Christopher Pagli's Blog

I think we have all been annoyed by tele-marketers and direct mail solicitation.  Below are five ways to get your name off lists and finally get some peace and quiet!

1) The Do Not Call Registry - 1.888.382.1222, you must call from the number you want to register, or you can register online at www.DoNotCall.gov.  Here you will need to provide an active email address.

You may register as many numbers as you want but if by phone you have to call from each phone, online you can register up to 3 numbers at once.  If you have more then 3 numbers you will have to go through the registration process again.  The registration expires after 5 years.  If you need to file a complaint tyou can do so at the above number or web address.

2) Do Not Mail List - You can have your name placed on the "Do Not Mail" list maintained by the Direct Marketing Association.  Registering will reduce the amount of direct mail you receive, this expires after 5 years.  You will then have to re-register.

You can register by mail: Send a letter and $1 check or money order to: Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 282, Carmel NY 10512 or go online www.DmaConsumers.org/cgi/offmailing, the $1 fee can be then paid by credit card. Also Caretakers can remove people they are caring for at  http://www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html

Deceased Relatives can be removed at http://www.DmaConsumers.org/ConsumerAssitance.html

3) Catalog Mailing List Removal - You can be removed from many catalog mailing lists by contacting Abacus Alliance - email: AbacusOptOut@epsilon.com or by mail Abacus Ince PO Box 1478, Broomfield, CO 80038

4) Sweepstakes Malings - To be removed contact 1) Publishers Clearing House, Consumer & Privacy Affairs, 382 Channel Drive, Port Washington, nY 11050 - Tel. 1.800.645.9242, email:privacychoices@pchmail.com 2) Readers Digest sweepstakes - 800.310.6261 or by mail - Readers Digest, PO Box 50005, Prescott AZ. 86301-5005.

5) Pre-Approved Credit Card Solicitations - The major credit reporting agencies offer a service that will take you off their mailing lists for pre-approved credit card solicitations...Call 1.888.5OPT.OUT or visit http://www.OptOutPreScreen.com.

Yesterdays blog post explained a little about the property tax appeal.  Today I will focus on the steps to follow it through.

For the most part a homeowner can approach the appeal on their own.  There are cases where homeowners opt to hire legal counsel or a private assessor.  The first thing you'll need to do if you do it on your own, is find out when the local tax assessors office accepts appeal applications.  Then go down to the office and pick up an application.  While you are at the tax office get a copy of your property card. This way you have a record of the comparable properties that were used to help figure out your assessment. 

Some jurisdictions may require the use of a licensed real estate appraiser so just look into that as well.  Work closely with the appraiser and you can even bring in a real estate agent to help with the comparable property choices.  All of the appraisers conclusions must be properly documented with supporting evidence in the appraisal report that will be submitted for the tax hearing.

The final step is the actual hearing before the assessment appeal board.  Being prepared is crucial in this step.  You've got to present your case and present it well.  It is wise to prepare a script detailing the important points that need to be made during your testimony in order to prove a lower market value and assessment. 

Many Have asked me how they go about appealing their tax bill.  First you must understand how properties are taxed in the state of NY.  The assessment is based on market Value, which is defined as the amount a willing buyer would pay a seller without duress.  Unfortunately assessments are not reviewed on an annual basis so the propertys assessment will never be 100 percent of the market value.

An equilization ratio is applied to make up for the difference.  This is to ensure that assessments somewhat equal among different taxing districts to all assessed values.  Home owners can obtain the equilization ratio used in their area from the local tax office.

Couple the above with a proper CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) from a Real Estate agent and then you will get a good idea if you are over assessed.

Follow with these steps:

1) You can setup an informal review with a local tax assessor

2) Review the property card which is available at the local tax offices and is public record.

3) Pay close attention the the comparables on the property card.  These recently sold homes are the basis for the assessors valuation of your home. 

4) Take the appropriate equilization ratio and multiply the market value you believe appropriate for the home by that rate.  If the number is lower then the current assessment, you should file an appeal.

Tomorrow I will discuss filing an appeal.