Applications in GIS, Participation #2: Local Governments

Q1: Does your property appraiser offer a web mapping site? If so, what is the web address? If not, what is the method in which you may obtain the data?

Yes, it seems as though the Madison property appraiser offers web mapping – the site is: http://www.madisonpa.com/GIS/Search_F.asp?SalesReport

Q2: What was the selling price of this property? What was the previous selling price of this property (if applicable)? Take a screen shot of the description provided to include with this answer.

6/24/13 was the selling date.  Selling price was: $50,000. The previous selling price listed was $10,000 in 1980.

Q3: What is the assessed land value? Based on land record data, is the assessed land value higher or lower than the last sale price? Include a screen shot.

The assessed land value is $19,612.00.  This is lower than the sale price.

Q4: Share additional information about this piece of land that you find interesting. Many times, a link to the deed will be available providing more insight to the sale.

I found it cool that they included an aerial image and a front building image.  It’s also interesting that the land value is only $19,612 but the building value is $72,288 and it sold for $50,000. 

Q5: Which accounts do you think need review based on land value and what you’ve learned about assessment? Please answer this question within your blog post.

I would think the extremes at either end should be reviewed.  The two (and one tiny triangle) blue parcels, I feel should be worth more than they are.  That is a lot of land and it is split up between two different sections (which I would think would make it more valuable).   On the other hand, I think the one red parcel should be reviewed as well.  What is making it so expensive?  Why is it the only one when it seems like the neighboring parcels are pretty similar?  It's interesting to look at a subdivision in this manner - based on land value.  I always thought that they were all basically the same and worth about the same amount of money.  The parcels with the easements on the land could possible be reviewed too.  Are these easements a positive addition or a negative addition?