Real Estate Search and Sale LLC

I just received a list of the comparables used for my property tax assessment, and to determine my property value.   Who determines which comparables to use in a property tax assessment?

 It was not the same group of people who determines the Fannie Mae guidelines for appraisals.  Some of the comparables they used were for Silver Spring properties that were sold more than six months before the assessment statement.  There were serious downward changes in the market during this period.

 The comparables did not take into consideration that my home was in terrible condition.  The roof leaked, there was water coming in from both sides of the house and there were plumbing leaks.  They must have figured that I had to make the improvements in order to make the home inhabitable, so they assessed it at the new value.

 No,  I don’t think so.  The value they gave the comparable homes used in my assessment were assessed at or below there respective purchase prices.

 The homes that they used were also larger then my house in Silver Spring, Maryland.

 I have called Montgomery County Property Assessment office on other properties as well.  I met one assessor at the Potomac, Maryland home of an elderly gentleman.  The property was in horrible disrepair.  The assessor asked me how much I thought that the home was worth and that is how he assessed the property.  I was honest.

 I anticipated the same outcome this time.  I did not expect to have to have a formal appeal hearing to demonstrate that they did not use valid comparables.

It is my hope that I can get this addressed through the proper channels without having to go to a hearing.

 If my Silver Spring home appreciated that much in just over two months, I would certainly consider selling, or holding.  Maybe I should ask Montgomery County Government what the market trend is.  As I use a different set of tools to do my analysis for my property value.

Looking for an agent that knows Bethesda.  Get one that specializes in what you are looking for.  Does the agent know about the newest condos that are for sale?  Does your agent know how to get you a deal?

You have searched the local multiple listing service (mls) and don’t have enough information to make an informed decision.  You go to the first real estate office you see to get additional information on Bethesda homes.

 The “top realtor” behind the desk gives you the information that you wanted and tells you that she would be happy to show you some properties.  You eagerly agree. 

 You see some properties that you like the real estate broker has now shown you several Bethesda MD homes for sale.  You sit down to write the real estate contract.  The first document she hands you is a buyer agency agreement.  It commits you to paying her commission if you purchase the home that you just told her you wanted. 

She assures you that the commission is paid by the seller.  You sign the document.  At that point she starts going through the remainder of the real estate contract.  It appears as though these are legal terms that she is seeing for the first time.  You find yourself sitting there for hours as she labors through the documents and makes recommendations and changes her recommendations. 

 You find yourself writing a deposit check for a surprisingly large sum, made out to her company.  You are a bit concerned and ask her when you are going to have the home inspection.  She informs you that this home is being “sold as is” and that she does not recommend a home inspection.

 You ask her if there are other Bethesda homes for sale.  She says she does not know, but she can look them up.  You back out of the deal and say that you are tired and want to go shopping on another day, but you are not sure when.

When you free yourself from this “Top Bethesda Agent” you ask yourself, why if she was such a top agent, was she sitting around waiting for a customer to come in.

If you want an agent for your real estate investement in Bethesda then look for someone of authority. 

There are Bethesda condos that meet every price range and need.  It is simply amazing how many new homes are available in Bethesda MD.

There are condos near the mall, near shops and public transporation.  Bethesda Maryland real estate is plentiful, but this does not make it any less valuable. 

Neighboring areas such as Rockvile MD, Silver Spring MD, Chevy Chase, Potomac, and Washington DC all enjoy many of the same aspects as real estate in Bethesda.

If you are looking for a top Realtor or top agent be sure to read all the information on this site including real estate contacts so that you will be able to make an informed decision when you hire your real estate guide to help you purchase your Bethesda condo.