THE APPRAISAL PROCESS JILL THOMPSON ATHENS COUNTY AUDITOR

THE APPRAISAL PROCESS JILL THOMPSON, ATHENS COUNTY AUDITOR BOB DRAIN, SOUTHEAST OHIO MANAGER, TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

TIMELINES THE APPRAISAL PROCESS

THE REAPPRAISAL PROCESS • Collection Analysis Setting Feedback Review Finalization

COLLECTION • An appraiser will physically visit each home in the county. • Appraisal firm approved for mass appraisal by the Ohio Tax Commissioner that contracts with the County Auditor, or Appraisers employed by the County Auditor • Appraisers attempt to make contact with every home owner in person or by mail (Door tag) • Project manager is required to meet a certification requirement by the Ohio Department of Taxation • Approximately 2 -year process to visit each parcel • Collect Property Characteristics: • Land • Size • type • Improvements (Buildings) • • Size Age Type Quality Condition Room Count Other

ANALYSIS • The County Auditor’s office takes great care to ensure that the property information is correct and that each property is assessed in a fair and uniform manner. • Neighborhood boundaries are established and historic trends and actual sales from the previous three years are considered to determine the estimated fair market value of each property. • Consideration is made for sales leading up to submission of the Tentative Abstract.

SETTING • The estimated fair market value is used as the gauge when valuing property and setting the appraisal. • Fair market value is defined as the most probable price each property would be estimated to sell for in an open market between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any pressure to buy or sell, and all parties having full knowledge of all relevant facts about the property, and with financing that is available to the general public. (Land contracts are not included) • Second Monday in June the Tentative Abstract Must be filed with the Ohio Tax Commissioner (OAC 5703 -25 -16)

FEEDBACK • When the County Auditor announces the completion of the property valuations, notices are sent to property owners and all records are made available for public inspection. • Property owners that have questions or concerns about their valuation have the opportunity to arrange a face-to-face meeting with a county representative to discuss their valuation. Property owners should submit documentation for any requested changes. • Appraisers will review all information provided by the property owner, up to and including a re-visit to the property.

REVIEW • Once the feedback stage is complete, the valuations are sent to the state for review and validation. The Ohio Tax Commissioner must sign off on the reappraisal values to ensure that the values are fair, correct and follow accurate trends across each county. • The Final Abstract is submitted to the State for approval. (OAC 5703 -25 -16) • The Tax Commissioner has the authority to request that each county modify the values.

FINALIZATION • The County Auditor will receive the confirmation of approval of the Final Abstract from the State. • The property valuations are complete and records are made available for public inspection. • The auditor shall advertise the completion of the reappraisal in a newspaper of general circulation (ORC § 5713. 01)

THE TRIENNIAL UPDATE PROCESS •

THE PROCESS Sales Ratio Study – Initial Review Validate Sales – Review Outliers Calibrate Cost and Land to Market Final Review of the Sales Ratio Study Finalization – Submit to Department of Sales

HOW SCHOOLS CAN BE INVOLVED THE APPRAISAL PROCESS

TIMING IS EVERYTHING – BE INVOLVED • Be sure and have open communication lines with the auditor throughout the appraisal process (2 -3 year process) • Learn who in the office can provide the types of information you are interested in • Be familiar with the dates of your county’s reappraisal and update • Provide information to the Auditor that may be helpful throughout the reappraisal process in a timely manner • Stay in touch with the office and “checkin” throughout the process • Review the valuation adjustments for your district prior to the tentative and final abstract submission • Large variances should come with reasonable explanations • Don’t wait until the reappraisal is complete to raise a concern about property values in your district

WHEN DATA CAN BE DISCUSSED THE APPRAISAL PROCESS

TIMELINES AND COMMUNICATION Collection Feedback • Make sure the Auditor is aware of any construction projects or demolitions that may be taking place during this process • Make the Auditor aware of tentative values that do not seem to be reflective of the market Analysis Review • Be sure that the auditor is aware of any invalid sales or special circumstances surrounding sales over the previous three years • Request to review the final abstract prior to it being submitted to the State. Review the variations from the Tentative. Setting Finalization • Ask to see the Tentative Abstract prior to it being submitted to the State. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. • Discuss any sales that may have taken place after the final abstract has been approved that appear inconsistent with the final appraisal.

Jill Thompson Athens County Auditor 15 S. Court Street, Room 330 Athens, Ohio 45701 (740) 592 -3225 jthompson@athensoh. org Bob Drain Tyler Technologies, Inc. 4100 Miller Valentine Ct Moraine, Ohio 45439 (740) 441 -5708 robert. drain@tylertech. com QUESTIONS? Thank you!