Inspection: First, I inspect your property, looking of the "hidden" characteristics which will top me off to a strong case for property tax abatement in Massachusetts and NH. I’ve developed a checklist of items, which can frequently trigger a property tax abatement.

Review Property Financial Data :  Then I review the property’s rent roll and expenses which help to establish a market value. I know exactly which valuation date is preferable to use for this purpose. Interestingly, it is not the date the bill was mailed out! I know how to evaluate your property’s income and expenses, and why it can be vital to your case.

 Check Assessor’s Records :  Next I review the city and town’s "field card" and other municipal records on your property, and determine if there have been any incorrect assumptions made about your property in setting your assessment. I’ll find the weak spots in the field audit and evaluation, and uncover arbitrary and shoddy conclusions used in setting your assessment.

Prepare Town Valuation Models :  I also review your valuation from at least two different appraisals methods: value based on the property’s potential income; and value based on comparable sales. The assessor most likely used one of these valuation models to establish your property’s value. I’ve learned over the years which approach is the most favorable for each particular property type.

Explain Valuation To You :  I then formulate my opinion of value and contact you immediately, giving you my opinion of your property’s value. If I determine that your property is over-assessed, I show you what it’s costing you in taxes. Of course, if you are fairly assessed, I’ll show you that too.

 Prepare Your Application :  If you are over-assessed, I’ll prepare an abatement application to the city of town on your behalf. I’ve filed over 4,000 of such applications in over 150 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth. Over the years, I’ve learned exactly what the assessor is looking for and needs in other to justify an abatement.