How does the Assessor determine the estimated market value?

Minnesota has what is known as an ad valorem property tax system. This means property tax is divided among taxable properties according to their value. A mass appraisal process is used for estimating this value. Information from all sales that occur within the county is collected and closely analyzed by the Assessor's Office. 

The Assessor's Office then adjusts market values by comparing properties that sold within a given area with properties that have not sold. This sales comparison by means of substitution provides the basis for the estimated market value of taxable property. 

The final amount of property tax the owner pays in any given year is the end result of a process that begins over two years before property tax statements are actually mailed to property owners.

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1. Why does the Assessor's Office exist?
2. Who determines my property tax?
3. What factors affect my property taxes?
4. Why has my property value changed?
5. Does a change in market value mean that my taxes will change?
6. How does the Assessor determine the estimated market value?
7. Are there any limits as to how much the estimated market value of my property can change in one year?
8. Does the estimated market value increase at the same rate on all properties?
9. Can the estimated market value change even if the appraiser has not been inside my property?
10. What will happen to my value if I improve my property?
11. Will my value go up if I repair my property?
12. Which Assessor assesses my property?