Your choice of a Fulton County property appraiser can mean the difference between winning and losing your property tax appeal. You should ask smart questions that will separate the wheat from the chaff of property appraisers that can apply current methodologies in getting more accurate property assessments.
Keep in mind that the property appraiser should have the knowledge and skills to provide sufficient proof for a lower assessed value for your property. You will increase your chances of winning your tax assessment appeal this way.
Here are the questions that you should ask a prospective Fulton County property appraiser and their reasons.
What Is Your Name, Telephone Number and Office Location?
These are basic questions to establish the physical existence of both the property appraiser and his office as well as the legality of his practice. Your vigilance in ascertaining these matters will pay off especially when the appeals board looks more closely into your certified appraisal report. Your appeal may be dismissed on the ground that the report was not prepared by a licensed and qualified property appraiser.
Ideally, you should hire a property appraiser with an office in or near Fulton County. This is known as “geographic competency” in the appraisal industry, a term that refers to the deeper understanding of the appraiser about the county including its neighborhoods. The appraiser’s extensive knowledge about the Fulton County area will contribute to a more accurate appraisal report.
You should also ask a prospective Fulton County property appraiser whether he works in a home office or in a professional office. While a one-man operation working from the home should not be immediately ruled out, you must keep in mind that an appraiser who works in a professional office will likely deliver better services.
Furthermore, part-time property appraisers are a big no-no if you want to have any chance at winning your appeal. Look for a full-time property appraiser who makes it his core business to know the appraisal industry.
What Are Your Experiences as a Property Appraiser?
You can keep these tips in mind when determining the suitability of a prospective Fulton County property appraiser for your own professional requirements:
- Choose a more experienced property appraiser, when possible. While a relatively new property appraiser can be a good choice, your interests can be better protected by someone with more experience in the matter. Look for a property appraiser with at least 5 years of experience for ordinary real and personal property. Choose a property appraiser with at least 10 years of experience for unusual real and personal property, such as homes with historical values, large acreage, or waterfront.
- Ask about any disciplinary actions that have been meted to a prospective Fulton County property appraiser. If he has been disciplined by an appraisers’ organization or a government agency, it can be an indication that he cut corners, among other misdemeanors. You are justified in having second thoughts about hiring him but you may also look deeper into the causes for the disciplinary action.
Other questions that you can ask a prospective Fulton County property appraiser are: “Are you a member of the MLS?”; “What are your fee terms and structure?” and “How can you help me win my appeal?”
Keep in mind that a licensed appraiser cannot be an advocate for you. A real estate appraiser must be unbiased about the value of your property. If the appraised value of the property comes out lower than the assessment, great. If the appraised value ends up being higher you cannot force the appraiser to change their value to something that will help you win a property tax appeal. Also, if you ask the appraiser to represent you in the appeal process, and attend hearings, there may be additional charges.
