Language of Assessment: Terms D - L

Definitions

Deed - A written, legal instrument that conveys an estate or interest in real property when it is executed and delivered (see also quitclaim deed and warranty deed). The Clerk's Office has a public records search for information in Sublette County since August 10, 2007.

Depreciation -

  • In appraising, a loss in property value from any cause; the difference between the reproduction or replacement cost of an improvement on the effective date of the appraisal and the market value of the improvement on the same date.
  • In regard to improvements, depreciation encompasses both deterioration and obsolescence.

Fair Market Value - The amount of money a well-informed buyer would pay and a well-informed seller would accept for property that has been on the open market for a reasonable amount of time, assuming neither buyer nor seller is acting under pressure.

Geographic Information System (GIS) - One type of computerized mapping system capable of integrating spatial data (land information) and attribute data among different layers on a base map.

Improvements - Buildings, other structures, and attachments or annexations to land that are intended to remain so attached or annexed.

Legal Description - A delineation of dimensions, boundaries, and relevant attributes of a real property parcel that serve to identify the parcel for purposes of law. The description may be in words or codes, such as metes and bounds or coordinates. For a subdivided lot, the legal description would contain lot and block numbers and a subdivision name. For those that are not platted, it would be a township, range, section, and any applicable quarters, or quarter-quarters.