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thoughtiwastheman
Jan 24, 2014, 05:51 PM
Hi everyone. I am in the process of purchasing a house and I recently discovered that the square footage is not listed on the deed. The current owners pulled the permit to do renovation in the basement which added to the house's living area but they did not update the deed to reflect this. I suspect that once I update, or this house is reassessed, that my taxes will go up because of this oversight. Is my suspicion correct? Thanks for the help? I have contacted my attorney to tell me what the deed says now

joypulv
Jan 24, 2014, 06:01 PM
Square footage is not part of a deed, nor are renovations, or anything except change in ownership, or change to the land.

Your 'town card' will change, which is a detailed accounting of square feet, a drawing, taxes, and permits, among other things.

Your taxes will indeed go up, based on the new assessment that the assessor will do after the permit is signed off. It will be reflected on the next tax bill.

LisaB4657
Jan 24, 2014, 06:03 PM
A deed does not typically list the square footage of either the property or the buildings on the property. The deed should only provide the legal description of the property, which usually includes a precise measurement of the outer boundaries.

Some towns will reassess a property for taxes after a transfer takes place or a renovation is completed. Other towns will reassess on a set schedule, such as once every 10 years or so.

ma0641
Jan 24, 2014, 07:53 PM
Not an oversight. Tax records for assessment would show square footage, deed doesn't. If the previous owners pulled a permit, the city or county knows.