Property Tax Reduction Services
Granite Rose can help property owners in Placer County get their property tax assessment where it should be. Many property taxes assessments have continued to climb in the last few years, while the value of residential property declined.
Decline in Market Value Review Package - $49.95
We complete an entire package for the Assessor, including an accurate Declining Market Review Application. Then, we support the January 1st value with selected comparable sales from either the county records or the regional multiple listing service.
Each package contains:
- Completed Decline in Market Value Review Application ready for signature
- Comparable sold property listings
- Self-addressed mailing envelope to County Assessor
- Instructions for sending signed application to Assessor for fastest processing.
In addition, you receive:
- Property Owner Package, which includes
- Copies of review application and comparables
- background information about property taxes and appraisal methods
- File folder with Granite Rose contact information.
Optional Service: Realtor Opinion of Value (ROV) -
$29.95
The Assessor employs in-house appraisers to determine values. Appraisers have their own way of determining market value. But who knows more about selling property than Realtors? That's why we have made available our optional Realtor Opinion of Value. This certified opinion provides an extra measure of confidence the your Decline in Market Value Application has the correct market value.
The ROV includes:
- Multiple Listing Service summary showing averages for sold comparables.
- Photos of comparable homes.
- A photo of your property to verify that that comparable properties are similar to your home.
- Map showing location of comparable properties.
- Copies of all documents for you!
Why is a Granite Rose package better than doing it yourself?
First, presentation is everything. If the reviewer can read the application easily, and sees that the selected properties are in-fact "like properties", the chances of getting agreement is very high. If the Assessor has questions, they may contact you. We provide you a complete copy of the package, as well as background information so you understand what the governing law is.
Who qualifies for a Property Tax Reduction?
If you bought your home in
the last 3 years, there is a good chance we help you reduce your property taxes
by several hundred dollars.
Why Haven't I heard about this before?
Many counties in California find themselves in an unfamiliar position. Not since before Proposition 13 have property owners had to deal with accurate assessments. Property assessments were regulated by one of three things:
- Purchase Price.
- Annual increases, regulated by Proposition 13's maximum 2% assessment increase.
- Adjustments for damage or major improvements.
With the market decline, property values are no longer automatically calculated. County assessors are faced with reassessing massive numbers of properties based on a declining real estate market - a condition that puts new demands on the County Assessor.
How have the Assessors done so far?
After comparing many current assessments versus market values, there are thousands of properties that have been over-valued by the Assessor. Many assessments are 20% too high. The assessors blew the call, and property owners are paying the bill.
How do you protect you pocketbook from the Assessor's errors?
There is only one way to assure that your property assessment, and resulting tax bill are correct - file a Declining Market Review Application!
Decline in Market Review Application
Filing the Declining Market Review Application is not difficult. It's a one page form with a few questions. The trick is to have the right answers. If you don't, your opportunity for a quick correction could result in a 2 year Appeal process, costing more than the tax savings. The Appeal process costs $250 just to file, and may require an attorney.
The most important answer is what was the value of your home on January 1st!
That value should be supported by actual sales of "like properties". Otherwise, your "guess" of the market value would be subject to disqualification by the Assessor. If you review is declined, your only option is the expensive appeals process.
Why does the Assessor discourage Decline in Market Value Reviews?
When a property owner submits a Review Application, the Assessor must review the property individually, rather than estimating the value based on broad market conditions. Individual reviews are more accurate, but require more staff time.
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