An important thought came to mind when writing this month’s real estate article.  Maybe it was due to the fact that the deadline to pay property taxes was December 10, 2007. Next deadline is April 10, 2008, which as we know will sneak up on all of us, quicker than we say happy New Years! Our job as a REALTORS® is to keep our clients, and in this case, the community informed about Real Estate, the market, and its related issues.  Recently there was an editorial in the Tribune noting that laceName w:st="on">SLOlaceName> laceType w:st="on">CountylaceType> is reassessing some properties to cut the tax burden. So the market’s down turn has a positive side?  Yes. In fact, the decline in the market represents an opportunity to have your home reassessed in the event you believe your home is worth less than the assessed value listed on your property tax bill. The good news is our laceType w:st="on">CountylaceType> laceName w:st="on">AssessorlaceName>, Tom Bordonaro’s office, has already taken the bull by the horn and started reviewing assessments on many properties. In the event you feel you are in need of a reassessment, you can apply by filing a formal request.  The form is available to download by going to: www.slocounty.ca.gov/Page81.aspx. To complete the form you will need the following information: the property address, parcel number, date of purchase, purchase price along with information on recent sales-NOT listings-actual properties that have closed escrow and sold. You can find recent sales in the Triibune, or more simply, contact your Real Estate Professional and have them pull the information for you. It’s a simple process and can be done quickly and given to you in a timely manner.  In the event you would like recent sales, feel free to contact us. More information on Prop.8 is available on the website noted above. You can also contact the laceType w:st="on">CountylaceType> laceName w:st="on">AssessorslaceName> office directly at #781-5643 or the Atascadero office at #461-6143. In any event, there is a positive side to the decline in our market and no one can deny that Real Estate is still a sound investment in our County.