Are you ready to reduce your property taxes?
County boards everywhere are looking for ways to replace lost income–re-assessments of residential real estate taxes is just one of those ways. Sometimes it’s fair, other times it avoids belt-tightening. If your property taxes have been raised and you feel it’s unfair, here is how to prepare to meet your assessor for a review to lower them:
1. Look for reporting mistakes. Examine the assessor’s entire property description. Note discrepancies and document them with blueprints, surveys, photos or other inspection reports. Call me/text me 719-321-0800 or email me susanna@co-regroup.com to receive your public property records
2. Compare neighborhood assessments. Are other homes in your neighborhood assessed similar to yours? If they are lower, it could be worth speaking up. Check the web most county Assessors post assessments online.
3. Compare current sales. Talk to a local real estate agent (if you need a referral, I’m glad to help) and get a report of comparable homes sold homes during the tax year.
4. Take pictures. Document where your home needs repair compared to other homes in better shape in your neighborhood.
5. Get a new appraisal. If your home is unusual or hard to “comp” this is the one time it can work in your favor. If you recently refinanced and the value is lower, use that report instead.
6. Get your contract. If your taxes increased soon after you purchased, values probably haven’t changed that much. Document with your purchase agreement.
7. Are you exempt? There are many special exemptions, depending on your state you could qualify for: homestead, mortgage, senior citizens, veterans, disabled persons, and even energy-efficiency. Check with your county what is available in your state.
8. Prepare your case. In writing, briefly and professionally describe why you are entitled to the reduction, followed by documentation of your reasons. Make sure you have any required forms completed and know all deadlines for your appeal I can help you check all data and ‘prep’ your case to appeal your taxes.
To see if there are other ways to reduce your taxes speak to a real estate attorney or a tax professional about your situation.
Call me/text me 719-321-0800 or email me susanna@co-regroup.com
Call/Text me if you would like to start saving taxes by owning real estate property: 719-321-0800 or email susanna@co-regroup.com