HMMM - You always have to watch what you say but especially around a journalist. So did you get the contract :)

I agree on the assessment value, I'd do cartwheels and flip over backwards if someone offered to pay the assessment value on my house.  We are in the process of trying to get that lowered, for some reason the auditor's office thinks the value of our property went up 20,000 last year, when in fact the selling prices of homes in our area are less than what we paid for our house 4 years ago.  I'd like to know what they use for comps????

Same thing happened to me Charles.  Sometimes you might say something in passing, but the journalist has a tape recorder.  They have the luxury of reviewing that tape later on before writing their story.  I was quoted in this article about Green Real Estate in Portland, OR.  Although it doesn't sound bad, it doesn't emphasize the actual point that I was trying to make because it is taken out of context.  I like your article, however.  Thanks.

BILL - All is good!!!

CHRISTINA - lol, exactly!

MATTHEW - I was fine with it and in fact it just shows that I am quick when the deal needs to be done!

Yep, watch what ya say. Oh, great picture, is that you talking to the reporter?

Sean Allen

Charles...Many times I have asked property owners if they would take the asessed value for their place.  This always followed hearing them complain about how high the assessment was.  The answer, always, was a resounding NO.  This was back when assessments were woefully behind even though property owners refused to believe that.

Now we are seeing a much closer correlation between the two market value and tax assessment).

The new assessment arrived this week.  Our home stayed the same but the land beneath it went up $83,000. 

Charles, I am a "blah, blah, blah" type of person and so when I am speaking with a journalist I really have to be careful!! So will I see your house on Zillow "make me move"!! lol!!!

Charles - yes, we have to be careful what we say, even in passing.  I liked the article, by the way.  And Get Smart was one of my favorite shows as a kid. 

Charles - being careful while expressing an opinion is important with the press, the public, and on AR.  Sometimes things could be me misinterpreted even when everyone has the best intentions..

Charles, any offers yet?

Charles--I agree that we have to be careful, HOWEVER, think of the locals that read this article that are VERY impressed that you share THEIR same feelings about the new assessments!  You're on top of things and they will recognize that--ALERT:  Be ready for that phone to start ringing, my friend!! 

Did you get the contract ? And by the way...talk as if EVERYONE is listening with a recorder ! sound advice my friend !

Well Charles, have you sold yet? I may try that tactic with my own homestead. I would sell mine...don't quote me on that! Good article. Later in the rain, Deb

Charles- You don't have to watch what you say if your asked your opinion and you answer honestly.

Charles, You are right, you do need to be careful of what you say especially around a journalist. Just make sure that they do not "massage" your words and put a spin on them.

Never ever, ever. ever, trust a media rep to remain silent even if it is your brother....they won't.

It's quite the opposite here in Oklahoma.  Alot of times the assessed value here is well below the actual market value of the home.  The problem we have is that buyers want to use that information to base their offer on!

Never trust a journalist.  You never know what they will print.

Charles,  I have been quoted in newspaper articles over the years and you have to assume they are looking for "bad news" - good news isn't newsworthy in thier eyes,  Karen

Charles, lately I've seen that assessed values are getting pretty close to market too, whereas in the past they used to be far less.

Charles- I tried to go read it but it kept timing out and i could not get it to open fast enough. Have had some issues with IE, maybe that...Darn it! You are a star and I want to read it... :.)

Well it's a good way of advertising your home for free I guess.  I hope that you wanted to sell!

Charles - Congratulations! You are once again in print!!!

What difference area really can make, if some one were to offer my assessed value I would become a grumpy old man and yell "Get off my lawn you punk and don't let me see you around here again" But, if I can buy a home for that, I'm all over that! Of course that really depends on area as we can see by your post.

Thanks for bringing this to your clients attention and to the media!