Lake Ridge Virginia Real Estate Help For Sellers and Buyers

Yesterday, I was quietly working on my computer in the morning hours and the dogs began to bark alerting me someone was on the property. It was about 9:30 am and I thought, who could that be I'm not expecting anyone? 

My door clearly say No Soliciting! I live on a corner lot in the Westridge Subdivison in Lake Ridge Virginia on a main street... so we tend to get a lot of solicitors for firewood, tree cutting and magazines.However he wasn't trying to sell me something....he was the County Tax Assessor! No Kidding!

Somehow I always thought he would be older  and much more stern looking. Turns out he was a mild mannered young man in khaki pants and a short sleeve shirt driving an official Prince William County car.

When I opened the door, the young man said "Hi, I am with the Prince William County Tax Assessors Office and I'd like to measure your home please." Well, I looked and he was wearing a county badge around his neck so I let him in. 

So what is the County Tax office looking for?

1. he was there to verify what he see's during his visit with the records on file
2. he is  looking for improvements completed without benefit of the county permits
3. he is looking for anything that would be considered a taxable change
4. such things as an addition, signifigant upgrades or increased living space etc...

In my case I was actually pleased to see the tax assessor.Why? Because what is on file at the tax assessors office was incorrect and it was not corrected when we purchased the home. Our home was recorded as a Long Home in Westridge, however it is a George Darn Custom Home. What's the difference? Huge. Back in 1989 when it was built the custom homes on acreage were signifigantly higher priced than the builder track homes. Features such as  Anderson Windows, Custom Detailing throughout, a one of kind Southern Living Floorplan on a acreage lot in a half acre subdivision. The information they have on file is wrong. The room over the garage is finished and the basement is 80% finished not half. So will it cost me more...yes!

Am I upset?  That's a trick question....

If I put on my Realtor Hat on, it's always better to have your tax assessment match your home for so many reasons.  However if I put my Homeowner Hat on, I hate the fact the tax assessor is in the neighborhood. The folks who will be most upset are those who did not submit for a county permit to finish a basement or to make capital improvements. If that's you, fair warning you may be paying more in the future.

The only issue I had yesterday was the fact I was taken by surprise, no notice, no letter, no phone call. Just someone walking and measuring my home. He had a county badge around his neck and a clip board and huge yellow tape measure.

I have  lived in Prince William County for 25 years and have been a homeowner 21 of those years. "This is the first time a county tax assessor has ever knocked on the door." Be advised the county is trying to make up the tax dollars on those of us who are still paying our mortgages and doing the right thing. It's a sign of the times....everyone, even the county is trying to find every dollar to make ends meet these days.

Have questions about your tax assessment?

Just Click on this link to get your current tax information

Tp call the tax office  Click Here

Remember if you need Real Estate Assistance Just Call

We're only a phone call away.

703-590-2252

Erick Blackwelder or Peggy James of Erick and Company - Exit 1st Choice Realty, Woodbridge VA. Realtors®, call 703-590-2252  list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Lake Ridge, Westridge, Old Bridge Estates, River Falls, Middle County, Cannon Bluff, Meadowbrook Woods, Blooms Crossing, Manassas Park, Beaver Creek, Hunter's Ridge, Brittany,  Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Occoquan, Dale City, Nokesville, or anywhere in Prince William County.