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Appealing a Fairfax Real Estate Assessment 2023

By Doug Francis

Updated for 2023

How to appeal and win a Fairfax County real estate tax assessment 2023

Deadline for Appeal is April 3, 2023

Especially if the next owner of your home will probably tear it down to build a brand new home, then you should carefully examine your 2023 Fairfax County Real Estate Assessment to see if the “Building” value jumped.

Personally, my 2023 Fairfax County tax assessment jumped 6.06%. In 2022, it jumped 7.21%.

I gave this tip on the NextDoor App yesterday to people upset over large Assessment increases.

For many owners who live in Vienna, VA, they know the tear-down market is hot since today’s home buyers see the Town as an ideal place to live. Builders send postcards and investors drop notes offering to pay cash for their homes. The Money Magazine article which ranked Vienna a “top place to live” helped accelerate the teardown and infill rebuilding frenzy in our town.

The Vienna real estate market is notable for tear-down and infill construction for twenty-five years. Now with Tysons expanding up and out, the Silver Line finished, the demand for older homes has intensified.

Ted appealed, so can you

Ted’s story started in early June at the annual neighborhood block party, and a lively conversation about a successful appeal.

Ted (not Fred’s real name) was discussing the active tear-down market for homes in Vienna, and that his old neighbor’s house was probably going to get torn down too to build another new home. And, although he wasn’t moving anytime soon, his home was likely to get sold to a builder when he moves.

Thinking about the homes that had sold to builders and the conversation about the successful appeal, Ted realized that his Fairfax County real estate assessment did not accurately reflect market value in the very real Vienna tear-down market.

His assessment was too high.

Interestingly, most teardown properties are in good condition and are still attractive. What seals their fate is the issue is limited square footage which makes for small bedrooms, kitchens, and baths.

The reality is… the value is in the lot and the location.

Find three to four sold comps

Fairfax County uses actual real estate market sales prices when determining your annual tax assessment.

When Ted started to dig into his assessment comparing his home to comparable homes nearby that had sold to builders, he recognized that the values weren’t accurate and were often “unverified”, and he really should appeal to the tax office.

Where to start: If you want to do this then check out the links below, but understand you need to build a fact-based argument that they should take a second look at your home. The tax office is very busy and you (really) need to be prepared to present a professionally prepared position.

Do your homework first

So, what is a sold comp?

Comps are homes that have sold that are comparable to yours. And most of the tear-downs in Vienna are similar 1950s or 1960s homes.

You can’t use homes that sold this year, but going back to last year or even the year before will help your case. A good tip is to find a comp near your home, and not across town.

If you find a comp that sold to a builder, make sure the lot size is similar too. If your home sits on a quarter-acre lot, make sure your comp didn’t sit on a half-acre lot.

Do your homework because asking for a reassessment does require the county to conduct a “field inspection” of your home by a DTA appraiser to ensure that their data is accurate and verified.

If Granted, get 3 years of refunds

If you are successful, Fairfax County will retroactively adjust your property assessment for the last three years.

In Ted’s case, he received refunds of over $850 for each year.

Resources

After you have done some preliminary research and you feel your request is worthy of review, call or email the Department of Tax Administration and discuss your findings with a staff member.

  • File your appeal as early as possible
  • Fairfax County Department of Taxation: 703-222-8234
  • Appeals must be mailed by April 3, 2023
  • Fairfax County Real Estate Assessments & Taxes
  • Online Real Estate Appeal Application

Looking for Tax Relief?

Seniors (65+), people with disabilities, Veterans with disabilities, Spouses of military service members killed in action, and Spouses of first responders killed in the line of duty can apply for tax relief also.

Go to fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief for more details.

Any other real estate questions, send me an email at doug@dougfrancis.com

Filed Under: Blog, Home Seller Tips, Living Here Tagged With: Fairfax tax assessment, Vienna Real Estate

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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