Real Estate Taxes! What to do?

You just purchased a new home and the tax valuation is higher than the purchase price. What should you do? According to John Barrington, the Ela Township Assessor, you can appeal the taxes.  

John’s office will assist you through the process of appealing. Contact the Ela Township Assessor's office before you go to the county. Be prepared to bring the blue assessment sheet that was received in the mail, the closed Multiple Listing Service sheet (available from your realtor), the HUD papers and the appraisal, if done. Bring comparable sales information if available. If the property was in foreclosure, the condition of the property will be taken into consideration, but the valuation may not go all the way to the purchase price.

Visit the township website for important dates and further information about the process.

John feels that an important part of his job is to educate the consumers in his township. He says that while looking at homes for possible purchase to “look at the tax bill. Can you afford it in a couple of years?” Consumers should realize that they may get a tax break for a year or two, but the taxes will go up as government needs the money to function. Potential buyers should estimate the current taxes into the equation as they consider making an offer on a home. He also says to call his office if looking at a particular home. They can answer specific tax questions.

Not all assessors’ offices help in the manner of John’s office. If consumers are in a different township, they should contact the assessor’s office to find out the local rules.