Why Should I Be Nice When Dealing With The Assessor
Posted by: Guest Author / Category: Real EstateThis is a very simple question to answerbecause they are handling your property taxes!
Mistakes happen since there is a substantial amount of assessments and so many homes to value! Always keep in mind the Assessor is a mass assessment organization and they may not necessarily have the time or the staff to make sure all values are perfect. When a mistake|an error in your building record or a value is higher than than what it should or could be, generally it’s not personal.
The Office of the Assessor’s employees can make your life easy and can also make it more complicated. If you’re frustrating to deal with, no one will want to help you, even if the mistake is the Assessors fault. The employees do not like being dealt with like people who are out to screw you, because they arent. The staff are unaffected by how much you pay in property taxes, or your records and values, so be kind. Quite frankly, most of them don’t care because their jobs are secure, so whether they help you or not they’re still getting paid. Be someone they want to help so that you can get the most of what they know and who they know. Remember, even if the person you are speaking with can’t assist you, most likely they know the individual who can and have influence with that person.
As an employee of the Assessor there were front doors slammed in my face, I was yelled at by the public. Sometimes I was treated like I had no comprehension of property tax law or even appraisal and I was not apt to help individuals 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 taxpayers resented me and the job I did it was very taxing. Remember, the Assessor himself is a person and the staff are human beings 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 work in a place for years where your clients hate you! Its not fun! Dont be one more homeowner they add to that list! The staff you encounter who work for the Assessor’s Office, handle and influence your property taxes, always keep that in mind! They 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 Assessor, are doing their jobs. Being frustrating and antagonizing will not get you what 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
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