Is it Even Worth it to Fight a Property Tax Assessment in the First Place?
You probably realize the market is not currently strong. While you can hope that the economy will get stronger soon, thus increasing home values, right now, values on homes are still decreasing pretty quickly. Despite the unfortunate situation, there is some good news. Due to a drop in home values, you might have less property taxes to pay on an annual basis if you receive a lower property assessment.
Is there anything you can do if you think your home has still been assessed too highly? Is it even worth the trouble to fight your property assessment? It quite possibly could be.
First, it is useful to understand how home values are assessed. Two of the most popular ways are with comparables and replacement or rebuilding value. Also known as "comps," comparables are simply other homes in your neighborhood or the surrounding area that are similar to your home and have recently been sold. By noting how much each of these homes sold for, assessors are able to value your home accordingly. Replacement or rebuilding value is more like how a bank appraises your home based on how much they think the cost would be to replace it.
If you believe your home was valued too high, you must first build yourself a case for a lower property assessment. This can be done by meeting with assessor and informing him or her you believe you were assessed too high. Next, you must file an appeal. Most locations have a time limit for such an appeal, as well. 60 days tends to be about average, but it varies, so be sure to check what the actual time limit is where you live so you don't miss out. During the appeal, you will go through an appeal board and give an eight to ten minute presentation. It is appropriate here to bring pictures with comparables and all the data supporting your case, such as floor plans on these comps that are similar to your own and any other evidence that your home was assessed too high.
While there are other ways to fight your property assessment, doing your research and filing an appeal is the most direct and uncomplicated. During your appeal presentation, dress and act professionally, laying out the facts that support your side in a clear and concise manner. You have a good shot, if you've done your homework. In that case, fighting your assessment and consequently reducing your annual property taxes is definitely worth the time and effort.
Is there anything you can do if you think your home has still been assessed too highly? Is it even worth the trouble to fight your property assessment? It quite possibly could be.
First, it is useful to understand how home values are assessed. Two of the most popular ways are with comparables and replacement or rebuilding value. Also known as "comps," comparables are simply other homes in your neighborhood or the surrounding area that are similar to your home and have recently been sold. By noting how much each of these homes sold for, assessors are able to value your home accordingly. Replacement or rebuilding value is more like how a bank appraises your home based on how much they think the cost would be to replace it.
If you believe your home was valued too high, you must first build yourself a case for a lower property assessment. This can be done by meeting with assessor and informing him or her you believe you were assessed too high. Next, you must file an appeal. Most locations have a time limit for such an appeal, as well. 60 days tends to be about average, but it varies, so be sure to check what the actual time limit is where you live so you don't miss out. During the appeal, you will go through an appeal board and give an eight to ten minute presentation. It is appropriate here to bring pictures with comparables and all the data supporting your case, such as floor plans on these comps that are similar to your own and any other evidence that your home was assessed too high.
While there are other ways to fight your property assessment, doing your research and filing an appeal is the most direct and uncomplicated. During your appeal presentation, dress and act professionally, laying out the facts that support your side in a clear and concise manner. You have a good shot, if you've done your homework. In that case, fighting your assessment and consequently reducing your annual property taxes is definitely worth the time and effort.
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