Simply, because they are determining your property taxes!
Mistakes are often made because there is so much work and so many houses to value! Simply remember the Assessor’s Office is a mass assessment entity and they do not always have the time or the employees to make sure every single value is perfect. If there is a mistake|an error in your building information or a value that is higher than than what it should be, it is never intentional nor is it personal.
The staff of the Assessor can make your life extremely easy and they can also make it more complicated. If you’re difficult to work with, no one will want to assist you, even if the mistake is the Assessors mistake. The employees do not like being treated as individuals who are out to get you, since they arent. The staff are unaffected by how much you pay in property taxes, or your records and values, so be pleasant. Be a person they want to assist so that you can get the most of how they can help. Remember, even if the person you are speaking with can’t assist you, most likely they know the person who can and have influence with that individual.
When I worked for the Assessor’s Office I had front doors slammed in my face, I had homeowners and business owners yell at me. I was also treated as if I had no knowledge of the law or even appraisal and I was definitely not inclined to assist those who dealt with me that way. It was my part ofjob to assist them, to be the civil servant I was paid to be. After working for years in a place where most of the homeowners resented my position and the job I did it was very taxing. Remember, the Assessor is a person and the staff of the Assessor are people and they are tired of being yelled at! They get that all day long every day 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 pleasant! Don’t be one more taxpayer they add to that list! The staff you encounter who work for the Assessor, 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 get you. The staff of the Assessor’s Office, 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