Fewer than 1 in 50 homeowners try to grieve their assessment even though up to 60% of properties are overvalued by assessors, according to figures cited by the National Taxpayers Union...FACT
If I grieve my assessment my taxes could increase...FICTION
New York State has the highest local taxes of any large state in America – 79% above the national average...FACT
Each town inspects each and every home for renovations, additions, and all of the proper permits and C of O's if I file a grievance application...FICTION
I have nothing to lose by filing a grievance...FACT
I need to use a grievance service in order to file for a reduction...FICTION
The majority of reductions received are after a small claims hearing which most people simply don't have the time or knowledge to attend, and some may become intimidated by the amount of paperwork involved in the grieving process...FACT
The STAR Rebate Program is in Jeopardy of elimination with Gov. Paterson's Executive Budget Proposal for 2009...FACT
Nationally, the latest monthly data on existing home sales (November 2008) show both the number of sales and median sales prices dropping at record rates – 9% and 13%, respectively, over the past year according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which compiles the data, such declines have not been seen since the data series was initiated in 1968, and probably not since the Great Depression!...FACT
