Greetings from snowy and beautiful Hayward, Wisconsin!
Every year I say the same thing when we near the end...where did the time go? Another year is almost in the books and it has been one to remember and to forget. So while you are reflecting, I want to call your attention to looking ahead in terms of property assessments.
Most of you know that 2005 ended the boom in real estate around the country and that is true for our area as well. Your property tax bill will be arriving in December and, of course, your real estate taxes are based upon the assessed value of your property. So that raises the question of whether the assessed value and the fair market assessed value (what the market is willing to pay) of your property is realistic?
Your 2008 property tax is based on the assessed value of your property as of January 1, 2008; in Wisconsin we pay real estate taxes in the rears which is different than our friends in Minnesota. So there is no correcting assessments for 2008.
Your local assessor will soon be establishing new values for 2009 which you may want to pay close attention to when you receive your notice this spring. There is an opportunity for you to discuss and review the assessment with your local assessor and even ask for a local board review. If you don't receive a notice, be sure to check with your Town Clerk for a copy of your new assessment. Filing an objection to your assessment is a fairly easy process.
When I review the numbers through the third quarter of this year I have not seen a great deal of change but I believe the fourth quarter numbers will have a much bigger impact due to foreclosures around the state. While most of us would agree that we want our properties to be valued correctly, we don't want to have to pay any more tax than necessary.
If you want more detailed information, please visit the Department of Revenue website at www.dor.state.wi.us/html/govpub.html. This site is very helpful with respect to property taxes and the assessment process.
On the local level:
The big hunt is completed and most folks I talk to said it was more challenging than usual to shoot or even see a big buck.
This is a wonderful time of year to visit Hayward as we prepare for many winter events. Come on up, shop and dine at our local establishments and enjoy our "north woods" atmosphere....you will be glad you did.
Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@cheqnet.net
http://www.garynathan.com/
http://www.haywardwaterfront.com/
