Property value lookup by zip

Our home prices are calculated using a proprietary algorithm that takes recent comparable sales, neighborhood data, and specific property information into account when creating a broad property value estimate. We are not suggesting that you use our home value estimate in lieu of an appraisal from a trained professional when selling, purchasing, or refinancing, but it is the perfect source when you just need a reasonable estimate and you do not want to wait.

In addition to a ballpark value figure, you will have access to valuable data, including transaction histories, home features, mortgage insurance and property tax estimates, and recent local sales. While some states provide state funds for county projects, other states leave counties to levy and use taxes fully at their discretion. For the latter group, this means funding all county services through property taxes.

To get an idea of where your property tax money might go, take a look at the breakdown of property taxes in Avondale, Arizona. You can see that Maricopa County takes a cut, as do local school districts and colleges, the library and the fire department. While this shows a specific example, you may not find the same breakdown of tax levies where you live. Your property tax bill often depends on county budgets, school district budget votes and other variable factors that are distinct to where you own property.

Let's define a couple of key terms before we get into the details of how property taxes work. First, you must become familiar with the "assessment ratio. The market value of your home multiplied by the assessment ratio in your area equals the assessed value of your property for tax purposes.

Wondering how the county assessor appraises your property? The process can sometimes get complicated. In a few states, your assessed value is equal to the current market rate of your home. The assessor determines this by comparing recent sales of homes similar to yours. In other states, your assessed value is thousands less than the market value. Another crucial term to understand is millage rates. To put it all together, take your assessed value and subtract any applicable exemptions for which you're eligible and you get the taxable value of your property.

That taxable value then gets multiplied by the sum of all applicable millage rates. As you can see in the Avondale example above, each school district has its own millage rate. All the separate tax levies are added and then applied to your taxable value. The number you calculate millage multiplied by taxable value tells you the property taxes owed before any credits.

These credits are subtracted from any taxes you might owe. Once you find that number, you have your total property tax bill. How you pay your property taxes varies from place to place.

Some people pay extra each month to their mortgage lender. The lender keeps that money in escrow and then pays the government on behalf of the homeowner. Other people pay their property tax bill directly to the county government on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

Your payment schedule will depend on how your county collects taxes. Establishing the right asking price is critical to the home selling process. Keep in mind that this is only a starting point as estimates vary greatly across national AVMs. An AVM is a computer-generated algorithm that uses historic, public sales data and trends to estimate a home's value. Typically, national AVMs are not a good representation of a home's actual value and have a large margin of error.

Talk to an expert who knows local market values Connect with a local expert who knows market values in your neighborhood. Get an idea of what your home is worth Enter your address Enter your address to instantly view several estimates of what your home is worth today. ZipRealty Seller Center.