Adjusted Sales Price, according to the County Assessor’s Office

This is an interesting example of the "magic" that the County Assessor's office performs in its reassessment process.  I'm immeasurably saddened that this is done by a computer.

These two properties sold in 2016 within a month of each other.  They are located about 200 feet from each other in the same subdivision.  They were used as comps for another property.  Now, nevermind that the one is a ranch and the other is a two-story.  We've already discussed the inappropriateness of mixing ranches and two-story houses as comps.  

Notice the overall specs of the two houses.  The one on the right is clearly a bigger house.  It has a slightly larger lot, significantly more square footage, 5 years newer, larger finished area in the basement, bigger garage (3-car vs 2-car), and bigger patio.  The only disadvantage is that it's only 3 bedroom.

Everything about this second property screams that it is more valuable than the one in the first column.  Even the "dwelling value" and "cost value" indicate such.

Most importantly, the market value proved that out, too, with the property in the second column selling for significantly more than the one in the first column.

Now look at the "Adjusted Sale Price" that was calculated by the County Assessor's program.



The County adjusted the sale price of the smaller house to be more than that of the larger house.  This should trigger red flags all over for the Assessor's office.

This adjusted sale price is what is then used to determine the assessed value.  It's no wonder they have so many complaints pending.