Aaron Fox, e-pro

For more Detailed information on your local Real Estate Market feel free to contact me Aaron.fox@century21 or visit www.AaronSellsRealEstate.com

As I was doing some seller follow up last night, I had the TV on in the Background, one segment on a national news show was discussing Property Taxes, and how to have them lowered if you feel they are too high. After watching this segment I felt this was another great opportunity to inform the property owners in Michigan of the process, especially since the steps they indicated would generally not work here or in the time frame they listed.

By the first of March each year assessment change notices are mailed to all property owners in the City which show changes in value from the previous year and which list the reason for the change, if any. Values may be appealed to the Board of Review in March. It is usually worth your time to attempt to contact your local assessor before this date, until that point they may able to change your SEV and Taxable values. Once the deadline hits, any changes must be made with the local Tax board of review.

The City Board of Review, which is comprised of at least three residents, meets to hear property assessment appeals from property owners in at least twice in March. The Board will hear and consider appeals from owners in person or by mail.

Once you have received the response to your appeal you may appeal that decision to the State Tax Tribunal. If you chose to appeal to the tax tribunal expect (Last I heard) a 2-3 year wait, yes 2-3 Years! Also note the Tax Tribunal's decision is final

Pointers-

• Before heading to the appealing to your local tax board of Review ensure you have filled out the appeal form correctly.
• Be able to provide evidence that you home is overvalued. (By law only sold Comparables in the same municipality can be used) though I have seen property values reduced by both assessors and board of Reviews by presenting appraisals, evidence of major change in the condition of the home, or proof that the home was actively listed and was not able to sell for below what it is taxed at.
• Be nice- The board of Review is voluntary, these are members of your community that have volunteered their time, for very little if any pay.
• Expect to wait, for your appeal, sometimes the wait can be long, know that going in and know that it does not reflect the boards lack of effort or that they are making "you" wait.
• Click here to contact your local municipality.
• Depending on the municipality they may/may not require appointments, check with your local assessing dept. to find out you local practices.

Just a few pointers from experience I have gained through the years as a former member of a Tax board of Review, and as a property owner that has appealed SEV and Taxable in 4 different municipalities personally.

Aaron Fox, Century 21 Looking Glass aaron.fox@century21.com www.aaronsellsrealestate.com

Please join me in welcoming Lisa Raths of Century 21 Looking Glass to Active Rain. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Lisa on several projects varying in size. Regardless of the size of the project, Lisa has always shown the utmost professionalism and dedication to her clients. Lisa offers her clients the experience of the most seasoned agent and personal care of a close friend; she is truly an asset to the Active Rain community and the Greater Lansing Real Estate Market!

Aaron Fox ~ Century 21 Looking Glass ~ Aaron.Fox@Century21.com ~ www.AaronSellsRealEstate.com~

So I have to admit that recently I have not been as active on the rain as I would have liked. So as I started several posts, nothing seemed to flow or feel right to post at this time, though I am not sure why. I then started on a topic that I feel very strongly about, volunteerism. After volunteering with many different groups and organizations over the years I have to say the time I spend with my "little brother", who I was put in touch with via Greater Lansing Big Brothers Big Sisters, is the most rewarding of all. Though there are many wonderful charities in the world today and several that I actively participate in, I have found BBBS the most rewarding. Today for example, as I sat waiting for my little, "John", I had the opportunity to see his face when he left his class room and saw me waiting for him. He was grinning from ear to ear. We were going to do nothing special just eat lunch and play a few games. It was that moment that reinforced the joy of volunteering. I believe the hour we spend every Thursday for lunch benefits me as much as him. It helps me remember my problems aren't as dire as I may think, and it is a good thing to take a break and enjoy some time away from the "Daily Grind". I guess what I am saying is that during the hectic day take a minute, think about " Is your life really that bad" and "What have I done to help someone else today". I have found it to be very calming and rewarding to spend time helping and benefiting others, which ever cause it may be!

I am pleased welcome Denya Shimnoski to Active Rain! Denya is a wonderful lender with Northpointe Bank , I have had the opportunity to do several deals with Denya and Northpointe and every transaction has been wonderful! Denya is always professional, knowledgeable, timely, and thorough. I would recommend Denya to any potential buyer!