Assessing Your Property Taxes and A Link to 108 Stores with Senior Discounts

Reference books related to this topic

How to Reduce Your Property Tax - A comprehensive guide for residential property taxes in America and Canada [VHS]

Challenge Your Taxes: Homeowner's Guide to Reducing Property Taxes

Are You Getting Screwed On Your Property Taxes?: How To Find Out and How To Fix It!

The following information was taken from the July issue of the State Farm Insurance Newsletter

Assessing Your Property Taxes

Since housing prices have dropped in so many markets, it may be worthwhile to check if your property assessment is in line with current valuations in your area—and perhaps initiate an appeal. Here’s what you need to know.

When to consider an appeal

According to Tim Miscovich, who reviews tax assessments for various properties as a managing partner of Hospitality Asset Advisors in Clarkston, Michigan, certain situations may warrant an appeal:

•If there is at least a 20 percent difference between your property’s assessment and your estimation of its value.
•If your assessor has based the figure on incorrect information about your property.
•If your assessment is not in line with the per-square-foot assessments of your neighbors’ homes.

Where to start

Visit your local assessor’s office and take a copy of your real estate tax bill or assessment. Review a copy of your property record card or assessor’s data sheet, which tells you how the assessor calculated the property’s value.

How to check if your assessment is fair

“First verify the accuracy of the assessor’s information,” says Miscovich. “In many cases, factual errors produce an incorrect assessment.”

Be sure that your home’s square footage is accurate, but also double-check other information—from the number of rooms and the type of construction to whether the basement is indeed finished.

Ask your assessor to provide information on comparable home sales in the neighborhood. Be sure to get square footage for each property.

“Find 10 or 15 good sales in your area over the last three years,” Miscovich says. “Lay it out on a grid and calculate the average price per square foot.”

Dos and don’ts

According to Miscovich, if you have concerns about your assessment, you should…

•Start looking into the problem early—well in advance of tax appeal deadlines—and leave time for appeals.
•Band together. Some assessors will provide an assessment overview to groups of concerned taxpayers.
•Be consistent. Review your home’s assessed value on an annual basis.

But you shouldn’t…

•Use a distressed sale to determine a value for your own property.
•Rush to hire help. Hire a tax abatement specialist only after an assessor rebuffs your request for an appeal.
•Be antagonistic or confrontational. It rarely works.
Learn more about property taxes in various states at the Tax Foundation. Find information about local assessor’s offices at the Property Assessment Directory.

A List of 108 Stores with Senior Discounts
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Hurricane Preparedness Info

This is the season for strong thunder storms and hurricanes.
The Tidewater area is the second lowest coastal area in the
United States after New Orleans,Lousiana, therefore our area
is prone to flooding as a result of heavy rains and storm surge.

The Stonebridge Crossing community is about one mile from
the Elizabeth River which is behind Grandy Park, and about
two miles from Broad Creek which flows under the bridge on
Va Beach Blvd. just pass the Norfolk Fire Dept and the
Armory.There are also numerous creeks and streams in the
area, one of which feeds into the storm water retention
pond in the front of our community.

This makes our area prone to flooding from a category two
or higher hurricaine. Flooding may not require evacuating
your home. Sheltering in place, or staying at home, may be
a better option. But what ever you do, be prepared for the
course you take.

Before a storm occurs(now), you should make a disaster
preparedness kit consisting of bottled water, canned foods,
medicines,batteries,flashlights,and a first aid kit.Please
avoid the use of candles.It isimportant to have these items
on hand now because the store shelves will empty very quickly
if a storm is impending. You may even consider buying plywood
cut to your windows' specs and storing it in your shed,garage,
or attic.

For more information on a making a disaster prep kit go here:
disaster supply kit 4 steps

Check your homeowner's insurance policy for adequate coverage,
and consult with your agent about purchasing federal flood
insurance coverage. Most homeowner's insurance does NOT cover
flood damage. Make a plan for family members who have a
disability, or special needs. Plan for the care of your pets,
they will not be allowed in a public shelter. Put all of your
important papers in a water-proof container.Put loose outdoor
items in the garage or secure them.

If a storm is imminent, fill containers with extra drinking
water. Fill your bathtubs with water for sanitary purposes
such as hand washing.Use a silicone sealant on the drain to
prevent the water from seeping out. It can easily be removed.
Fill the gas tanks of your vehicles. A power outtage may affect
the availability of fuel.

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and
place plastic bottles and bags of water in available space.
This will keep foods cold longer if there is an extended power
outtage. Also,you will have an extra source of drinking water.
Know the location of your utility cut-offs for water,gas,and
electricity. Decide which interior room will be usedas a "safe"
room which will offer protection from breaking glass and wind
driven objects.

Here are some links which offer hurricane and disaster
preparedness information.

City of Norfolk Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Services

Live global storm tracker

NOAA's National Weather Service

Hampton Roads.com Hurricanes and Storms

If you have never experienced a hurricane, or your only experience
is the Category 1 Hurricane Isabelle of seven years ago, do not
underestimate the power of a hurricane and the damage it can cause
and the terror one can evoke. BE PREPARED!


Edward L. West Sr.