You don't have to be a computer science graduate or live in a big city to understand or use much of the technology and information available at the stroke of a keyboard.
Examples include ArcGIS, GoogleEarth and Montgomery County's GIS systems, all based on software that taps into similar databases (think of an online library, with lots and lots of filing cabinets).
Want to know what local zoning is applied to property you own? Check it out, online. Want to know what is allowed by right for a certain zoning classification? See the applicable Zoning Code (for Christiansburg, this can be found here).
Forget what your property's selling price or date was, and want to know? Check it out, online. Want to know what the most recent appraised value of a property is, or what it used to be before the last reassessment? Check it out, online. Once you know the total value (land + building), divide that number by 100 and multiply this sum by your locality's tax rate. You've calculated the amount of that property's tax bill.
No need to wait until business hours, use gas to travel to where the records are kept in paper format, or have public employees answer your questions. You can do this 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year (24/7/365) -- whenever the urge hits you because you can check it out, online.
Curious about the value of adjoining property? Check it out, online. Interested in any other property (for investment purposes, due to a public hearing for rezoning or special permits or just because)? Check it out, online.
All property transfer documents, including deeds of sale, should indicate the tax identification number and zoning. Do current public records, such as zoning maps, applicable Comprehensive Plans and assessment records, concur with the legal documents you have? Check it out, online.
For property located within Montgomery County, including the towns of Blacksburg or Christiansburg, these land records can be found here as a free service provided to citizens by your county government. Note these records are the same ones used by both towns, which do not conduct their own property reassessments. Just follow the links and instructions to drill down and find a specific property located in Montgomery County, even if you don't know the sale date, property owner or tax identification number. Zoom, zoom!
Other cool sites that provide free information to public records utilizing Global Positioning Systems (GPS, for worldwide navigation information collected by satellites) or GIS (Geographic Information System from a multitude of data sources) can be found at:
ESRI Zip Code Look Up (general demographics are free)
GoogleEarth (free awesome download, travel anywhere on earth)
ArcWeb Explorer (browser based map renderings)
Wow! No wonder the old phone book just doesn't cut it anymore. These sites are just a minute sample of information available to anyone with a computer and internet access. Each of these listed here provide simple to follow instructions and trusted downloadable info. Just take the time and follow each site's basic user instructions. With a little patience, you will be amazed at what information is readily available -- at your fingertips, online.
If this information creates more questions for you or doesn't agree with your recorded documents, then you can pick up the phone and call a local government office or make a visit during regular office hours. Most government offices are staffed with personnel experienced in answering general questions, or who are able to point you in the right direction for finding the information you seek.
Additional resources -- census data, comparative local government data -- can also be found through links located under "Author Recommends." Happy surfing.