There are a number of companies that you can use to re-evaluation your tax assessment.  I used, www.prop8.org and they did a great job.  Just a suggestion.

Mr. Market

I have heard of companies like this.  However, they do charge more than if I do it. I'm only charging a flat $100 to help file the form and get comps.  I do not take a percentage of savings.   I just want to make sure that homeowners have some relief from the economic problems going on right now.  Thanks for commenting! Dawn

Thank you Shelly for mentioning this.  Here is what the county assessor says:

++++++

It has come to our attention that various private companies are doing mailings to property owners offering their services to pursue a reduction in their property taxes. These companies may charge hundreds of dollars to file for a reduction in value on behalf of the property owner. Solicitations of this type may not be illegal, but property owners should be aware that their property may have already been reviewed and the value reduced. There is no reason to pay for a review that has already been completed by the Assessor's Office.  (FROM DAWN: THIS IS THE ISSUE... ALTHOUGH A REVIEW MAY HAVE BEEN DONE FROM THE ASSESSOR, THE REVIEW MAY BE INACCURATE FOR VARIOUS REASONS) 

If a property was not reduced in this review and you believe the assessed value of the property shown on the 2007-08 tax bill is more than the fair market value as of January 1, 2008, you may file an application at any time through December 31, 2008. The Decline-In-Value form is simple to complete and readily available online or at one of our District Offices. We will review the application and if a reduction is warranted, the taxable value will be reduced. Please note that there is no charge to request a review.

++++++

When clients call me, I state exactly what the county says above that many homeowners already recieved reductions and that many companies are trying to earn this type of business unfairly.  Actually, I first look up the property on public data, information that although public, is not usually accessible to homeowners.  I find out what they are paying and then look up comparables (also something that a homeowner would not have access to).  If it looks like there is a significant difference between what the county says the property is worth, and comparables from the first part of this year, than I inform the homeowner.  Only then, when the homeowners is informed about the situation, do they make the decision to hire me for a flat $100 to provide the form (which is readily accessible on the county website but many homeowners just don't want to take the time to retrieve)and comparables.  As an appraiser, I have to pay for public data informaion, MLS information and my time to do the research.  It is totally up to the homeowner if they want to try or not.  I feel that this fee is fair and I am earning it honestly.  Can't tell you how many times in the past few months that I  had to turn down appraisal jobs because, no matter how desperate the homeowner is, the value is just not what they need to refi.  Or telling homeowners that the assessed value looks accurate.  I actually researched other companies trying to lower taxes for homeowners, one of which soemone in this group recommended and they actually ask for a percentage of what the homeowner saves.  I think that is completely wrong! 

Here is an example of the work I do.  My client bought a house in May of 2006 for $650,000.  Assessor  sent a letter saying that the value should be $575,000.  After doing all my research, I realized that properties in that area were selling during the first quarter of the year for $475,000 to $495,000.  I was able to provide comparables to the county and they reduced the taxes further. 

You probably all ready realize that when the county assessor lowers values, they are looking at a large geographic area, usually referred to as a Mass Appraisal.  They don't look at a particular neighborhood in a community in a city in a county specifically.  So, it is possible, and maybe probable that the county's letter and assessment of a property is inaccurate.  This was the case with the above mentioned client.  Think values in downtown Newhall (behind train station) versus Newhall behind Hart Park to Peachland or Apple.  Do you think values have dropped at the same rate for each of these areas?  (I only mention these areas because you are also from SCV).  I live in Stevenson Ranch and even values within this small community vary by section and property type drastically.

I think that appraisers are probably the best people to look into this for a homeowner.  Under USPAP, we appraisers have to follow a strict code of ethics. 

As you know, homeowners could do all this research themselves.  I do not know any homeowner, with the exception of realtors, escrow officers or lenders who actually know how to look up retroactive comparables, let alone understand what a comparable is.  Why do you think it takes 2000-2500 practice hours and several large state exams to become an appraiser?  This is what we do everyday. 

I am glad you wrote your post because homeowners have to be warned about people doing immoral things.  As a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser, I look into values of homes all day long and this only seemed like a natural road to take given the way the mortgage and real estate market is today. 

I hope you are not offended by this post.  I think that fraud and taking advantage of homeowners more is unmentionable. 

Dawn

HEHEHE.  You know that I started charging $100.  I just wanted to be fair.  I may charge a little more but I think if I charge much more than it will be cost prohibitive for homeowners.  Also, full appraisals run $375-$500 which are so much more work.  Thanks again for your comment. Hope we run into each other around town!