Guide to Property Assessors Offices - Delaware

Find information about Delaware property values from the assessor's office
By Kelly Shetsky

Delaware property assessments are an estimation of property value. They're used to determine the property taxes for residential and commercial land, and buildings. Assessors maintain records of new construction, renovations and significant repair so they can stay on top of a property's value. Part of the assessor's job is to take photos of properties, from the outside, to keep their records up-to-date.

Delaware property assessors also provide a variety of other information to the potential investor besides just property tax records. Ownership changes, up-to-date maps of property lines and property descriptions are just a few other things they handle. In addition, they analyze trends in property sales prices, the costs of constructing a new property and the average expense for renting property. Get familiar with Delaware property assessment because the records can help you:

1. Determine Delaware property value using the information gathered by a Delaware property assessor.

2. Track property market trends by following Delaware property history.

3. Negotiate with the Delaware property appraiser for a lower assessment.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know the ins and outs of Delaware property assessments Delaware property appraisers don't assess state-level taxes on property but there are county and municipal property taxes. It pays to know the laws because you can save yourself money with property tax relief programs if you invest in Delaware property.

I recommend: Review Bankrate.com for information on Delaware tax records; just click on the "Property" tab for more insight. The Tax Foundation explains how property taxes in Delaware are among the lowest in the country.

Find Delaware property assessments online to determine property values While it's essential to keep Delaware county tax records up to date, it's nearly impossible for assessors to look at all properties yearly. But, by looking through the most recent assessments of neighboring properties, you can determine where your investment property falls in line.

I recommend: Delaware county tax records are public information. National Association of Counties (NACO) links you to the websites of the 3 counties in the state. In addition, visit New Castle County, Delaware and Sussex County's property tax information. Intelius’ tracking tool provides Delaware property information for a small fee. Skipease is a free property owner search which provides specific links to property assessors' offices in Delaware.

Negotiate an assessment with knowledge of Delaware property values Information is power. Gather together information from comparable properties in your area. Choose properties with a similar size lot, structure and condition and make an appointment with the property assessor's offices in Delaware. Some assessors conduct informal hearings where they'll hear you out. If not, you can file a grievance with the state of Delaware.

I recommend: Most property assessors' offices in Delaware can be contacted via phone. But some, like the Kent County Levy Court allow you to email the assessment supervisor. Property Tax Magic will walk you through the entire process appeal, from determining your taxes to filing grievance forms to a Delaware property appraiser.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Beware that Delaware land records are helpful but are not always a true indication of what you'll pay for an investment property that's on the market. Sometimes the assessments are low and sometimes they're high.