The Tolland Assessor’s office along with personnel from Vision Appraisal Technology is currently in the market analysis phase of the October 1, 2009 revaluation.  A variety of resources are used to analyze the real estate market.  Sales and leasing data that took place over the past 18 months will be analyzed to determine which market factors influenced property values. Click here to view current Tolland sales  Data will be gathered from the deeds filed in the Town Clerk’s office, property managers, developers and local real estate professionals.  Once all of the data is collected and reviewed for accuracy, the appraisers will determine land values and set neighborhood factors, which rate the desirability of locations throughout the town. 

Once the analysis is completed, the valuation phase will commence.  Valuation is done using one of the three recognized methods, Replacement Cost, Income Approach and Market Value.  Market Value is the most widely used approach of the three approaches.  During this phase, individual characteristics of the building are analyzed using information gathered.  Each property is compared to other comparable properties with similar characteristics.  Then the current market value of the improvements is added to the land value that was previously determined.  The value is the final estimate for each parcel of property, building and land. 

Field Review is the next phase in the revaluation process.  Field Review is the method of checking and rechecking both the values that have been determined and the physical data that has been previously collected.  During this review, properties are viewed in the field by experienced appraisers who double check uniformity and accuracy of information.  All values are rechecked against an updated sales file to ensure that the October 1, 2009 assessment date is reflected.

All personnel will carry identification and be in vehicles registered with the Tolland Assessor’s office (871-3650) and the Resident’s Trooper’s office (871-3670).

Tolland to Complete 2009 Revaluation

The Tolland Assessor’s Office with the assistance of Vision Appraisal Tech. is in the final stage of completing the 2009 revaluation of all real property.  Notices of new assessments will be mailed to property owners by November 16^th.

 Is my assessment correct?
 Since the last revaluation conducted in 2004 real estate values have changed.

The following 4 questions can help you to decide if your assessment is correct.

1.         Is the assessment 70% of current market value?
2.         Does the Assessing Department have the correct    information on my property?

To access property information on the internet open the Tolland web page and click on the Vision Appraisal Online Database.

Please note:  The updated assessment information will not be available online until after Vision Appraisal has mailed the new assessment notices to the property owners.  Vision Appraisal expects to mail the assessment notices by November 16th 2009.

3.         How much are similar properties in my neighborhood selling for?
4.         How much are similar properties in my neighborhood being assessed for?

What do I do?
If you have a question or concern about the proposed valuation, call Vision Appraisal to set a date and time for an informal hearing.  This appointment is meant to allow a brief discussion about the valuation process.  Most hearings will last 10-15 minutes.

Why attend an Informal Hearing?
You may have uncovered a data error, found some comparable sales that support a lower assessment on your property or you may want to make someone aware of an irregularity that affects the value of your property.   It is up to you to convince the hearing officer why the value is incorrect if you are to receive a change of value.  For all documentation, please bring copies that you can leave with the hearing officer.

How will I know if changes were made to my assessment after my hearing?
At the conclusion of the hearings, Vision Appraisal staff will review the notes from your hearing and any information you have provided on your property.  They will make changes to the data and/or value of the property, if appropriate.  After the final review process is complete for all properties, a notice will be sent to you.  The new value of this change notice will reflect the changes made based on your hearing. 

If I disagree with my assessment after a hearing, what are my options?
If any property owner believes, the assessment on their property is in excess of its fair market value, they should appeal it before the Tolland Board of Assessment Appeals.  If the property owner still feels that after their meeting with the Appeals Board the assessment is still incorrect, they may appeal to the Superior Court. Please contact the Tolland Assessor with any question pertaining to the filing dates for appeals.