"Just tell me the truth Elizabeth, screamed the caller. Can I get this for my home right now? Can I EVER get this price for our home. If so, you just come and stick the sign in the yard and we will sign papers RIGHT NOW!" That was the 1st caller...

10 minutes later...

"Elizabeth! Our tax revaluation came in the mail. We are so excited. Can you just tell us if it is correct because we are refinancing and hope to pull the equity to pay off debt."

5 minutes later...one is happy - one is sad and again and again the phone rang ALL week!

Now, do not get this wrong. I have loved the calls and added at least 20 new contacts to the database of new clients this week based on reevaluations and heard from clients that I have not chatted with in a while...The perfect chance to talk about the recent business changes and ask for leads!!!

Call Liz! Call Liz! Call Liz! I love it and want to help you!

So this blog is written to help those that are in my GROWING community and for fellow REALTORS that could experience this event in the future!

Tax revaluations in the state of NC are assessed one time EVERY 8 years. The last one was in 2001 so, it is our year for change!

The truth is this...Yes, our area has had a roller coaster ride of value changes and we have seen increases in home values so you should be prepared for an increase! The county stated that overall we have had an 18% increase over the 8 years...However, I have seen and heard lots of values in the last few days that are a bit off the charts compared to recent comps...IF you feel your value is way off you can appeal this and as your REALTOR I will be glad to send you comparables that you can use to appeal your value. However, please know that the majority of the valuations are correct! As a REALTOR, I have a code of ethic to follow and I have to be 100% honest and truthful on what the values are as of the day you ask...

The following link is from the county website and will answer tons of your questions.

http://www.alamance-nc.com/Alamance-NC/Departments/Tax/2009+Tax+Revaluation/

Please note that one of the great reasons people live in our City/County is that our tax rates are reasonable and I believe that other REALTORS in other States would agree with this.

See example and rates chart:

John buys a house in the city of Burlington with a tax value of $300,000.00. The county is Alamance County. He will pay $1875 for the City tax and $1740 for County tax TOTAL TAX: $3615.00 - If John lived in the County ONLY he would only pay the $1740.00. You can see the rates for each area otherwise known as: MUNICIPALITIES.

2008/2009 TAX RATES

PER $100 VALUATION

COUNTY-WIDE .58

SPECIAL FIRE DISTRICTS

	54 EAST	.10
	ALTAMAHAW-OSSIPEE	.10
	E. M. HOLT	.08
	E. ALAMANCE	.085
	ELI WHITNEY/87 SOUTH	.08
	ELON	.105
	FAUCETTE	.0875
	HAW RIVER	.105
	NORTH CENTRAL ALAMANCE	.105
	NORTH EASTERN ALAMANCE	.07
	SNOW CAMP	.085
	SWEPSONVILLE	.10

MUNICIPALITIES

	VILLAGE OF ALAMANCE	.24
	BURLINGTON	.625
	BURLINGTON (SPECIAL DOWNTOWN)	.16
	ELON	.37
	GIBSONVILLE	.515
	GRAHAM	.48
	GREEN LEVEL	.34
	HAW RIVER	.48
	MEBANE	.50
	TOWN OF OSSIPEE	.0750

Finally, if you are not sure about the value you have within 15 days of receiving your new valuation notice options to appeal your valuation:

•· Return the Informal Appeal Form at the bottom of the notice (complete both sides of the form); or

•· Call 336-570-4117 to request an appointment for an informal review.

The review includes a meeting with Tax Office staff and may also involve an on-site inspection of the property. In May, you should receive written notice of the Tax Office's decision.

If you wish for us to send you data about your area please do the following:

Send an email with the subject line: Revaluation Request to ElizabethWardSmall@ColdwellBanker.com

In the email please give me your name and address and the new value you were given. Please also share phone, cell and if you plan to sell within the next few years. I will have you a return notice of comparables within 24 hours during the week.

Thank you and I look forward to serving you!

Elizabeth Ward Small, REALTOR

Coldwell Banker TRIAD

336-516-4506 Cell

www.wardsmall.com

PS: ENJOY THIS

People who complain about taxes can be divided into two classes: men and women. ~Author Unknown

A person doesn't know how much he has to be thankful for until he has to pay taxes on it. ~Author Unknown