The MLS does require that the property be noted whether it is in an SSA (Special Service Area) or not. Some agents may choose to separate the amount and note it in the remarks section of the listing and buyers do not see this right away. Since it is part of the total, I do agree this should be noted, However, keep in mind that it is something that can be paid in full or it will just carry over to the next homeowner upon sale.

Jennifer,

When looking at homes in McHenry County you can view this website which will give you tax information:

http://mchenrycotaxweb.org/cgi-bin/taxbill.pl

When I have listed homes there, I always include the SSA in the tax amount and clearly state in the remarks section that there is an SSA and it is included in the tax bill. I agree with you, it should have been spelled out or mentioned to you before you looked at the house. One of the most important services I give to my clients is to educate them about the areas. There are many areas in McHenry County which imposed the SSA's because of all the building. Huntley, Cary & Wonder Lake are a few of them.

Because of the higher taxes, I have run across homes where the seller has or will pay off the SSA's before selling.

Good Luck in your home search!

We have our house listed in Cary and the listed taxes include the full SSA amount. Unfortunately, I've noticed that a couple realtors in the area aren't very scrupulous and will, for example, list a 3 BR home with a loft as a 4 BR, or exclude the SSA from the total taxes, or say a house is on a cul de sac when it's not. But, 10k in taxes for a house listed at 300k is high. We're listed a bit higher than that (well below assessed value, but what can you do these days?) and our taxes (with SSA) are substantially lower than 10k. You can always check the taxes on a property on the county's website to double check what the listing says.

Cary is wonderful. We loved living there so much and hated to leave. I do think it's the best place to live in McHenry County - it's got great people, great schools, and a great location. Don't let one realtor or one listing turn you off on the whole town. Good luck finding a house!

Usually the ssa taxes are separate from the real estate taxes. There is a field in the listing if you are viewing it online that says they have ssa taxes. Was this field checked off? It's very important if you are buying a new home or a newer home that this is checked. Some people don't even realize they are there! I have had clients walk into a new construction office and put an offer on a new home without even knowing about these taxes. If you are working with a realtor, ask them to check the listings before you take a look.

Good luck to you!