A Massachusetts property owner is considering filing an Application for Abatement. All of the following statements about the Massachusetts abatement process are accurate EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
C) The property owner may file an abatement based solely on the argument that a neighbor's property is assessed at a lower value
Under Massachusetts abatement law, an abatement cannot be granted solely because a neighboring property has a lower assessed value. The standard for abatement is whether the subject property's assessed value exceeds its full and fair cash value — not whether it is assessed higher than comparable properties in isolation. Disparate assessments between neighbors alone do not constitute grounds for abatement; the owner must demonstrate that their own assessment exceeds market value.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Homestead portability allows homeowners to transfer a portion of their accumulated homestead tax savings to a new homestead in the same state.
The income approach estimates a property's value based on the income it generates by converting net operating income into a value estimate using a capitalization rate. It is the preferred method for income-producing properties.
Many states have laws to limit how much property taxes can increase each year, regardless of market value fluctuations.
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Which of the following best describes how Utah's rapid population growth, driven partly by Silicon Slopes tech expansion, has affected housing affordability?
When appraising a property in Utah's Wasatch Front, which environmental hazard would an appraiser need to consider that is less common in most other states?
The rapid growth of the 'Silicon Slopes' tech corridor in Utah has most directly affected real estate in which area?
- → The income approach to appraisal is most commonly used for which type of property?
- → Which formula correctly calculates the capitalization rate?
- → External obsolescence in Oklahoma:
- → The sales comparison approach to appraisal is most appropriate for which type of property?
- → Which of the following correctly lists the three types of depreciation recognized in real estate appraisal?
- → The sales comparison approach to appraisal is most commonly used for which type of property?
- → Which four tests must a use satisfy to qualify as the highest and best use of a property?
- → Three depreciation:
- → Cap rate:
- → Which formula best represents the cost approach to appraisal?
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