I Received a New Property Assessment. What Do I Do?

    

I Received a New Property Assessment.  

What Do I Do?  

     As a New Lenox - Will County - Chicagoland  Mortgage Originator, I've always been asked a lot of questions regarding Taxes and Property Assessments.  Property Taxes ... as well as subsequent monthly tax escrow contributions ... and how they play a role in loan approvals/denials.  

     Throughout the recent housing downturn, the topic of property taxes and assessments cropped up more often and became far more important to homeowners ...  

     Property Assessments will soon be completed in much of the Chicagoland area and trigger many Assessment Notices.  As a result of those Assessment Notices, many of my Chicago-area existing clients will reach out to me with property tax and tax escrow payment questions.  

     Should a Property Assessment be lowered, clients are typically expecting the following to occur:

1. Their taxes will decrease as a result of their lower Property Assessment
2. Their monthly Tax Escrow Payment will be lowered
3. They will receive a Tax Escrow Refund from the institution holding their Tax Escrow

     Although each of these actions is a possibility, unfortunately, none of them is automatic or can be taken for granted.  Lower Property Assessments do NOT always equate to lower taxes or lowered Tax Escrow payments.

      Why? 

     The Property Assessment is only one portion of an equation used for determining property taxes. Often it is the "equalization" factor utilized to calculate your property taxes that determines whether your taxes rise or fall. 

     Every level of government (State, County, Township) can apply an "equalization" to the properties located within its boundaries. The "equalization" factor can change as governmental bodies yearly needs, services, and budgets change.

     These "equalizations" can add up and keep property taxes from lowering. (In Illinois, it's a statutory requirement that the "equalization" process bring the 3-year average of the median assessment levels in a township to 33.33% of Market Value.) 

     Remember, tax bills are calculated by taking the Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) times the Tax Rate, which also is a moving factor every tax season, based on the needs of the taxing districts within your locality.

     

     So, what is an "equalization" factor?  

     It's defined as: "A uniform percentage increase or decrease to assessed values of various areas or classes of property in order to bring assessment levels, on average, to the same percentage of market value."

     By law:  Mortgage Lenders must figure Tax Escrows on the LAST AVAILABLE TAX BILL.  Most times, the tax bill they must defer to does NOT yet reflect the new Property Assessment received.  

     In those cases:  Property owners must wait until the next year's tax bill is released to have the Lender reevaluate their Tax Escrow needs and make any possible Tax Escrow refund.

      If you're considering protesting your taxes:  Keep in mind that you are NOT protesting the tax bill itself.  It is the Property Assessment you protest.  Once you've received your actual tax bill, it's already too late to protest your Assessment for that levied year. 

     However, errors of fact can be corrected after you've received a tax bill.  Examples:  Missing exemptions, incorrect square footage, miscalculation of tax rate, etc.

     For the official protest dates in your specific locale, please visit your county's Assessor website ... or contact your local Township Assessor.  (In Will County, click HERE for the Supervisor of Assessments site.)

     So what do I recommend you do if you're a mortgage client of mine (or thinking of moving into the New Lenox - Will County - Chicagoland-area) and you get a change of Property Assessment in the mail?  Contact Me.  We'll discuss the options and actions available to you and what you can expect moving forward.

     The important thing to remember is this:  Guidance and information are readily available to you when you contact me.  

     I can provide you the facts as they pertain to YOUR property and personal mortgage scenario.  Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek my assistance when you need it.  

     *  Hoping to Buy or Refinance a home or Investment Property in  Chicagoland - IL - WI? 
Contact Me!  I'll put my 40 years of Mortgage experience and expertise hard to work on your behalf.
     I'm easily found at:

Gene Mundt

Mortgage Originator  -  NMLS #216987  -  IL Lic. #031.0006220  -  WI License 216987

American Portfolio Mortgage Corp.

NMLS #175656

Direct:  815.524.2280

Cell or Text:  708.921.6331

eFax:  815.524.2281

gmundt@goapmc.com

www.genemundt.com

             

       

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Originator, an Originator with 40 years of mortgage experience, will offer you exemplary mortgage service and advice when seeking:  Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, and Portfolio Loans in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland region, including:  The Lincoln-Way Area, Will County, (New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena, Manhattan, Joliet, Shorewood, Crest Hill, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Lockport, Channahon, Romeoville, Naperville, etc.), DuPage County, the City of Chicago, Cook County, and elsewhere within IL & WI. 

Referrals are Greatly Appreciated and Welcomed!