Despite home prices in major urban centers decreasing 31 percent between 2005 and 2009, property taxes across the U.S. increased by nearly 20 percent. There is good news, however; homeowners can fight back.
Making sense of the story
- Homeowners should keep in mind that property taxes do not always correspond with home values, because local governments typically don’t measure values every year and some have limits on annual property-tax increases.
- As a result, current property taxes might reflect the home’s value when the market was healthier. According to the Congressional Budget Office, property-tax adjustments lag behind changes in home prices by an average of three years.
- Although homeowners cannot change their property-tax rate, which is set by the local government, homeowners can get their assessment lowered if they appeal to their local assessor.
- One key to a successful appeal is fact checking the assessor’s work. About half of all successful appeals come from homeowners pointing out an error in the assessor’s description of the home, according to one property tax expert.
- During the appeal process, which is similar to a less-formal court hearing, homeowners may present their case to several local officials or representatives. The simplest way to convince officials that a property has been incorrectly valued is to provide evidence of the sales price of homes that are comparable to the property being discussed. This should include square footage, amenities, and neighborhood characteristics. Sale documents and photos of the property in question, as well as the comparable properties also should be brought in.
- Homeowners who have made improvements or substantial changes to the property should be cautious about appealing an assessment though, as it could have negative effects and actually increase the property’s value and, in turn, the property taxes.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
I remember when I was younger and needed a co-signer and I remember later on and being asked to BE a co-signer. I didn’t think much about needing one, but boy I sure did think twice about BEING one. You really put yourself, and your credit, on the line when you cosign for someone. Especially if it’s a friend or family member. Co-signer BEWARE!
Here is some information about this subject, courtesy of C.A.R., and the NY Times.
Co-signing On The Dotted Line…
Tighter lender standards and an unstable job market have made it tougher for some people, especially those just starting out, to qualify for a home mortgage on their own. So, some home buyers are turning to family members or close friends with good credit to co-sign a home loan.
Making sense of the story
- While becoming a co-signer may seem like a good solution, money manager and lenders caution against those who are asked to be the cosigner.
- A co-signer, even if not living in the house, is really a co-borrower, meaning he or she still is responsible for payments if the occupant is unable to meet his or her obligations. In other words, if the principal party defaults on the loan, the co-signer is on the hook.
- One financial planner suggests potential co-signers take a less risky alternative, such as providing a cash gift for the down payment. Under current tax laws, a person can give as much as $13,000 to a person, free of gift taxes, or $26,000 per person, if a married couple filing jointly is giving the money.
- Those considering co-signing a mortgage must conduct due diligence. First, the co-signer must understand why the family member or friend is asking for help. Potential co-signers shouldn’t be afraid to look into the requestor’s personal finances to help determine whether he or she will be able to repay the loan. Perusing credit reports also will show the track record he or she has for paying off debts.
- A discussion about worst-case scenarios also should take place before signing on the dotted line. Working out a written contract containing an agreement about what would happen in the event of a default, also is recommended.
- Co-signers also should keep in mind that the mortgage will show up on their credit report, and could affect their own ability to borrow money or buy a second home. If the principal borrower makes a late payment, that also will show up on the co-signer’s report.
I’d love to hear if you’ve ever needed or been a co-signer and if you survived it, or regret it and have a horror story.
Randy
Image via Wikipedia
Here’s an excerpt from one of the paragraphs about the history of what’s happened in the real estate market in Stockton, CA. Detailed information on home sales appreciation rates, etc. It’s an interesting chart of what’s happened year by year…
The highest annual home appreciation rate in the Stockton Real Estate Market was 32% in the twelve months ended with the 2nd Quarter of 2005. The worst annual home appreciation rate in the Stockton Market was -38% in the twelve months ended with the 3rd Quarter of 2008.
“The highest home appreciation in the Stockton Real Estate Market over a three
year period was 75% in the three years ended with the 4th Quarter of 2005.
The worst home appreciation over a three year period in the Stockton Market
was -54% in the three years ended with the 3rd Quarter of 2009.”
You can read the complete information HERE – Stockton Real Estate.
Here’s another link to an article about Why Real Estate Should Be In Your Portfolio.
