Delaware County - Property tax for new construction (assessor, home)

[grm215]

Just wondering for those of you that have purchased new construction how your property tax situation was established? If I understand the process correctly, your assessed value shouldn't exceed purchase price x common level ratio. So assuming you buy a new construction home for $300,000 and assume a common level ratio of 68%, your assessed value is $204,000 ($300,000 x 68%). Are there any other variables that can increased the assessed value beyond that? Does it matter if the home was initially offered (but not sold) for $350,000? I've been nervous about new construction because of the unknown on property taxes. If it makes a difference, I'm looking in the Garnet Valley area. I spoke with someone at the Delaware County assessor and they said I'd initially be assessed at $300,000, but can undergo an automatic appeal process to put me at $204,000. While I realize they can't make guarantees over the phone or anything, the person indicated that the lower assessed value is dependent on the submission of "proper paperwork" and this made me nervous.