OT: Time to appeal your tax assessment

[bearishgurl]

[quote=desmond]Everybody on this site has higher property values then when they bought.[/quote]

He**, I bought in 2001 and saved over $800 in tax thru a stipulated agreement with the South Bay (county bureaucrat) appraisers. Those are the only folks [secretly] working there since they closed the office down early last year to [ostensibly] save $$. Please take notice that they’re OPEN for 8 days in both April and December (2 windows only to COLLECT $$). Duh!!!!

Yes, everyone who bought since 2000 should at least entertain the idea of an assessment appeal. It doesn’t hurt to run the stats on http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/services/propsales/propsales_search.aspx (the lofty Assessor’s OWN sales info) to throw in their face to bolster your appeal. I would highly recommend this exercise. Bear in mind that their window for accepting sales comps is October 1 to March 30 ONLY for the fiscal year in question (7/1 thru 6/30). Note: Even if you have access to REALIST, use the assessor’s own comps instead as they include all the FSBO stats.

Spoken from a (Ret.) “TRUE” county employee and former “bureaucrat.” I get it ALL and own/worn all the T-shirts.

Thank you and good night!

[EconProf]

Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.

[EconProf]

Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.

[EconProf]

Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.

[EconProf]

Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.

[EconProf]

Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=EconProf]Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.[/quote]

Yes, EconProf, I agree with your post in that, in the past, your way was feasible, or might be feasible now if you are appealing a complex of over four units or commercial property. I have gone all the way to hearing before to appeal my property taxes, but the year was 1993. I got a hearing in less than six months back then as there were many less applications pending than today. I did win and get a lowered assessment at that time from about 278,500 to 240,000. It started adjusting gradually upwards again in FY 97/98.

I applied this time in July 2008 to appeal the upcoming 08/09 FY. In 2009, I dealt directly with the two local county appraisers in CV still working here in their offices. (All the rest of the ARCC employees moved downtown or were laid off b/c they closed the office to the public early last year.) The compromises and stipulations are now done from Kearny Mesa by letter after the head appraiser signs off on them. They are time-sensitive, i.e., if you don’t respond, you will be set for a hearing. However, EVEN THOUGH I WAS AMONG THE FIRST 3000 APPLICANTS FOR F/Y 08/09, out of about 44,000, I think, the STIP still took practically ALL THE WAY TO 12/10/09 to effectuate and provide me with a corrected tax bill (over 16 months). I would venture that waiting for a hearing NOW AFTER YOU TURNED DOWN the county’s offer could tie up two more years + of your life, while you pay the higher tax, depending on what “number” you were assigned on your postcard (it’s 1st come, 1st served).

After I crunched theirs and my sales comps, I had to concede that their offer was a good deal. The appraiser used just one heavy fixer a couple blocks away to “comp” me. (My place is NOT a fixer.) I let him do it because I have 600-800 more SF than the average residence in my area so the sales comps for my appeal were far and few between as the county would not accept the (much) smaller sales comps. FYI: The county goes mainly by SF and doesn’t care much about condition. Lot size is important to them only if the lot is very large, i.e. 1/2 AC and this size lot is unusual for the neighborhood.

Now, my tax bill is nearly $850 lower. I plan on entertaining a study in the near future to see if I have any grounds to appeal again for FY 10/11.

My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=EconProf]Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.[/quote]

Yes, EconProf, I agree with your post in that, in the past, your way was feasible, or might be feasible now if you are appealing a complex of over four units or commercial property. I have gone all the way to hearing before to appeal my property taxes, but the year was 1993. I got a hearing in less than six months back then as there were many less applications pending than today. I did win and get a lowered assessment at that time from about 278,500 to 240,000. It started adjusting gradually upwards again in FY 97/98.

I applied this time in July 2008 to appeal the upcoming 08/09 FY. In 2009, I dealt directly with the two local county appraisers in CV still working here in their offices. (All the rest of the ARCC employees moved downtown or were laid off b/c they closed the office to the public early last year.) The compromises and stipulations are now done from Kearny Mesa by letter after the head appraiser signs off on them. They are time-sensitive, i.e., if you don’t respond, you will be set for a hearing. However, EVEN THOUGH I WAS AMONG THE FIRST 3000 APPLICANTS FOR F/Y 08/09, out of about 44,000, I think, the STIP still took practically ALL THE WAY TO 12/10/09 to effectuate and provide me with a corrected tax bill (over 16 months). I would venture that waiting for a hearing NOW AFTER YOU TURNED DOWN the county’s offer could tie up two more years + of your life, while you pay the higher tax, depending on what “number” you were assigned on your postcard (it’s 1st come, 1st served).

