Why Should I Be Agreeable With The Assessor?
This is a very easy question to answerbecause they are handling your property taxes!
If there is a mistake|an error in your building record or a value that is higher than than what it should be, it is not intentional nor is it personal. Mistakes happenbecause there is such a volume of work for them to complete and so many homes to appraise! Always remember the Assessor is a mass assessment organization and they do not necessarily have the time or the employees to make sure every single assessment is perfect. All government organizations are overwhelmed with work and the Office of the Assessor is no different. So, cut them a little slack, they're not out to get you.
The personnel of the Office of the Assessor can make your life very easy and they can also make it frustrating. If you are difficult to work with, no one is going to want to assist you, even if the mistake is the Assessors fault. The employees do not enjoy being treated as individuals who are out to take advantage of you, since they really arent. The personnel are not affected by your taxes, records and values, so be pleasant. Be someone they want to assist so that you will get the maximum advantage of what may be available to you. Remember, even if the person you are speaking with can't help you, chances are they know the individual who can and have influence with that individual also.
As an employee of the Assessor's Office there were doors slammed in my face, I was yelled at by homeowners. Sometimes I was treated like I had no comprehension of property tax law or even appraisal and I was not apt to help people who dealt with me like that. Part of myposition to assist them, to be a civil servant. Yet, after working for years in a place where the public resented me and the job I did it was very taxing. Remember, the Assessor himself is a person and the staff are individuals and they have been yelled at enough already. They are yelled at everyday and most of the employees work there for years.
Imagine what its like to be in a working environment for years where most people you deal with detest you! Its not fun! Dont be one more they add to that list! The staff you deal with who work for the Office of the Assessor, influence your property tax value and records, always remember that! Most of them have worked with thousands of property owners and can read you like a book, so be kind and patient and realize they are not out to screw you. The staff of the Office of the Assessor, are simply doing their jobs. Being angry and patronizing will not get you the result you are looking for. You may be surprised at what being kind and patient will get you.
About the Author: Valerie Faltas, Property Tax Expert worked in assessments for years, is a Certified Property Tax Appraiser, Licensed Residential Appraiser and a member of the International Association of Assessment Officers. As a real estate investor and advisor she is well versed in all aspects of real estate. To contact Valerie Faltas go to her website: www.propertytaxlittleblackbook.com