Robert Honders

The Office of Real Property Services has a website with guidance as to how to file an assessment grievance. It's a typically obtuse, wonkish government paper but here is the money shot for many people:

From "SECTION ONE: IS YOUR ASSESSMENT FAIR?"

"...the market value listed on the roll should equal roughly the price for which you could sell your property."

And

"Market value is generally defined as the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for a property in its present condition with neither buyer nor seller under pressure to act (such as career relocation, death of a family member, divorce, etc.)"

Have you listed your property for sale recently? No buyers? Check to be sure your assessment is based on a market value AT LEAST equal to what you tried to sell your house for. How could somebody argue that your house is worth more than what you just unsuccesfully tried to sell it for?

Check out THESE PEOPLE in Dutchess County who have a slam dunk case for assessments 30% lower than what they are.