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Assessor's

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1. Will my Estimated Market Value go up if I repair my property?

Good maintenance will help retain the market value of your property. Generally, your Estimated Market Value will not be increased for individual minor repairs such as those that follow. However, a combination of several of these items could result in an increase in your Estimated Market Value. •Repairing a roof
•Repairing porches or steps
•Repairing original siding
•Painting/decorating
•Replacing plumbing or electrical fixtures

2. What if I don't let the assessor inside my house?

It is your right to decline an interior inspection. The assessor will then make reasonable estimations regarding the property's interior finish and quality. If you disagree with the resulting valuation the local board of review is not allowed to make any changes in your favor until you allow the assessor to inspect the property.

3. What can I do if I think the Estimated Market Value is too high?

You are encouraged to first contact your Assessor's Office and discuss the assessment with the appraiser for your property. You have the right to appeal the estimated market value. The methods of appeal are detailed on the back page of your estimated market valuation notice also known as your Valuation and Classification notice that is mailed to all property owners around March. The times to appeal are limited generally to the "Boards of Appeal" in April.

4. Why has my value gone up?

Property values are based on the typical sales prices which fluctuate with general market conditions such as the general economy, property locations, supply and demand, demographic changes, and changes in tax laws. Per Minnesota state laws, as property values change in the market place, those changes must be reflected in the assessor's Estimated Market Values.

5. How do I get my land surveyed?

Property owners may contact a surveyor by checking the local phone listings. Once a property is surveyed, it is strongly encouraged that the property owner provide a copy of the survey to the Assessor's office. A survey provides the best possible method to ensure an accurate assessment of your property. The county maintains a GIS map that is generally very accurate but it is not a survey.

6. What is the responsibility of the Assessor in the property tax system?

Assessors estimate property market value and classify them according to their use for property tax purposes. Each year the assessor reviews the market valuation of your property to determine if changes in the real estate market require a change in the estimated market value. Minnesota law requires that assessors actually view each parcel of real estate every five years to appraise its market value. In addition, each year the appraiser inspects parcels with new construction, alterations or improvements.

7. Does the Estimated Market Value increase at the same rate on all properties?

No, it does not. There are differences between individual properties and between neighborhoods. In one area the sales may indicate a large increase in value in a given year. In another neighborhood there may be very little or no change in value. Different types of property within the same neighborhood may show different value changes. There are numerous factors to be considered in each property, which will cause value changes to differ. Some of the factors that can affect value are location, condition, size, quality of construction, the number of baths, basement finish, garages, and many others.

8. How do I schedule a review of my property?

Please submit an e-mail to assessor@co.grant.mn.us an include your name, address, phone number, property address and parcel identification number. Include in the subject line " Review of my Property"

9. How are my Real Estate taxes determined?

Taxing jurisdictions such as the county, schools, cities, and townships, adopt their levy after public hearings. The levies are certified to the County Auditor who then calculates the tax rates. The taxes you pay are proportionate to your estimated market value and use classification on your property as observed by the Assessor's Office.

10. I haven't changed anything. Why do you have to come to my house?

State statute requires the assessor to physically review 20% of all property each year. This results in the assessor visiting your neighborhood every five years. The assessor is verifying that the currently existing information is accurate, and checking for any changes that may have been made to the property. Having accurate property information is critical when valuing and classifying property and contributes to a fair and equitable assessment for everybody.

11. What will happen to my Estimated Market Value if I improve my property?

Generally speaking, improvements that increase the market value of a property will increase the assessor's Estimated Market Value.

12. How is market value estimated?

The assessor visits your property to record the existence and character of improvements that contribute to its market value. The assessor collects sales information on all types of property, and studies characteristics such as location, size of the parcel, improvements and amenities that affect what buyers would pay for your property. Local sales will impact local values. The assessor uses actual sales of similar properties to estimate what buyers would pay for your property. (A single sale does not make a market.)

13. Who qualifies for Homestead?

To qualify for the homestead classification, you must: •occupy the property as your primary residence
•be one of the owners of the property or a relative
•be a Minnesota resident - items that must reflect the address of the homestead are voter registration, driver's licenses, income tax forms, and vehicle registration.

14. Can my Estimated Market Value change even if the assessor has not been inside my property?

Yes. The assessor keeps records on the physical characteristics of each property in the County. Even though the assessor may have been unable to go through your property, the Estimated Market Value will still be reviewed annually based on the existing records and/or sales of similar property.

15. How can I tell what city or township my property is in from my PIN?

The first two numbers indicate the jurisdiction (city or township) your property is located in. Following is the key:
01-Delaware Township
02-Elbow lake township
03-Elk Lake Township
04-Erdahl Township
05-Gorton Township
06-Land Township
07-Lawrence Township
08-Lien Township
09-Logan Township
10-Macsville Township
11-North Ottawa Township
12-Pelican Lake Township
13-Pomme De Terre Township
14-Roseville Township
15-Sanford Township
16-Stony Brook Township
17-Ashby City
18-Barrett City
19-Elbow Lake City
20-Herman City
21-Hoffman City
22-Norcross City
23-Wendell City

16. What is Estimated Market Value (EMV)?

It is the most probable price, as of a specified date, in cash, or in terms equivalent to cash, or in other precisely revealed terms, for which the specified property rights should sell after a reasonable exposure in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for all self-interest, and assuming that neither is under undue duress. In summary, market value is the price that would tend to prevail under typical, normal, competitive open market conditions.

17. What is a Property Identification Number (PIN)?

It is a unique number assigned to each piece of real estate. The PIN, also knows as Parcel Number or Parcel Identification Number, is printed on the Property Tax Statement, the Valuation Notice, Proposed Tax Statement, and various other documents related to real estate taxation or assessment.

18. I have had fire or storm damage to my house. Should I contact the assessor's office?

Yes, however depending on the extent of the damage and when it is repaired, you may or may not see a value/tax change. (Remember, the assessment is based "as of January 2" of each year.)