1. What is the assessed value of the property? Note that
assessed value is generally less than market value. Ask to
see a recent copy of the seller’s tax bill to help you
determine this information.

2. How often are properties reassessed and when was the
last reassessment done? Generally taxes jump most
significantly when a property is reassessed.

3. Will the sale of the property trigger a tax increase? Often
the assessed value of the property may increase based on
the amount you pay for the property. And in some areas,
such as California, taxes may be frozen until resale.

4. Is the amount of taxes paid comparable to other
properties in the area? If not, it might be possible to
appeal the tax assessment and lower the rate?

5. Does the current tax bill reflect any special exemptions
that you might not qualify for? For example, many tax
districts offer reductions to those 65 or over.

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