As you are probably aware, most localities determine your property tax burden based on an ad valorem assessment of the property's value. Generally speaking, our local assessors do a remarkable job of assigning reasonable property values for a large number of diverse properties located throughout the Nashville City metro area. However, it is simply unavoidable that every year a percentage of properties will be over valued. As a property owner, it is up to you to make an annual review of your property assessment to ensure that your property tax burden is appropriate. Because "market value" is the basis for the assessment process, you should keep apprised of recent sales from your neighborhood to personally gauge whether or not your property assessment is reasonable. Please feel free to contact us for a list of recent sales in your neighborhood.

If it is your conclusion that your property is over valued, we recommend attempting to resolve this with an informal hearing with your county appraiser. This is often completed over the phone at a time that is convenient for you. However, if an informal hearing is completed and you are still not satisfied with the results you might consider employing us to assist you.  A real estate appraiser can help in these situations. While it may not be economical to commission a full appraisals to lop a few hundred off your tax bill, often an appraiser can do a limited appraisal or neighborhood analysis for much less. These documents can carry a lot of weight when you appear before an appeals board. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation to determine whether or not an additional investment in time and/or money is a wise pursuit.

Please note that there are significant differences in utilizing our services as either a property tax consultant or real estate appraiser. If you elect to contract with our firm in a consultant capacity, we will function as an advocate assisting you in developing and implementing a strategy to reduce your tax burden. As an appraiser, we will perform our duties according to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). In this capacity, you are commissioning an independent, third-party professional property appraisal. Although we are not functioning as an advocate in this capacity, these efforts can carry more weight with your taxing authority, particularly when utilizing a reputable firm like us.  Sometimes, a combination of consulting and appraisal services are recommended to correctly allign your tax burden for this year and years to come.

In either capacity, as your representative we will provide you with professional services that range from property record card reviews to full property appraisals, and can include professional and persuasive testimony at appeal hearings. Please let us know how we can best assist you.