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1. What is a revaluation?

Revaluation is the mass appraisal process by which the town develops values for each property based on a review of the current real estate market and individual property characteristics. By state law all property is assessed at 70% of market value.

2. Why is revaluation needed?

Connecticut State Statute 12-62(b) requires that a revaluation be done at least once every five years in all municipalities. The last revaluation in Rocky Hill was completed October 1, 2018.

3. Who is responsible for the revaluation?

The Town of Rocky Hill is responsible for the revaluation.

4. What happens during revaluation?

Staff in the Assessment Office study recent property sales in town. This study of recent property sales allows the staff to establish parameters to estimate the value of all properties. Using comparisons with recent sales, the staff to then gather and review these parameters and apply them to all properties in order to approximate the market value of each property.

5. What is the definition of market value?

Market value is the most probable price in terms of money which a property would sell for in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale.

Conditions of a fair sale:

• Buyer and seller are typically motivated
• Both parties are well informed and are acting in their best interest(s)
• Reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market
• Payment is made in cash or its equivalent
• The price is unaffected by financing amounts or sales concessions

6. How will the homeowner be notified of the new assessment?

Each homeowner will receive an individual notice of the new assessment from the Assessor's Office.

7. If homeowners disagree with the assessment, what are their options?

If any property owner disagrees with or has questions regarding their assessment, they should schedule an informal hearing.

8. What is an informal hearing?

An informal hearing is a forum meant to answer questions on the new property valuations. Homeowners are asked to come prepared with documentation regarding specific issues with their new assessments. Staff will take notes as to the property owners' concerns and specifics regarding their property. Each property that had an informal hearing will then be reviewed on an individual basis to determine if there is a change of value warranted.

9. If after an informal hearing, the homeowner still disagrees with the assessment, what is the next step?

If, after an informal hearing, a property owner still disagrees with the property assessment, the homeowner may then petition before the Board of Assessment Appeals. The Board of Assessment Appeals will review the petition and make a determination as to the disposition of the appeal.

10. How does a homeowner apply for an appeal with the board of assessment appeals?

Applications will be available starting January 1 in the Assessment Office or online on the Assessor page. For current information on application due dates, visit the Board of Assessment Appeals page.

11. What should homeowners bring to the Board of Assessment Appeals?

Homeowners should bring any information to support why they believe their property assessment is incorrect. Please visit the Board of Assessment Appeals page for more details.

12. How can a homeowner compare how other properties have been valued?

A listing of all Rocky Hill property assessments can be accessed via the Online Property Record Cards page. Any property assessment can be found by entering the property address, parcel ID, or owner name.

13. What other resources are available in the Assessment Office?

Other resources that are available in the Assessment Office include monthly sales books. These books are organized by style of the property and then alphabetized by street name. These sales books include sales information as well as detailed information about the property.

Computers are also available in the Assessment Office to review property information and maps.

14. What is the next step after a Board of Assessment Appeal if a homeowner still disagrees with the property value?

If a homeowner disagrees with the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals, they must make an application to Superior Court within two months of the Board of Assessment Appeals' decision letter.