PC I could never see a case where Mr Smith would discourage buying… Think about it… just for starters if he acknowledges a depreciating market, he opens the floodgates for people (new homeowners) to apply for reassessments.
I bet many people who bought a home or ESPECIALLY a condo in late 04 or early/mid 05 could save some money on thier property taxes if they applied but they don’t even know that.