How to read a property record card

What each line means, and what it does not tell you.

Parcel ID

Each town numbers its parcels its own way (map–block–lot, often written 25/022/000019). It is the number on the assessor's maps and tax bill.

Appraised value

The assessor's estimate of market value at the town's last revaluation, split into land, building and outbuildings.

Assessed value

70% of the appraised value, by state law. Assessed value times the mill rate, divided by 1,000, gives the tax.

Revaluation year

Connecticut towns revalue every five years; between revaluations the appraisal does not follow the market.

State use code

The use class the town gives the parcel on its grand list, with its description; codes beginning with 1 are residential.

Year built and effective year

The effective year reflects renovations: a 1950 house fully renovated may carry an effective year of 2010.

Condition

The assessor's grade of the building: excellent, very good, good, average, fair, poor.

Last and prior sale

The two most recent deeds on the file. A sale for $0 or $1 is a non-market transfer.

Brownfield

A site in the state brownfield inventory, which lists properties that received cleanup or redevelopment assistance.