What About Those High Property Taxes

Dear Readers,

Again my apologies for being absent the last few weeks. Our new company, Empower Real Estate, has a new office, new furniture and we’re looking like a genuine Real Estate Office. It has kept me working long days. I’ve been answering emails and calls as they come in, but there seems to be one recurring question lately that needs to be addressed.

I keep getting calls from homeowners who are questioning the amount of property taxes being assessed on their homes today. Most of us have seen our property values drop about 20% but our property tax bill stays the same or keeps going up. We want an explanation. The simplest reason I can give is that there are assessments for bonds that are ongoing expenses, and they need to be paid. The recent school bond issue that failed is a good example. There are also sewers, sidewalks, streetlights and other infrastructure assessments that are part of our tax bill. That being said, we as homeowners still have the right to contest our tax bill.

I get an average of 2 calls per week from angry property owners who want to know how to get their tax bill reduced. I tell them that they can call King County Metro and eventually they will get to someone who can give them the basic information to get them started. Also, I have to tell you that there is a window of time after you’ve received your bill for you to contest the billing. I’ve done some research and here are a couple of facts for you.

Independent research of 10 major national markets has shown that 60% to 70% of ALL real estate is over assessed. Less than 2% of the over assessed ever appeal. I’m wondering why? It doesn’t cost anything to contest your tax bill.

There is a small company here in Maple Valley that specializes in property tax appeals. The company is Bigelow Property Tax Advisors, which is owned by Stephen Bigelow. He is my source for the information that I’m sharing with you. I would strongly suggest that you give him a call if you question your tax billing.

So how would you know if you’re in the 60% to 70% group? Call Stephen and give him your address or parcel number. He uses the general guidelines set up by the state department of revenue, and in a few days he can give you an answer.

How much does his service cost? He works on a contingency basis so the only cost to you is a percentage of the tax savings. If he can’t save you any money, it costs you nothing. How’s that for a good deal? Here’s his contact information:

Bigelow Property Tax Advisors

Direct Line: 425-698-5582

www.bigelowpropertytaxadvisors.com

Thanks for the calls and emails. Our sponsor this week is Empower Real Estate. Please call me at 206-949-1894 or email me at gil@sandovals.net with your real estate questions. Also, my specialty now is working with potential investors who want to buy real estate at the trustee auctions which are held every Friday. I can provide you with the data and financing that you need. Call me if you would like to get more information.