ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County officials are working to clear up common misconceptions as the county moves forward with its 2026 property reappraisal.

Property Assessor Eric Cregger said one of the most frequent misunderstandings is the belief that higher property values automatically result in higher tax bills.

“Just because your property value goes up, people believe that your property taxes will go up,” Cregger said. “Property value is just one piece of your property tax bill. The second piece would be your tax rate.”

Reappraisal is required by state law and aims to bring all properties to current market value based on recent real estate transactions. Cregger stressed that a single home sale does not determine a property’s market value.

“One property sale does not equal market value,” he said. “Market value is pools of sales of similar properties.”

While the assessor’s office sets market values, tax bills are ultimately determined by local elected officials. County commissioners and municipal boards set tax rates each year based on their budget needs.

Cregger said property values can rise while taxes remain flat or even decrease, depending on the tax rate set by local boards.

The county uses mass appraisal methods, reviewing real estate sales data and comparing properties only to similar homes. For example, a 900-square-foot, 1960s single-family home would be compared to other older, modest homes, not to large, newly built houses on the same street.

Cregger said he understands concerns about gentrification and affordability but emphasized that reappraisal reflects market conditions, not policy decisions about taxation.

Residents who want to learn more can visit buncombeNC.gov/myValueBC or call 828-250-4920. County staff are also available to speak with neighborhood or community groups.