If you make improvements to your home, like adding an addition, a garage or a deck, your assessment will also increase. If houses have been selling for less, your assessment may drop. If your property has been damaged and not repaired, your assessment may fall. Even if your assessment rises, your property tax bill could be cut if the tax levy falls or if other property owners' assessments increase. Some people who are considering selling their homes hope their assessments rise so they get a higher sales price.
Some buyers take assessments seriously, while others pay no attention.
All appraisers employed by Ramsey County are licensed professionals with stringent training and experience set by the State Board of Assessors. About every fourth year, an appraiser will visit your property to view it and keep your assessment current. Information about the County's Tax Forfeited Land Section is also not online yet on the Ramsey County web site. The Hennepin County Tax Forfeit Land Section has a nifty website, however, wherein they list all the properties available for their next auction, to include pictures and maps and buyer information. The St. Paul building and zoning code requires a minimum lot width of forty feet.