After I crunched theirs and my sales comps, I had to concede that their offer was a good deal. The appraiser used just one heavy fixer a couple blocks away to “comp” me. (My place is NOT a fixer.) I let him do it because I have 600-800 more SF than the average residence in my area so the sales comps for my appeal were far and few between as the county would not accept the (much) smaller sales comps. FYI: The county goes mainly by SF and doesn’t care much about condition. Lot size is important to them only if the lot is very large, i.e. 1/2 AC and this size lot is unusual for the neighborhood.

Now, my tax bill is nearly $850 lower. I plan on entertaining a study in the near future to see if I have any grounds to appeal again for FY 10/11.

My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=EconProf]Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.[/quote]

Yes, EconProf, I agree with your post in that, in the past, your way was feasible, or might be feasible now if you are appealing a complex of over four units or commercial property. I have gone all the way to hearing before to appeal my property taxes, but the year was 1993. I got a hearing in less than six months back then as there were many less applications pending than today. I did win and get a lowered assessment at that time from about 278,500 to 240,000. It started adjusting gradually upwards again in FY 97/98.

I applied this time in July 2008 to appeal the upcoming 08/09 FY. In 2009, I dealt directly with the two local county appraisers in CV still working here in their offices. (All the rest of the ARCC employees moved downtown or were laid off b/c they closed the office to the public early last year.) The compromises and stipulations are now done from Kearny Mesa by letter after the head appraiser signs off on them. They are time-sensitive, i.e., if you don’t respond, you will be set for a hearing. However, EVEN THOUGH I WAS AMONG THE FIRST 3000 APPLICANTS FOR F/Y 08/09, out of about 44,000, I think, the STIP still took practically ALL THE WAY TO 12/10/09 to effectuate and provide me with a corrected tax bill (over 16 months). I would venture that waiting for a hearing NOW AFTER YOU TURNED DOWN the county’s offer could tie up two more years + of your life, while you pay the higher tax, depending on what “number” you were assigned on your postcard (it’s 1st come, 1st served).

After I crunched theirs and my sales comps, I had to concede that their offer was a good deal. The appraiser used just one heavy fixer a couple blocks away to “comp” me. (My place is NOT a fixer.) I let him do it because I have 600-800 more SF than the average residence in my area so the sales comps for my appeal were far and few between as the county would not accept the (much) smaller sales comps. FYI: The county goes mainly by SF and doesn’t care much about condition. Lot size is important to them only if the lot is very large, i.e. 1/2 AC and this size lot is unusual for the neighborhood.

Now, my tax bill is nearly $850 lower. I plan on entertaining a study in the near future to see if I have any grounds to appeal again for FY 10/11.

My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=EconProf]Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.[/quote]

Yes, EconProf, I agree with your post in that, in the past, your way was feasible, or might be feasible now if you are appealing a complex of over four units or commercial property. I have gone all the way to hearing before to appeal my property taxes, but the year was 1993. I got a hearing in less than six months back then as there were many less applications pending than today. I did win and get a lowered assessment at that time from about 278,500 to 240,000. It started adjusting gradually upwards again in FY 97/98.

I applied this time in July 2008 to appeal the upcoming 08/09 FY. In 2009, I dealt directly with the two local county appraisers in CV still working here in their offices. (All the rest of the ARCC employees moved downtown or were laid off b/c they closed the office to the public early last year.) The compromises and stipulations are now done from Kearny Mesa by letter after the head appraiser signs off on them. They are time-sensitive, i.e., if you don’t respond, you will be set for a hearing. However, EVEN THOUGH I WAS AMONG THE FIRST 3000 APPLICANTS FOR F/Y 08/09, out of about 44,000, I think, the STIP still took practically ALL THE WAY TO 12/10/09 to effectuate and provide me with a corrected tax bill (over 16 months). I would venture that waiting for a hearing NOW AFTER YOU TURNED DOWN the county’s offer could tie up two more years + of your life, while you pay the higher tax, depending on what “number” you were assigned on your postcard (it’s 1st come, 1st served).

After I crunched theirs and my sales comps, I had to concede that their offer was a good deal. The appraiser used just one heavy fixer a couple blocks away to “comp” me. (My place is NOT a fixer.) I let him do it because I have 600-800 more SF than the average residence in my area so the sales comps for my appeal were far and few between as the county would not accept the (much) smaller sales comps. FYI: The county goes mainly by SF and doesn’t care much about condition. Lot size is important to them only if the lot is very large, i.e. 1/2 AC and this size lot is unusual for the neighborhood.

Now, my tax bill is nearly $850 lower. I plan on entertaining a study in the near future to see if I have any grounds to appeal again for FY 10/11.

