates from building values?
6. Who verifies that the assessing model used by the Town and the resulting property values are accurate?
7. How may I contest my assessed value if I think it is too high?
8. Why should I let the Town Assessing Department in my house for an inspection?
9. How are Real Estate taxes calculated?
10. Why can the town raise my taxes by more than the 2 1/2% limit prescribed by Proposition 2 1/2?
11. What if I cannot afford to pay my Real Estate taxes?