How is Mass Appraisal different from a Fee Appraisal?

A revaluation uses mass appraisal methods and techniques, meaning we appraise many properties at once. Mass appraisal is typically done for property tax purposes and the effective valuation date for all mass appraisals in Massachusetts is January 1st of the revaluation year. A fee appraiser appraises only one property at a time. The appraisal is done for a specific reason, such as purchase, refinance, estate valuation, etc. The date of the appraisal is typically the day it is appraised.

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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?