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Florida Couple Hit with Reassessment After “Substantial Improvements”
Imagine spending a significant amount of time and money on renovating a home, only to find that the property taxes have not only doubled, not only tripled, but multiplied six times over. Although this may sound like a real estate horror tale, Florida residents Walter and Debbie have experienced this firsthand. The couple’s dream waterfront... Read More
Could Property Taxes in Florida Be a Thing of the Past?
Florida isn’t just a back-to-back Stanley Cup winning state; it boasts some of the lowest average property tax payments in the country. And if Governor Ron DeSantis’ latest tax proposal sees the light of day, it may need another airport to handle the influx of aspiring property owners. Governor DeSantis has proposed abolishing property taxes.... Read More
The Key Term All Commercial Real Estate Owners Should Know
Property taxes can be a heavy financial burden, especially for owners of commercial real estate. Fortunately, property tax appeals provide an opportunity to reduce tax assessments which could lead to hundreds of thousands in savings. While filing an appeal is easy, winning one requires knowledge and expertise in valuation. Commercial real estate owners can increase... Read More
No One is Safe! Chicago Suburb Aims to Buy – or Take – Pope Leo XIV’s Childhood Home
In early May, Robert Prevost was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. Pope Leo was raised in the small suburb of Dolton, Illinois, where his family resided for nearly 50 years. Following the pontiff’s recent introduction, Dolton has now made it clear that intends to acquire Pope Leo’s childhood... Read More
Filing a Self-Represented Property Tax Appeal? Use Caution!
New Jersey property owners share a common challenge: high property taxes. However, there’s a glimmer of hope because property owners can appeal their assessments and potentially reduce their property taxes. While many hire attorneys to represent them through the tax appeal process, some choose to file without representation. What are the pros and cons of... Read More
15 States Sue Trump to Stop Fast-Tracked Energy Expansion
On the first day of President Trump’s second term, he signed Executive Order 14156, entitled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency.” That EO directs the heads of executive departments and federal agencies — including the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Interior, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation — to issue permits... Read More
NC Supreme Court: Condo Developer Entitled to Just Compensation
When the government takes private property using the power of eminent domain, the property owner is entitled to receive just compensation. But what happens when another party shows up with an interest in the property? Should they get a slice of the compensation pie? In a legal showdown that could have been from a real... Read More
Paterson Kicks 5.6% Proposed Tax Hike… For Now
It turns out that when a budget proposal includes a significant property tax increase, city residents are about as thrilled as a cat in a bathtub. The mayor of Paterson’s proposed 2025 budget of $302 million, which includes a 5.6% increase in property taxes, has faced opposition from City Council members and residents who believe... Read More
New Jerseyans, Expect Tax Policy Changes in 2026
Listen up, New Jerseyans! If you haven’t heard yet, Governor Murphy unveiled his budget plan for 2026: a staggering $58.1 billion, the highest budget ever proposed in New Jersey’s history. To finance such a massive budget, the governor has recommended several revenue-raising measures, including tax policy changes. Some of these proposed changes may have implications... Read More
Fourth Circuit Reverses Summary Judgment in Favor of Pipeline Company
This case serves as a reminder that the client usually knows more about their property that anyone else. Don’t hesitate to put them on the stand! The Fourth Circuit issued an opinion on January 27, 2025 in Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC v. 0.32 ACRES OF LAND, Owned by Grace Minor Terry. Full opinion here: Mountain Valley... Read More
