How and When to File a Tax Grievance

Dylan Taft

Friday, March 2nd, 2012 at 11:24am. 296 Views, 1 Comments.

All homeowners should know how to file a tax grievance because with a market turn like we've just experienced it's important to know if/when you are being over-assessed. If you think you might be paying too much in property taxes, a grievance can be filed and your case reviewed by a local municipality. A successful grievance can lower your property taxes and is not as complicated as you may think. But there is a deadline; so without further ado here's a quick reference guide from Taft Street Realty on how, when, (and why!) to file a tax grievance.

When To File A Grievance  

Ulster County Property taxes are based on the value of your home. Your local assessor determines the market value of your home on behalf of the municipal government; and does so in a…

Read Full Post »

Is Energy Efficiency Worth the Money?

Dylan Taft

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 at 8:47am. 802 Views, 1 Comments.

Supporters of energy efficiency in homes and businesses claim that upgrading to energy efficient appliances, insulation, lighting, windows and other components will save Americans billions in the long run. Yet skeptics and adherents alike are wondering: how do we afford these upgrades?

The upfront expense of upgrading to more energy efficient products can be a huge obstacle for many Americans. While low-cost items such as energy efficient lights are accessible additions to many homes, big-ticket items like energy efficient air conditioners or high value insulation installations leave many homeowners wondering how to finance such large investments. The good news is that there are a number of different agencies, organizations and companies creating…

Read Full Post »

Tough Choices: Which Rondout Valley Elementary School Should Close?

Dylan Taft

Monday, February 14th, 2011 at 7:50am. 799 Views, 1 Comments.

The Answer Depends On Who You Ask

The Rondout Valley Central School District is facing some tough decisions in the face of a dismal school budget. The district hopes to cut costs by consolidating and reorganizing its schools and has made public its decision to close one of its three elementary schools. Superintendant Rosario Agostaro said that he and his team considered different options for reconfiguring the district and found that closing one elementary school was, “The model we found to be the least disruptive academically.” With the decision final and a school closing imminent, there remains the question of which of the three elementary schools (Rosendale, Marbletown, or Kerhonkson) will close its doors.

I’ve noticed how locally this issue has…

Read Full Post »

New York State’s High Property Taxes Are Devastating To Home Sales

Dylan Taft

Friday, December 3rd, 2010 at 9:19am. 962 Views, 0 Comments.

New York State has the dubious distinction of having the highest property taxes in the nation. Not just by a little either, according to a recent New York State study, our property taxes were a whopping 79% higher than the national average. Not surprisingly, this reputation as the most-taxed state of the union has had devastating effects on an already struggling New York housing market. It is a triple threat, hurting prospective buyers who may want to move to New York, lifelong residents who simply can’t afford to live here anymore, and businesses that also bear the burden of astronomical property taxes and receive few if any of the meager tax benefits being offered.

New York No Longer a Blue Collar State

People from all over the world are drawn to New…

Read Full Post »