Laura: I'm finding that many governmental bodies want to do the right thing .... but ... they are slow about achieving it. The pro-active approach works better and so many times reaps better benefits.
Hope all is well with you ... and you're staying as cool as possible! Happy 4th!
Gene
Gene - what a great service to your clients - and to the community! Wow - if I were close - I would come! Good to see a fellow lender who is so passionate about serving!
Gene, I've protested my taxes up in McHenry County a few times and for the most part have found the powers that be less than agreeable shall we say. I've managed to reduce my taxes once through a tax protest and conveniently (not for me) paperwork was lost on the second tax protest after I sent it in. Anyway, I'm a former appraiser, but I did have an active appraiser involved as you know I'm required to do, but couldn't convince the local assessor of where property values really are. The assessor used terrible comps and just decided to split the difference with me. I agree with your comment about governmental bodies being slow...I can't agree with them "trying" to address the problem...I've lived in Illinois too long to believe that they would actively work towards a way to help it's residents at the risk of losing money. Just a little jaded by Chicago politics.
Now on the bright side...have a Happy 4th!!
Corinne: In the instances I've had feedback on, the effort proved worth it. Yes, the paperwork can be a bit frustrating and detailed, but if you stick with it ... it paysoff. JMO, but most areas/gov. bodies are well aware that values have fallen and taxes must reflect it. Glad to hear you were successful in your protest ...
Louise: Thank you. I'm hoping it proves beneficial to those that attend ... which I hope are MANY!
Nick: In the past, I think what you faced was fairly typical. But the recent recession has left many municipalities with a little wider scope of opinion and we're finding they are a bit more open-minded in this regard. They've been placed in a position where they almost have to be. The paperwork still demands attention, no doubt. But change only comes with effort, right? The attorney that is co-hosting specializes in this tax reduction work. For those that feel they need a bit more help, her services are available. The savings realized can make seeking her assistance worth it ...
Gene
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