02/25/2026
“Why is the county saying my home is worth less than what I paid?”
I have seen this question a lot in and around Onslow County; especially after someone buys a home or when their property tax notice arrives.
So let’s slow it down.
The assessed value is not what your home would sell for today. It’s simply the value the county uses to calculate your property taxes.
And here’s the important part:
The county isn’t trying to predict the housing market. They’re creating a standardized tax number across thousands of homes all at once.
That means:
• It doesn’t see your new floors
• It doesn’t factor in your competition
• It doesn’t know a buyer fell in love with your backyard at sunset
Your home’s market value is what a real buyer, in today’s conditions, is willing to pay.
Those are two VERY different systems.
Sometimes the assessed value is lower than the purchase price.
Sometimes it’s higher. Neither one automatically means you overpaid or gained equity.
It just means taxes and the housing market operate on different timelines.
If you ever want help understanding what your home would realistically sell for right now; no expectations, I’m always happy to walk through it with you.
You deserve clarity.
Milo Johnson
REALTOR® | Broker
Realty ONE Group Affinity
(801) 458-5863
