New Mexico is a "non-disclosure" state, meaning that the selling price
of real estate is not public information. This makes buying without
an agent an exercise in aggravation. Appraisals and tax assessments
are based on last selling price, if known, else comps. But most of
the housing is one-off (except mobile homes to new to have been very
modified), and selling prices are scarce. Er. When real estate sells,
the county tax assessor's office sends a query letter to the buyer,
which appears to require disclosure of the selling price. Some buyers
comply, and I am told (by regretful buyers) that as a result their tax
bill went way up.

So far, none of the professionals I have asked about this has explained
to me how an appraiser or anyone else (eg, tax assessor) can put a fair
market value on a house. I expected to hear that agents who belong to
an MLS have this information, provided by the selling agent. But no...
I have asked a licensed appraiser, real estate agents, and a mortgage
loan officer. The loan officer told me New Mexico became a disclosure
state a couple of years ago (not true). The real estate agents suggest
I offer to pay what feels right, and see how it goes, or offer to help
when I am "ready to make an offer". The appraiser said he looks at the
comps (a non-answer). Sheesh.

How can appraisals and assessments use comps in a non-disclosure state?

Una