WS Chronicle

BY TODD LUCK

THE CHRONICLE

Most homeowners in Forsyth County should have seen their property values rise as they received their tax reappraisals in the mail this week.

Real estate reappraisals, conducted by the county every four years, were controversial in 2013, when the downturn in the housing market resulted in 90 percent of county residents seeing a drop in property value. While foreclosures and other distressed sales aren’t counted in the reappraisal, they can lower the property values of the homes around them.

County Tax Accessor John Burgiss told commissioners last week that the housing market is in a much better place than it was four years ago.

“The great news is we’re at a low point in financial foreclosures in Forsyth County over the last several years, so that trend is looking better,” he said.

Almost 70 percent of parcels had their value go up in the reappraisal with 29 percent seeing an increase between 0-6 percent. About 30 percent of parcels had their value go down, with 13.9 percent seeing a 0-6 percent decrease.

County staff spent two years doing the reappraisals, which involves examining thousands of qualified sales and the exterior of homes to estimate their value. Burgiss said the goal is to adjust each property’s tax value to reflect the current real estate market.

“We just follow the real estate market; we do not make the real estate market,” he said.

Commissioner Fleming El-Amin said that there’s a perception that the 2013 reappraisal devalued East Winston, where many properties saw their value drop. Commissioner Everette Witherspoon was concerned how property values can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, even in the same area, often hitting minority communities the hardest. But he was glad to see the overall rise in property values.

“This is generally good news for the homeowners in our county,” said Witherspoon, adding he felt appeals were handled well last time. “I think you did a great job in 2013 responding to the concerns of people in District A.”

Burgiss said the reappraisal process is far from perfect, especially since staff doesn’t go inside houses. He encouraged anyone with issues with their reappraisal to file an appeal. He said appeals will often result in his staff learning more about the home so they can more accurately assess its value. Property owners can file an informal appeal with the Tax Administration office as well as a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review. Residents can also appeal to the state level.

Those with questions about their reappraisals can call 336-703-2300 or visit the customer care counter on the first floor of the Forsyth County Government Center, 201 N. Chestnut St. Parcel values and real estate sales information can be found on an interactive map at maps.co.forsyth.nc.us/forsythjs.