leftAssessment appeal services

In these trying times of decreasing property values, we have noticed that many times the local cities have over-assessed our homes.  Many of us have received an unwanted surprise in the mail telling us that our taxes are going up, even though we know our property value has gone down!  Most localities determine your property tax burden based on an ad valorem assessment of the property's value, rather than an in-depth review of its actual value, and these ad valorem assessments typically lag the market. 


Sometimes, matters like this can be resolved with a phone call. However, if after discussing your assessment with your local taxing authority you still feel as though your property was overvalued, a professional, independent, third-party appraiser is often your best bet in proving your case. That's where we come in.

There are as many different procedures for appealing assessments as there are property taxing districts, so it's important to enlist the help of a professional appraisal firm that's experienced and trained in assessment appeal services.  Remember - a full appraisal is always more accurate than a city assessment.

 

Please note: It makes sense to do your own research before determining whether to go forward with a property assessment appeal, especially before you make the decision to hire a professional appraiser. However, according to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), we are not allowed to take "shortcuts" -- i.e., your research -- and use it on its face as part of our independent evaluation. When you hire us for an assessment appeal, you're commissioning  an independent, third-party professional appraisal report. As such we do our own evaluation, beginning to end.  If you're right that your property has been overvalued, an independent report such as ours will be even more persuasive than any other evidence you can marshal on your own. But it depends on our ability to do the work independently.

 

Most of the local cities have recently revised their tax assessments - please click on one of the below links to see how much your local Assessor thinks your property is worth.  If you think it's too high, call us to try to help to lower your taxes!

Norfolk - Chesapeake -  Portsmouth - Hampton - Newport News - Virginia Beach - Suffolk

Sometimes, you will have a hearing on your assessment appeal and will need for the appraiser you've hired to testify on your behalf.  Be assured that we are able to professionally and persuasively testify at appeal hearings.  Browse our website to learn more about our qualifications, expertise and services offered.