In this day and age, the real estate market is not strong. While there is hope that in the near future market rates will increase with a strong economy, properties are still losing their value fast. It’s an unfortunate situation, but there is a silver lining. Because of a reduction in home values, you may have less property taxes to pay on an annual basis if you receive a lower property assessment.
Is there something you can do if you feel like your property has been assessed too highly? Is it even worth the trouble to fight your property assessment? There is a possibility it can be.
First, it is useful to understand how property values are assessed. Viewing comparables and replacement or rebuilding values are two of the most common ways to do this. Houses that are similar to yours and have recently been sold are known as “comps” or comparables. Assessors value your home according to how much each of these other homes sold for. Based on how much it is assumed to cost to replace your house, a bank can appraise the value of your property based on replacement or rebuilding value.
Your first step if you consider your home was assessed at too high a value is to collect information to make a strong 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. Your next step will be to file an appeal. You should note any time restriction for filing an appeal, since the majority of locations have them. The time period varies, with 60 days being the standard, so don’t miss out on your opportunity by not confirming what the actual time limit is in your location. The process of the appeal requires you to meet in front of an appeal board and present for eight to ten minutes. It is appropriate here to bring photos with comparables and all the data supporting your case, for instance floor plans on these comps that are similar to your own and any other evidence that your property was assessed too high.
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Additional options do exist, but if you do your homework and file an appeal, that is usually the simplest way to fight your property tax assessment. During your appeal presentation, dress and act professionally, presenting the facts that support your side in a clear and unambiguous manner. If you’ve done your research, you have a good shot. In that case, fighting your assessment and consequently reducing your annual property taxes is definitely worth the time and effort.
Looking for your dream home in Colorado, but can’t decide if you want to buy real estate in Brighton CO or purchase Denver CO real estate? You may consider letting a real estate agent help you in your search. They can provide valuable information about the Denver areas you are looking in, including complete real estate data for any homes or properties you may find.



