My attorney handles this, how are you different? +
We have professionals with significant experience in real estate valuation who have all the necessary tools and data sources to properly value your property and negotiate with the assessor based on that valuation. Most times, lawyers are well versed in only the rules, regulations and forms involved in an appeal, and not so much with the underlying asset. When necessary, our lawyers handle the red tape extraneous to the actual property valuation. Our service is very different than the part an attorney plays in filing a tax appeal. You can still retain your attorney and benefit from our services at the same time.
Are you an appraisal service? +
We are not an appraisal firm. Appraisers are not allowed to have their interests aligned with yours, meaning they will value the real estate and charge you a fee whether their concluded value is conducive to your appeal or not. We partner with our network of appraisers when necessary and beneficial to you.
Why do I need a property tax consulting firm like Peak 5? +
Tax assessing counties and municipalities oftentimes over-assess real property in their jurisdiction. To get these government entities to reassess property is usually difficult, complex and time consuming. As a result, many property owners would rather just overpay their property taxes to avoid the hassle. Our professionals are accustomed to the process and are very in-tune with what is necessary to deal with these entities; we do it so you don’t have to, it’s what we do professionally.
Will an appeal lower my net proceeds if I decide to sell the property? +
The value that any individual investor would pay for your property is irrelevant to how the assessor values your property.
What’s the downside risk? +
There are very few opportunities in life with no risk and all reward; this is one of them. The only risk in this process is taken on by us since we put in all the necessary legwork, man-hours and oftentimes legal fees ahead of time. There is no money out of your pocket unless we are successful in lowering your tax burden, in which case you will be saving money.
Will a successful appeal affect the budgets of my local schools, police or other services? +
If a reduction significantly affects the budgets of local government services, the auditor will slightly raise the tax rate for all taxable property in the jurisdiction, so that the burden is shared fairly by all property owners, not unfairly against just you.
How long does the process take? +
Every case is different; it varies from a few weeks to many months. We stay the course no matter what until the end.
How are your interests aligned with mine? +
Our fee is contingency based. We are paid absolutely nothing unless we reduce your property tax burden, at which time we take a percentage of the total savings. The more you save, the more we make. We put in all the work up front for free.
