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Appraised residential value appeals due March 28

You’ve received your appraised value by now.  If you’ve reviewed your appraised value and don’t believe it is appraised at fair market value, you can appeal.  You have until Wednesday, March 28 to file your appeal.

It is important to understand what is meant by the term “fair market value.”  This refers to the amount of money that a well-informed buyer is willing to pay and a well-informed seller is willing to accept for property.   The market conditions must be open and competitive, assuming that the parties are acting without undue compulsion.

There are 3 steps to the process:

1. File your appeal: The instructions and form are on the back of the notice of appraised value (see image).

2. Prepare for your appeal: Gather up documents that support that your property’s appraised value.  Pictures of structural damage, decades-old appliances and carpet and repair estimates would be good.   Even a signed sales contract for a lower value is another example of acceptable documentation to send to the county appraiser’s office.

3. Conduct the Appeal: When you schedule the informal hearing, you can request a meeting or even a phone hearing to best fit your schedule.  These can be day or night.

Appraised Value Appeals

Amazingly, in 2017, 40-50% of the more than 5,000 residents who submitted appeals received an adjustment to their appraisal. The state requires the county appraiser to annually appraise homes based on fair market value.  The county must use comparisons of homes sold around Jan. 1, 2018.

For more information on the appeal process, including specific examples of how to prepare for your appeal, visit the County Appraiser’s Website.

For more information on the appraisal process and how it relates to your property taxes, you can view this quick fact sheet.

Direct specific questions about the process or your property to the Johnson County Appraiser’s Office by calling (913) 715-9000. 

If your appraisal has you wanting to sell, we can help!  Cami Jones Collaborative offers unparalleled support when it comes to helping our sellers.  We work with buyers and sellers alike, so no matter which side of the sale you’re on, we are by your side.  Call us today!  913-402-2550.

It’s spring- here’s a home maintenance checklist!

Spring has sprung and after our cold, icy winter, we are READY!  Before you grab those golf clubs, make sure your home is ready to welcome spring, too.  As you know, there’s lots more to home ownership than a brisk spring cleaning.  We thought we’d go through some of the common things you can do to make sure your house is ready for March and beyond!It goes without saying that it’s especially important to perform these tasks if you’re readying your house for the hot spring market.  These details not only enhance curb appeal, but it isn’t uncommon for sellers to recoup much of the money spent on a well-maintained home.  For more ideas on how to enhance your home’s curb appeal, consider going to the 2018 Greater Kansas City Home Show next month!

Spring Exterior Maintenance Checklist

  • Windows and screens:  Clean screens with soap and water and check for holes. Patch holes and/or replace the screen. Pro tip:  save the bad screen to patch next year’s holes. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware.
  • Guttering:  Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
  • Foundation, driveway and chimney:  Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking or deterioration. Check to make sure bricks are secure and not losing mortar. Check for cracks in foundation and severe scaling on driveway.  Winter salt and sand wreak havoc on concrete!
  • Roof:  As much as you can, inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits.  If you suspect issues, hire a professional roofer for a thorough inspection.
  • Deck, patio and/or porch:  Check for loose parts and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain.
  • Irrigation system:  Most irrigation companies include a spring check as part of their maintenance program.  They will check for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads when they come to turn on the system for the year.  Make sure to point out any low areas or places where water accumulates or doesn’t seem to be properly irrigated.
  • Landscaping:  Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures.  Same goes for low-hanging and dead limbs.  Rake leaves from beds and against fencing- where they tend to accumulate over the winter.
  • A/C unit:  Spray off the unit with a hose.  Cut back or remove any debris.

Spring Interior Maintenance Checklist

  • Air Conditioner:  The best time to do this is now, before you fire up the A/C for the first time of the season!  A/C maintenance ensures an efficient, long-lasting unit.  As part of your professional maintenance check, they will look at refrigerant levels, evaporator and condenser coils, electrical components, the thermostat and filters.
  • Filters:  Make sure you are changing the filter in your HVAC quarterly!
  • Dust crown molding, baseboards, ceiling corners, light fixtures and lamps, ceiling fans
  • Clean windows
  • Replace batteries:  smoke and CO detectors
  • Schedule pest control maintenance
  • Clean dryer vent/tubing in laundry room

Deep Clean the Kitchen

  • Clean and organize the freezer/refrigerator
  • Vacuum refrigerator coils
  • Clean hood vent and change filter
  • Change water filter in refrigerator
  • Organize the pantry

After you’ve done ALL OF THAT…it’s time to focus on the fun stuff!  Spring decor!  Pillows!  Throws!  Cute rugs!  Vases!  Read our blog post on 2018 Home Decor Trends for all the inspiration you’ll need!  Happy Spring! Ideas Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/spring-maintenance-checklist/#ixzz58LsDHhAc