Bay County Florida claims to have the most beautiful beaches in the world, which certainly influences the desirability of properties in that county. The Bay County property appraiser takes the beaches and other community amenities into account when making a determination about the value of a piece of property.
Properties located near a body of water, are often valued higher than those which are not. In fact, towns and cities that are landlocked in Florida, have a lesser fair market value on properties, than those located near the ocean of the gulf. Properties located near lakes are also valued higher than those which are not located near a body of water. The Bay County property appraiser takes these factors into account when determining the fair market value of a piece of property.
However, bodies of water can lower the value of a piece of property if those bodies of water can cause difficulties for residents. For example, properties which are prone to flooding would have a lesser value. In addition, properties located near polluted bodies of water would also have lowered value. For example, oil spills can greatly reduce the value of home on the gulf, even when the oil has not reached the shores.
The simple fear that the oil or other contaminates could affect the safety of those on the property; indicate that there should be a decrease in the value of that property. The Bay County property appraiser must consider the negatives as well as the positives of property located near the water.
