Thousands Seek Home Re-Appraisals
With just one day left to contest property values, the Franklin County Auditor's office was busy on Wednesday.
Two appraisals convinced Sallynda Dennison her home is not worth what it once was, Consumer 10's Kurt Ludlow reported.
"I think at this point I'm down about $75,000, so I thought it was a good chance to change the tax value on it," Dennison said.
She filed the paperwork with one day to spare; the deadline to contest property values with the Franklin County Board of Revision is March 31.
"Most homeowners coming before the board are succeeding, and that's just justice," said Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo.
Mingo said about 10,000 people filed an appeal, up dramatically from just a few years ago, when only 800 people did.
"Our residents recognize that it's a bad real estate market and that their homes potentially could be overvalued and they're seeking a remedy," Mingo said. "They're seeing tax relief."
Lillie Lane figures her house had dropped about nine percent in value.
"With the economic thing like it is now, the value definitely was too high," Lane said. "I never would get what they have me appraised at."
To contest the home's value, homeowners need to fill out a complaint form, supply a recent appraisal, or comparable sales information.
Homeowners have until the close of business on Thursday to file paperwork in person, or up until midnight if it is filed by e-mail.
Everyone who files a complaint will either get a letter saying their property value is being lowered and they will get a refund check, or they will be given a hearing date to appear in person to contest it.
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