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I guess my town contracted a 3rd party company to re-assess my house, they do that every 5 years. Do you usually let them into your house to have a look? What is your experience?
Absolutely not. But it’s depends where you think you stand in regards to interior improvements/condition compared to your neighbors. If you have below average, older kitchen etc then I would say it would make more sense as your taxes could go down. If I have really nice finishes, materials, etc what would the motivation be to let them in? You’d be better off not letting them in and have them guess the interior quality. Although they put in their letter they will assume high end interiors if they don’t get access, but there’s still nothing but upside if your House has a nice interior and you don’t let them in.
This is especially true if you live in a very old town, and your house has updated bathrooms, kitchen, central air, the works. Don’t forget there are plenty of houses in town that still have 100 yr old bathrooms, painted shut casement windows, knob and tube electricity, etc that bring down the town average.
Absolutely not. But it’s depends where you think you stand in regards to interior improvements/condition compared to your neighbors. If you have below average, older kitchen etc then I would say it would make more sense as your taxes could go down. If I have really nice finishes, materials, etc what would the motivation be to let them in? You’d be better off not letting them in and have them guess the interior quality. Although they put in their letter they will assume high end interiors if they don’t get access, but there’s still nothing but upside if your House has a nice interior and you don’t let them in.
This is especially true if you live in a very old town, and your house has updated bathrooms, kitchen, central air, the works. Don’t forget there are plenty of houses in town that still have 100 yr old bathrooms, painted shut casement windows, knob and tube electricity, etc that bring down the town average.
That really only matters if you did recent improvements since the last assessment was done. If you have a high end kitchen that was already picked up in the last assessment then your taxes already reflect that.
Not entirely. It’s fairly subjective and goes beyond physical upgrades. If you have nice furniture drapery etc. ie if your House generally appears to be decently above average compared to your neighbors, then I personally say, take the chance and keep the door closed. It is not a requirement after all
Absolutely not. But it’s depends where you think you stand in regards to interior improvements/condition compared to your neighbors. If you have below average, older kitchen etc then I would say it would make more sense as your taxes could go down. If I have really nice finishes, materials, etc what would the motivation be to let them in? You’d be better off not letting them in and have them guess the interior quality. Although they put in their letter they will assume high end interiors if they don’t get access, but there’s still nothing but upside if your House has a nice interior and you don’t let them in.
This is especially true if you live in a very old town, and your house has updated bathrooms, kitchen, central air, the works. Don’t forget there are plenty of houses in town that still have 100 yr old bathrooms, painted shut casement windows, knob and tube electricity, etc that bring down the town average.
That was my concern, the last owner did some renovations, and I have a brand new kitchen and all the new bathrooms.
My taxes is already one of the highest on the block, I don't know how much higher it will go if I don't let them in.
We let them in when they conducted the revaluation in Wyckoff back in 2013.
This was a Q&A that was in the revaluation pamphlet:
Q. What typically happens when the property owner denies the field inspector access to the property/home or does not call to schedule an interior inspection with a field inspector?
A. The appraiser determining value must assume that the basement is fully finished as living area, the interior has been completely remodeled, all available possible amenities have been added and all areas (attics, basements and lofts) have been improved.
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