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Saturday, May 30, 2009

What is the Purpose in Understanding The Office of the Assessor

By Valerie Faltas

Simply, because they are handling your assessment!

If there is a mistake|an error in your building record or a value that is far above than what it should be, it is not intentional nor is it personal. Mishaps happen since there is such a volume of work for them to complete and so many properties to value! Always remember the Assessor is a mass appraisal organization and they do not always have the time or the staff to make sure every single assessment is what it should be. All government organizations are overwhelmed with work and the Office of the Assessor is no different. So, cut them a little slack, they're not out to get you.

The Office of the Assessor's employees can make your life simple and can also make it frustrating. If you're difficult to deal with, no one will want to help you, even if the mistake is the Assessors fault. The staff do not like being dealt with like individuals who are out to screw you, since they arent. The staff are not affected by how much you pay in property taxes, or your records and values, so be pleasant. 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 an individual they want to assist 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 help you, most likely they know the person who can and have influence with that person.

As an employee of the Office of the Assessor there were doors slammed in my face, I was yelled at by taxpayers. Sometimes I was treated like I had no understanding of property tax law or even appraisal and I was not apt to help people who treated me like that. Part of myposition to help them, to be a civil servant. Yet, after working for years in an environment where the homeowners resented me and the job I did it was very taxing. Remember, the Assessor himself is a person and the staff are individuals 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 be in a working environment for years where most people you deal with hate you! Its not fun! Don't be one more they add to that list! The employees you deal with who work for the Office of the Assessor, influence your property tax value and records, always remember that! Most of them have worked with thousands of property owners and can read you like a book, so be kind and patient and understand they are not out to screw you. The staff of the Office of the Assessor, are simply doing their jobs. Being angry and patronizing will not get you the result 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.

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