The independent appraiser’s report is among the crucial supporting documents in appealing property taxes with the pertinent government body, such as the Board of Equalization or the Superior Court. Without it, you’re less likely to win your Gwinnett property tax appeal partly because it’s a proof that the Gwinnett tax assessors made an over-assessment on your property’s value.
But we understand if you have many questions about the independent appraisal and its process. We’re here to provide the answers to your questions.
How Is a Property Appraisal Performed?
This is a process performed by a certified independent property appraiser wherein the subject property’s fair market value will be determined. Keep in mind that the fair market value is only a professional estimate of the monetary amount that will change hands between the seller and the buyer in an arm’s length transaction. The fair market value may or may not correspond to the actual amount exchanged between the parties in the sale.
The independent appraiser usually performs the following steps in determining your property’s fair market value:
- Interior and exterior inspections of your property. He may take note of the estimated value of the property as a whole while also taking into account its home improvements, its history or heritage, and its outstanding features.
- Collection of data related to comparable property, such as the estimated fair market value of the neighboring houses. The data collected may include assessed values and recent sales prices.
- Evaluation of the data gathered during the home inspection and comparable property comparisons
The complexity with which an independent appraisal should be conducted demands that only licensed professionals do the job. In this regard, there are several types of independent appraisers depending on the type of property for appraisal.
A certified residential appraiser is qualified to perform the task for residential property with estimated value for more than $1 million. A certified general appraiser performs appraisal on residential and commercial property regardless of their estimated value.
What Are the Instances When an Independent Appraisal Is Necessary?
Due to the specialized nature of independent appraisals, there are only a few instances when these are necessary.
- When you’re buying or selling real property, you are well-advised to hire an independent appraiser so you have an idea of its fair price.
- When you’re refinancing your home, your potential creditor will ask for an independent appraiser’s report to determine whether it’s a suitable candidate for refinancing or not.
- When you’re planning a divorce or dividing up an estate, you and your partners or your co-heirs will use the independent appraiser’s report to come to an agreement.
- When you’re filing a formal Gwinnett property tax appeal, you’re well-advised to present an independent appraiser’s report as proof of over-assessment on your property.
In a way, the independent appraiser can be your advocate during property tax appeals although in a limited capacity. You have to provide other proof, as necessary, to make your case that your property’s applicable taxes aren’t equitable.
Conclusion
While getting an independent appraisal report means money, it’s likely to be well worth the price considering that it’s proof that can be used in your favor. You can use it as part of your evidence during a Gwinnett property tax appeal and it may well make or break your success.
But don’t rely on the report too much either! You should hire the experts in property tax appeals in the State of Georgia, Fair Assessments, LLC, and boost your chances.
