[vtmetsfan]

Originally Posted by arel

I went to James Madison High School in Brooklyn, where Bernie Sanders went.

I'm not sure how long Bernie Sanders lived in VT, but he still has that Brooklyn accent. Gotta love it.

We all know that New Hampshire is notorious for property tax, and for good reasons. But how does Brattleboro compare to NH taxes? It never ceases to amaze me to see a modest $300k home in Essex Junction with property tax inching towards $7000. And with the 25% proposed rate increase (thanks IBM), how much longer can we tolerate these ridiculous tax increases? I can't imagine taxes in NH being worse than this.

[arel]

That's unbelievable. I think that is worse than Brattleboro, even though I read somewhere that Brattleboro is supposed to have the highest property taxes in the state. I just know that houses selling for $250K in Brattleboro involve higher taxes than houses in NYC selling for three times as much. In Bratt, you also pay more in real estate taxes if you have a pretty "view".

And I also think that they take your house away pretty quickly in Vermont if you are delinquent with your taxes. In NYC, it takes 3 years before they do anything. Not that I recommend tax deliquency....

I know they need a tax base for services, etc., but it still irks me that I have to pay the government to be allowed to to use what I already own.

BTW, in Rhode Island, you have to pay property tax on your car. I'm not sure if that is in addition to registration fees or not. If I think of it, I'll ask my friend who lives there.

[vtmetsfan]

Originally Posted by arel

That's unbelievable. I think that is worse than Brattleboro, even though I read somewhere that Brattleboro is supposed to have the highest property taxes in the state. I just know that houses selling for $250K in Brattleboro involve higher taxes than houses in NYC selling for three times as much. In Bratt, you also pay more in real estate taxes if you have a pretty "view".

And I also think that they take your house away pretty quickly in Vermont if you are delinquent with your taxes. In NYC, it takes 3 years before they do anything. Not that I recommend tax deliquency....

I know they need a tax base for services, etc., but it still irks me that I have to pay the government to be allowed to to use what I already own.

BTW, in Rhode Island, you have to pay property tax on your car. I'm not sure if that is in addition to registration fees or not. If I think of it, I'll ask my friend who lives there.

Not all $300k homes in Essex Junction have a tax bill of $7k. I would say the newer builds would typically come with this damage.

As much as they tax you in VT, it is quite fortunate that they do not assess property tax on your vehicle. One year registration is $60 or $110 for two years. I think the registration fees are cheaper in NYC, but not by much.

[chaz longue]

Hi everyone!

I just took a quick look at some recent Essex and Essex Junction sales.
I searched closed transactions of properties initially on the market, and listed in the MLS for between $275,000 and $325,000 ...which sold.

The highest tax figure for this group of properties was $6,357. This property was on the market for 17 days before it went under contract, and finally sold for $300,000 on 5/23/07 with no seller concession.

The lowest tax figure among this group was $3,422. In this case the property sold after 22 days on the market, for $283,900. The seller paid a concession of $1,000 at the closing which took place on 8/3/07.

David Beckett,
Realtor, CBR

[vtmetsfan]

Originally Posted by vermont08

Oh thank you for the info. If you go check out Gagan let me know what kind of offerings they have.

Didn't have a chance to check out Gagan yet . I rarely drive through that area during the weekdays. But check out the website I referenced here, https://www.city-data.com/forum/vermo...-nation-2.html. This will give you decent access to buy Asian groceries if the ones in the local area do not suffice. Plus, the prices here are very reasonable and they have weekly specials.

[vtmetsfan]

Originally Posted by chaz longue

The highest tax figure for this group of properties was $6,357. This property was on the market for 17 days before it went under contract, and finally sold for $300,000 on 5/23/07 with no seller concession.

I was actually in the market to 'upgrade' from our existing home. There were some nice properties in Essex for certain. But I was turned off by the property tax to even consider. The way I see property taxes in VT, if the bill is $6300 for example, it's close enough to $7000 to me. One way or another, they'll find a way to inch that bill towards the next millenium mark.

Would you happen to know if Essex Junction is going through with the 25% increase in the tax rate? That would really hurt.

[annawolfsong]

I've been following this thread with great interest due to my inpending move to Vermont. I think it all comes down to balance and perspective.

In Idaho I pay relatively low property taxes, $1500 for my 3500 s.f. home and relatively low income tax 7.6% on my 30K income plus only 6% tax on sales. However, that is 6% tax on every single thing I buy whereas in Vermont my food and clothing will be exempt. Since I tend to be more of a garage sale/thrift shopper in Vermont I think I will actually pay less sales tax. Also in Vermont my 30K income will be taxed at, I believe, around 4.6% which will be less than Idaho. Finally my property tax might have a slight abatement due to income.

Overall in trying to figure out my tax costs in Vermont it is actually looking like it will be less expensive to live there for me.

It all comes down to figuring out the whole picture, not just one aspect of the tax system. I'm guessing the more you make, the more you pay. No judgement on right or wrong, just that since I am semi-retired and don't make a whole ton of dough, my taxes are that much less.

I'm looking forward to a more balanced system in my favor.

One final thing is that I'm self-employed. My health care costs in Idaho next year were going to be in the neighborhood of $8,000 for insurance and well care. In Vermont, now that they are pushing Catamount Health, my costs will drop to approximately $3,000 per year. Not sure if that system will be a long term thing or not but at least it will be nice to save $5K a year while it lasts.

[68vette]

At 6300 dollars it wouldn't be long before the bill was at 7000 or more. Our taxes have gone up every year we have lived in our home. At this point we would be happy or should I say thrilled if it would stay the same.

I could be wrong but my property tax never was based on my income, but that could be based on the tax bracket I'm in.

If you choose Catamount Health you will need to be careful on where you get treatment. Many physicians throughout the state are refusing to take Catmount Health because of reimbursment issues. If you go to an appointment and they don't take it you will be stuck with the entire bill to pay.

You will need to research what your income may be here in Vermont if you haven't already. If you make 30,000 in Idaho it could be much less here in Vermont. I wouldn't count on making the same income.

[annawolfsong]

I'm lucky enough not to be dependent on local income, I work from the internet and can do this anywhere. My income won't change, just my scenery, which has got to be better than this high mountain desert.

[flu189]

Hah, property taxes. I have the distinct pleasure tomorrow to drive down to the clerks office to pay the anuual property tax bill. Essex should raise red flags right now for perspective buyers as we will have to see what shakes out. Looks like Montpelier (town) really hammered folks this year and there will be something in the news tomorrow. Unless you qualify for a prebate expect to pay hefty taxes. Check the rates as they do vary from town to town. Regarding the prebate, do not assume that this system will continue in it's present form because there are rumblings on changing and tweaking the system again.