As highly trained Realtors at Houlihan Lawrence we know we have to protect our clients. If we represent a Buyer we work only for the better interest of the Buyer.

As soon as my clients express a strong interest in a property I head to Town Hall with the listing sheet in hand. I have to find if there are any discrepancies. I have to verify the taxes - they should show the FULL tax amount of the current calendar year. They must be without Star Exemption, the Senior Star or a Veteran’s rate. Taxes have to be updated when the new School Taxes are posted (Sept.) and when the new Town & County taxes are known (April).

Then I head to the Assessor’s Office where I get the Town Card. There, I inspect the number of bedrooms and baths cited on the card, the square footage, the acreage, and any open building permits and improvements mentioned on the listing without Certificates of Occupancy. Recently a mention of a “possible additional building site” led me straight to the Building Department. Well, once that file was pulled out I learned with the help of the office that with the encroaching streams surrounding and even running through the property, the possible building site considering the wetlands setbacks would have made it possible to erect a tepee! Here is a tip - if a card is not in the file - it is probably being updated which means the new value will be updated next in the Tax Office.

I love a surprise as much as the next person, but the surprise of a huge tax increase because of improvements made unknown to the Town, or an “illegal” bedroom especially in septic sensitive parts of the County - including Bedford and Lewisboro (Yes, even Ralph and Martha have septic systems) is one I do not care to experience - nor should my clients. I love to have a quick sale but not at the expense of my clients. The banks will also need accurate information.

On the flip side, when representing a Seller I have to be just as thorough to be certain that their records are in order, closing any gaps of information with the Town, defending their values in the current market - often despite it - and protecting them in any way I can in the process with prospective Buyers.

It is a process - I work with clients for however long it takes! Personally, I like to be able to sleep at night. For dedicated representation contact me - KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom