Residents across Barrington received their property assessments in the mail late last week.

For some, the information contained on the one-page mailer was no big deal, as their property assessments had not changed much from the prior revaluation.

For other residents, however, the numbers proved to be a bit shocking, as their assessments had increased by nearly 20 percent.

Barrington Tax Assessor Ken Mallette said revaluations are often like a bell curve — some property assessments increase a little, others increase more, and some stay the same or decrease.

Mr. Mallette said that the town’s total tax base increased by about 14 percent during the recent revaluation. Mr. Mallette said that some residents have already called to request an appeal.

“The best advice I can give is this: if you think it’s wrong, contact Northeast Reval,” Mr. Mallette said, adding that the revaluation company must be able to justify the assessments made for each property in town.

“It’s fair market value — what could your house sell for on Dec. 31, 2020? Is this value reflective of that?”

For residents who feel that the new assessment does not meet that criteria, an appeal process is available. People can schedule an appointment online at www.nereval.com or call 401-737-0300 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The final day to schedule an informal appeal is March 22; hearings will be conducted through March 31.

The town’s website offers some information to residents to help them better understand the revaluation process and how property assessments are determined. One of the key factors is the sale of properties in town.

“We review and analyze recent property sales,” stated the website. “Depending on the volume, we may use one, two, or even three years of data. From these sales, we generate valuation tables and apply them throughout the city or town.”

Mr. Mallette said Barrington has experienced a seller’s market in real estate recently. Realtors have reported bidding battles on homes for sale, potential buyers including escalator clauses to exceed other buyers’ offers, and higher-than-listed sales prices.

“Entry level homes are continuing to climb at a phenomenal rate,” Mr. Mallette said.

Town officials are reminding residents to avoid using their new assessments and the current tax rate to determine their property taxes. The town is in the early stages of the annual budget process, and officials are not expected to set a new tax rate until later this spring.