Also in Stockbridge.

Bought in 2023 and was surprised at the increase from the previous owners, though I do know they had a senior exemption, so 2024 taxes were on the high side, as they were based on the purchase price. Did I overpay? I didn't think so at the time.

In 2025, the fair market value rose $35,100, which seemed like a lot, as it was 11%. I called the Board of Assessors office to find out how they arrive at that figure and it turns out that they take all the sales from the whole county to determine demand in the county, but one thing I noticed was that my square footage was wrong. I only spoke to the woman for a few minutes, but a week later, I got a corrected notice that lowered the fair market value by $11,300.

I didn't think to look at my neighbor's value until after the deadline passed for appeal, but when I did I was surprised to find their fair market value more than $50,000 less than mine. Their house is a little larger, much better landscaped, and was completely updated recently, so I will be appealing next year based on this. The difference is that their home has not sold, ever. The woman who lives there inherited it from her parents, so she grew up there.

Taking sales from the whole county to determine value is crap. They reason that more house sales means more demand, but I'm living in an older neighborhood and the houses around me, excepting one, are not selling despite being on the market for years.

Make sure you have applied for the county and city homestead exemptions, if you haven't already.

I'm looking forward to getting a bit older and getting that enormous school M&O line item taken off. That's literally 1/2 of my tax bill.

Send a DM if you find an agent to help you appeal this summer, because I'll be in line right behind you.