Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A Satisfied Buyer!
For Sale in Popular Milwood Neighborhood
Location, location, location! Here it is - 12707 Margit - a cute home in the popular Milwood neighborhood in Austin. It's just north of McNeil Rd with easy access to major employers like Dell, Apple, IBM. Freescale and more plus close to shopping at Lakeline Mall, Arboretum or Domain. Best of all ist's walking distance to the community park, pool, tennis and hike/bike. It's a 3/2/2 with one living/dining open to kitchen. Special features include hardwood floors in living and master, fireplace, cathedral ceiling, small backyard plus the AC was replaced in '05 and it has a recent roof and water heater. 1171 sq.ft. CAd. Built in 1986 for only $135,850. for more information visit http://www.tourfactory.com/543126
Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.
More Experiences in Protesting Taxes in Williamson County
This time I did a two-for-one. I met with the Williamson County Tax Appraiser to talk about two properties I have in the same area of about the same age and size. I thought it would be a slam dunk but regardless of your evidence and reasoning, the appraiser will come up with his own. I thought I had plenty of experience because I had previously protested three assessments this year but the county appraiser argues more than that in an hour.
I was able to get the taxes reduced on the second property but not the first. Still, I think it was worth it because I have been successful with four out of five protests.
Having access to MLS, I was able to find four good comparatives that worked for both properties which were only blocks apart. In a previous protest the appraiser wanted to use comparatives which were not as close in proximity to the subject property as the ones I had. They argued that the properties they were using were within the allowable range. This time, on property number one, they argued that their comparatives were in closer proximity to the subject property and therefore mine were not as valid.
For property number one they had assessed a value of about $155,000 and as I a REALTOR with a lot of experience in that neighborhood I know I couldn't sell it for more than $145,000 - although I wish I could. The appraiser told me his comps could price it as high as $174,000. What!!?? I could not argue him down.
Then we discussed property number two. Same appraiser, same comps, similar size, similar age, only a few blocks from property number one. Now I had him because my comparatives were closer to property number 2 than his and that was the argument he used for property number one so I was able to get the value on property number two reduced about $10,000. Yea!
One of the reasons it helps to get those values reduced aside from the obvious of reducing your taxes is that the county may only increase your taxes by 10% per year, so when values start going up again, and they will, your property will be starting from a lower tax base.
Good luck with those tax protests!
Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.
Mandatory Watering Restrictions for Milwood, Austin
For the area of Milwood which is in the Northwest Austin Mud #1there are new mandatory watering regulations as a result of our ongoing drought conditions. These restrictions are posted at every neighborhood and park entrance.
You may water twice a week from 7PM-10AM
Even Numbered Addresses - Thursday & Sunday
Odd Numbered Addresses - Wednesday & Saturday
Washing of automobiles, trucks, motorbikes, boats & trailers or other vehicles is prohibited except on designated watering days. Washing must be done with a handheld bucket or a handheld hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle for quick rinses.
All outdoor water use is prohibited between the hours of 10am & 7pm except with a handheld bucket or hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.
Failure to Comply with the Mandatory Watering Schedule May Result in Monetary Penalties and/or Water Disruption.
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 9, 2009 the REVISED MANDATORY WATER SCHEDULE WILL CHANGE TO:
Once a week Outdoor Watering Schedule 12AM-10AM
Even Numbered Addresses -Sunday
Odd Numbered Addresses -Saturday
Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.
More About Protesting Your Taxes - Buyer Beware
Have you received letters in the mail informing you that your property taxes are too high and offering to protest on your behalf and get your home evaluation, thus your property taxes reduced? Mee too.
In fact, a company out of Houston sent a comparative market analysis showing homes in my nieghborhood with the prices for which they sold to demonstrate that my evaluation was too high.The Houston company used very clever marketing with what looked like a handwritten note. Since I have 5 properties, it was humorous to see the exact note on each correspondence.
Out of curiosity, I researched on our MLS the properties that were listed on the comparative to see what the true story was. Did they really sell for those lower prices, did they really exist? What i found was that the homes did really exist and they did really sell for those lower taxes - in 1995,1996 and 1997!
To me this represents FRAUD. This is just a note to recommend that if you choose to hire someone to represent you in lowering yur property taxes, make sure they are a reputable company. Get a referral from someone or check them out with the Better Business Bureau.
Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.
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