I,too, received a 40% increase in Fluvanna County’s re-assessment. The assessment separates land value from building(s). The interesting part for me is the land assessment increased 86%. I want to challenge that land value assessment but have been unsuccessful at finding any information on land values in the Palmyra area of the county. I also want to get a highly reputable independant appraiser to assist in the appeal. Can you help on any of these matters.

Our appointment to “discuss” this assessment is next Thursday. Thus any suggestions regarding challenging this assessment would be appreciated. Also if anyone knows the basis for land valuation used by the assessors, please share it. Thanks and good luck to all of us.

Unfortunately, “right” is a relative term in this situation. Most people who have a home like yours are in the same situation. I would need to know specifics about your house to determine what fair market value may be. Even then, I’m not an appraiser, so while my guess my be an educated one, it is still a guess.

You probably shouldn’t fear not being able to afford your home. As I mentioned in my last post, while your assessment may have increased dramatically, the chance of your actual tax bill going up is reasonably low. The problem won’t be for you so much as it will be for someone who wanted to buy your home, and had to pay taxes on an inflated assessment.

A lot of people share your concerns. I will send you an email about your situation, and you can always keep checking the blog for more info.

One of the reasons we decided to buy in Fluvanna was the low taxes. Would you be so kind as to point us to information about the process of challenging assessments in Fluvanna. I was once successful in Erie County NY, and am chomping at the bit to give it another go. What I found is a little due diligence goes a long way. But we need to know the rules.

Steve