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A commercial property in Richmond, Virginia is being sold. The listing agent tells the buyer that the property's assessed value is $450,000, but comparable sales in the area suggest a market value closer to $520,000. The buyer's agent explains that in Virginia, the assessed value and market value of a property are not always the same. Which statement is most accurate regarding this situation under Virginia law?

Correct Answer

B) Although Virginia law mandates 100% assessment, assessed values may lag behind market values due to reassessment cycles, making a difference between the two common

While Va. Code § 58.1-3201 mandates that Virginia real property be assessed at 100% of fair market value, localities reassess property on varying schedules (annually, biennially, or less frequently). As a result, assessed values often lag behind current market values, especially in rising markets. A difference between assessed value and current market value is common and does not automatically indicate an error requiring appeal.

Answer Options
A
Virginia law requires assessed value to equal market value, so the assessment must be wrong and should be appealed immediately
B
Although Virginia law mandates 100% assessment, assessed values may lag behind market values due to reassessment cycles, making a difference between the two common
C
Virginia assesses commercial properties at 80% of market value, which explains the difference between the two figures
D
The buyer's agent is incorrect; Virginia prohibits using comparable sales to estimate market value for tax purposes

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

property_taxassessed_valuemarket_valuereassessment_cycle100_percent_assessment

Related Concepts

Various programs and exemptions exist to reduce the property tax burden for specific groups, such as seniors, homesteaders, or veterans.

A transfer tax is a tax imposed on the transfer of ownership of real estate.

Reconciliation is the final step in the appraisal process where the appraiser analyzes the value indications from all applicable approaches and arrives at a single final opinion of value. It is not a simple average of the three values.

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