01 May County Tax Assessor Visits Possible Over Next 12-18 Months
A Community Watch Advisory: Fearrington property owners can expect to see property appraisers from the Tax Office and Pearson Appraisal visiting their properties over the next 12 to 18 months. The appraisers are visiting properties as a first step in the revaluation process, according to Tax Administrator Frances Wilson.
While revaluation will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2017, reappraisal is a lengthy key first phase, and the county wants people to know that appraisers are out in the field. They often will just drive by and take photographs, but sometimes they will need to go on the property to inspect or measure. The role of appraisers is to review properties to assist in determining their fair market value, so it is important for them to document the current state of properties. They will not need to have, and won’t ask for, any inside access to anyone’s home.
It’s important to know that all appraisers have county ID badges. County employees will use vehicles with the county logo decal, while Pearson Appraisal (contracted by the county) will use a different car decal indicating they are doing work for Chatham County. On rare occasions, some visits may happen on weekends, but most will be done weekdays.
If you are unsure that a person visiting your neighborhood is a county-affiliated appraiser, you should verify the appraiser’s identity by calling either the Tax Appraisal office at 919-542-8211 or 919-545-8476. More information on the Chatham County revaluation process will be available soon, including a timeline and key steps.