Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®
Emily Ford, Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®Phone: (248) 722-4239
Email: [email protected]

Beyond property tax exemption for veterans with disabilities: What you can do to lower your taxes

by Emily Ford 08/28/2024

Many state governments offer property tax exemptions to qualified veterans with disabilities. However, since the amount of coverage and rules for eligibility vary from one state to the next, you may still need some extra help. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can lower your property taxes in the event you have to pay them in full. Here are some tips for keeping your property taxes down:

Limit major projects

Property taxes vary by region, but are also dependent on the value of your home. The more value you put into a home, the higher the potential property taxes can be. One way to control a spike in property taxes is to limit major home improvement projects. Avoid non-essential home improvement projects like adding a swimming pool or remodeling an entire kitchen, as these things are known to increase overall property value.

However, this advice doesn't necessarily apply to all home improvement projects. For example, veterans with disabilities can receive special housing grants to finance home upgrades to accommodate a disability. While these changes can add value to the home, there is more opportunity to ease the financial burden. If you're not sure how a certain project will affect home value, you can consult a professional appraiser for more info.

Check your tax bill for inaccuracies

Conveniently, it's a simple process to obtain a copy of your property tax bill from local government offices. Carefully reviewing the bill can be an excellent way to save on your property taxes. Check for any mistakes or inaccuracies based on the size of your property and livable square footage.

It can also be helpful to research neighborhood home values to confirm how your taxes compare. Major discrepancies might be mistakes you can have resolved in your favor.

Get a second appraisal

A major part of your home's value is determined by the appraisal performed by a tax assessor. If after reviewing your bill you feel there are discrepancies to be addressed, it can be worth hiring an independent home appraiser. Compare the results to determine the most accurate value and potentially save thousands of dollars per year in property taxes.

About the Author
Author

Emily Ford

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I am in my 22nd year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion!

· I earned the "Top Producer" award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2023

· My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $315M in closed transactions

· I've been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2023, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents

· I'm a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee, Livingston and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled

· As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of your transaction and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra

· We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more!

· In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019. I'm a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers

· I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and Clarkston Schools

· My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible!