Cleveland — If you own property in Cuyahoga County, you likely got a big, perhaps unpleasant, surprise in the mail recently.
2018 value assessments are out -- and yours could hike up your property taxes.
Homeowners are seeing an average jump of nearly 11 percent across the county, leaving a lot of unhappy people.
Unfortunately, for the vast majority of homeowners, it's not a mistake. And if the housing market keeps getting stronger, expect another increase in three years.
When Mayfield Heights resident Renzo Calabrese went to his mailbox he said,
"I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what to say. I kept on reading it and thought I was reading it wrong."
There was a pack of letters from the County, saying the value of each of the 14 homes he owns and subsequently his tax bill had increased.
The value of one home increased by nearly 100 percent.
"How could somebody get a 100% pay raise?" he asked
Well, here's how.
A robust housing market is causing property values across the country to jump including here in Cuyahoga county where they're up an average of 10.8 percent.
“It's a big impact. But that's what the market has shown us through our studies, and the State approved, said Lisa Rocco, Director of Operations for the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office.
According to State law, the county has to keep tabs on property values by appraising every home and commercial property every three years based on current market values.
Every six years they have to physically send someone to inspect them.
But how much you'll pay depends on how your home’s valuation compares to your Municipality "overall."
"Say your Municipality went up 24%. If your value went up above the 24%, then your taxes are most likely going to go up. If you stayed right at the 24% your taxes will most likely be the same."
And you'll pay less, if your increase was below your Municipality.
All of this is great news according to Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish who says it's a sign that our county is prospering."
Property owners though call it a typical cash grab, pointing out that when the market crashed, they didn't lower their prices.
Renzo estimates he could take a five to eight thousand dollar tax hit because of the new appraisals which sadly are going to affect more than just homeowners he says.
"Tenants are going to have a rude awakening. It gets passed on. Maybe not all of it. But some of it gets passed on.”
So, what can you do? Fight it if you think it's not accurate. You can do it online, or in person at one the sites the county has set up over the next three weeks. For more information, click here.
In fact, our Chris Tye checked out a county board of revision meeting Monday night in Highland Hills.
Several homeowners expressed their anger at new property values.
“It was a shock when my property value went up $80,000,” said Pamela Pendleton. “Maybe I need to pack up. I am not going to be able to afford the property tax on it,” she said. “I came down ready to pick a fight. But it turned out to be an easy and quick conversation.”
While it is unclear if the value will be officially revised, she left happy that the odds look good.
Lynn Abramson also left the revision meeting happy. “Our property went up 27-percent. We feel it was inappropriate, and that is why we are here.”
She came with a strong case to make, and left feeling her case was heard.
“We are feeling content. It went well, the people are very courteous. We should hear whether our property value will be revised by November 16th,” Lynn said.
If you go to a similar meeting, make sure you arm yourself with information like the assessments of your neighbors or other similar homes. Those are public record.
Some cities also offer tax abatement or exemption programs. Or hire an outside appraiser. That will run you a few hundred dollars.
You might even consider hiring an attorney. But you need to weigh how much you might save versus how much it will cost to fight it.