My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=EconProf]Once you file an appeal, you will likely (could be over a year or more) get a call from an assessor ready to negotiate a compromise. They will offer a reduction and act like they are doing you a favor. Turn it down.
Insist on going to the hearing–a quasi-judicial process where you can plead your case before an appeals board that will hear your side and that of the assessor’s office. This takes an average of 20 minutes or so, and looked to be a fair process when I witnessed it.
With tens of thousands of written appeals, and only limited time available, they certainly do not want you to go as far as a hearing. That’s why they will cajole, offer phoney numbers, and generally try to intimidate you into caving. If you have done your research and have a good case, they will grant your number.[/quote]

Yes, EconProf, I agree with your post in that, in the past, your way was feasible, or might be feasible now if you are appealing a complex of over four units or commercial property. I have gone all the way to hearing before to appeal my property taxes, but the year was 1993. I got a hearing in less than six months back then as there were many less applications pending than today. I did win and get a lowered assessment at that time from about 278,500 to 240,000. It started adjusting gradually upwards again in FY 97/98.

I applied this time in July 2008 to appeal the upcoming 08/09 FY. In 2009, I dealt directly with the two local county appraisers in CV still working here in their offices. (All the rest of the ARCC employees moved downtown or were laid off b/c they closed the office to the public early last year.) The compromises and stipulations are now done from Kearny Mesa by letter after the head appraiser signs off on them. They are time-sensitive, i.e., if you don’t respond, you will be set for a hearing. However, EVEN THOUGH I WAS AMONG THE FIRST 3000 APPLICANTS FOR F/Y 08/09, out of about 44,000, I think, the STIP still took practically ALL THE WAY TO 12/10/09 to effectuate and provide me with a corrected tax bill (over 16 months). I would venture that waiting for a hearing NOW AFTER YOU TURNED DOWN the county’s offer could tie up two more years + of your life, while you pay the higher tax, depending on what “number” you were assigned on your postcard (it’s 1st come, 1st served).

After I crunched theirs and my sales comps, I had to concede that their offer was a good deal. The appraiser used just one heavy fixer a couple blocks away to “comp” me. (My place is NOT a fixer.) I let him do it because I have 600-800 more SF than the average residence in my area so the sales comps for my appeal were far and few between as the county would not accept the (much) smaller sales comps. FYI: The county goes mainly by SF and doesn’t care much about condition. Lot size is important to them only if the lot is very large, i.e. 1/2 AC and this size lot is unusual for the neighborhood.

Now, my tax bill is nearly $850 lower. I plan on entertaining a study in the near future to see if I have any grounds to appeal again for FY 10/11.

My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.

[briansd1]

[quote=bearishgurl]
My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.[/quote]

You bought in 2001 so how far below purchase price are you now? 1999 pricing?

Your CV is Chula Vista. There are smug CV (the other CV) homeowners who believe that their neighborhood is immune. 😉

But not to worry, everything is interconnected, and the proportional ratios will come back into line. Your CV values will increase whereas the other CV’s values will stagnate or increase at a lower rate over time.

[briansd1]

[quote=bearishgurl]
My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.[/quote]

You bought in 2001 so how far below purchase price are you now? 1999 pricing?

Your CV is Chula Vista. There are smug CV (the other CV) homeowners who believe that their neighborhood is immune. 😉

But not to worry, everything is interconnected, and the proportional ratios will come back into line. Your CV values will increase whereas the other CV’s values will stagnate or increase at a lower rate over time.

[briansd1]

[quote=bearishgurl]
My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.[/quote]

You bought in 2001 so how far below purchase price are you now? 1999 pricing?

Your CV is Chula Vista. There are smug CV (the other CV) homeowners who believe that their neighborhood is immune. 😉

But not to worry, everything is interconnected, and the proportional ratios will come back into line. Your CV values will increase whereas the other CV’s values will stagnate or increase at a lower rate over time.

[briansd1]

[quote=bearishgurl]
My “assessment appeal” example here is so sad (for Piggs and Non-Piggs alike) because I purchased in 2001 and my sellers at the time accepted $10K lower than their asking price AND gave me a $11,000 credit in escrow!! I feel I purchased well and prior to any heavy bidding wars/bubble so my example here is just one illustration of the depth and breath of this “artifically-created” blood-in-the-streets RE debacle we are experiencing now.[/quote]

You bought in 2001 so how far below purchase price are you now? 1999 pricing?

Your CV is Chula Vista. There are smug CV (the other CV) homeowners who believe that their neighborhood is immune. 😉

But not to worry, everything is interconnected, and the proportional ratios will come back into line. Your CV values will increase whereas the other CV’s values will stagnate or increase at a lower rate over time.

[Author]

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