TOP QUESTIONI just got my notification of assessed value and it went up almost 25%. We had no renovations, no new construction, nothing. Does this mean our taxes are going up 25% too? Should I appeal?
That's a real shock to open, and I'm sorry you're dealing with it. Only the county assessor can tell you exactly why your number changed, and a tax advisor can tell you whether an appeal makes sense for you. What our team can do is show you what homes like yours are actually selling for, so you have real numbers when you talk with them.
Would it help to have a quick, no-pressure call with the team to look at what your home is really worth today?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074TOP QUESTIONI'm in California and there's a 2 percent cap on property tax assessments. Will my property tax go up every year for the rest of my life? Can it get to a point of being unaffordable?
That's a very fair worry, especially on a fixed or tight income. A tax advisor or the county assessor can walk you through how your bill is likely to change and whether any relief programs apply to you. Our team can help with the other side: looking at your equity and whether staying, adjusting, or eventually moving fits your long-term plans.
Would it help to set up a relaxed call with the team to look at your options over the next few years?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074TOP QUESTIONWe're struggling with a huge jump in our mortgage from an escrow shortage. A 150% property tax increase after almost four years seems out of line with Prop 13. Am I cooked? Is it possible to live a modest middle-class lifestyle in California?
I'm really sorry; that sounds overwhelming, and you're far from the only family feeling it. The county assessor can explain why your taxes changed, and your servicer can explain the shortage and any payment options. If you're starting to wonder whether staying makes sense, our team can sit down with you, no pressure, and look at what your home is worth and what your choices might be.
Would it help to have a calm, no-pressure call with the team to look at your numbers together?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074TOP QUESTIONOur property taxes doubled after we bought and now there's an escrow deficiency, so our mortgage went up about $400. Is there a way to lower property taxes?
That's a big jump to absorb, and it's completely reasonable to look for ways to bring it down. The county assessor can tell you about reviews, appeals, and exemptions you might qualify for, and a tax advisor can tell you what's worth pursuing. Our team can't give tax advice, but they can help you look at what the home costs to keep compared with your other options.
Would a short call with the team to look at the big picture be helpful?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074TOP QUESTIONHow does Prop 19 work in my situation?
Prop 19 can matter a lot for homeowners 55 and older or people who've inherited a home, but the details really depend on your situation. The county assessor's office and a tax advisor or estate attorney are the right people to confirm whether you qualify. Our team can help with the real estate side, like what your home might sell for and what a move could look like.
Would it help to have a quick call with the team about what a move could look like for you?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074How can my California property assessment go up 27.5% in one year, if the actual property value has never previously been within 2% of the current year value?
I understand why that feels like it breaks the rules you were told about. There are a few situations where an assessment can rise more than two percent, and the county assessor's office can explain exactly which one applies to your home. If it helps, our team can share recent local sales so you have a clear picture of market value going into that conversation.
Would a short call with the team to go over recent sales near you be helpful?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074I got an unpleasant surprise on my mortgage invoice: the property tax increase was 108%. I'm almost positive there was an error in the assessment. Has anybody had experience getting a reassessment done?
A jump like that would rattle anyone, so it's smart that you're asking questions. The county assessor's office is the right place to ask for a review, and a tax professional can help if you decide to appeal. If the higher payment is making you rethink the house overall, our team is happy to talk through your options with no pressure.
If the new payment has you rethinking things, would a quick call with the team be useful?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074My sister just bought a house around San Jose for almost $3M. Besides the regular tax bill she got two supplemental tax bills, about $4.6k and about $18k. The assessed value was about $1.5M before the purchase. Do those numbers sound right?
Supplemental bills catch a lot of new Bay Area buyers off guard, so you're definitely not alone. The Santa Clara County Assessor and Tax Collector can confirm whether those bills are calculated correctly, and a CPA can help with budgeting for them. Our team works with buyers and sellers in San Jose every day and is happy to talk through how this fits the bigger picture.
Would a short, no-pressure call with the team help you make sense of the bigger picture?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074What should property taxes be? Mine seem to be over 2%.
Good question, and a lot of people are surprised by what shows up on their bill. Your total can include more than the base rate, like local bonds or special assessments, and the county tax collector can break down every line item for you. If you're weighing whether the house still pencils out, our team can help you look at your numbers.
Would it help to have a quick call with the team to look at whether the house still works for your budget?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074I got an escrow shortage after a $9k supplemental tax bill, but I've been paying $1,091 a month. What am I missing?
Escrow shortages are confusing and stressful, especially when you feel you've been doing everything right. Your mortgage servicer can send you a written escrow analysis showing exactly what was paid and why, and the CFPB has guidance if anything looks wrong. If the new payment is a stretch, our team is glad to talk through your options calmly.
If the new payment feels like a stretch, would a short call with the team to talk options be helpful?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074We paid the supplemental tax bill, then got an escrow shortage, then a surplus check back. Our property tax appears paid, so where did this money come from? Are we going to get hit again?
That back-and-forth would confuse anyone, so please don't feel bad for asking. Your servicer can send a written escrow statement explaining that check, and the county tax collector can confirm what's been paid and whether anything is still due. If you'd ever like to talk through your home and longer-term plans, our team is happy to help.
Would you like a quick, no-pressure call with the team to talk about your plans for the home?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074I bought at the peak and the house has lost value. Has anyone done a property tax assessment appeal in the Bay Area, preferably San Mateo? How high is the chance of success?
It makes sense to want your tax bill to reflect what your home is worth now. The San Mateo County Assessor has information on reviews and appeals, and a tax professional can tell you whether your situation is a good fit. Our team can't predict an appeal, but they can pull recent comparable sales so you know where your home's value stands today.
Would it help to have the team pull recent comparable sales for you on a quick call?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074I'm interested in building an ADU in the backyard. My concern is that it will cause the home to be reassessed at current market value, which may be unaffordable for us. Where can I find a definitive answer?
That's a smart thing to check before you build. The Santa Clara County Assessor's office is the place for a definitive answer on how new construction is assessed, and a CPA can help you plan for it. If you're weighing an ADU against other ways to use your equity, including selling, our team is happy to talk through the trade-offs.
Would a short call with the team to compare an ADU against your other options be useful?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074What should I do if I get a tax bill from the city or county saying that my mortgage servicer did not pay my taxes?
That's an alarming notice to get, and it's good you're acting on it quickly. The CFPB suggests contacting your servicer right away and keeping records, and the county tax collector can confirm what's owed. Our team can't resolve servicer issues, but if you're rethinking the house overall, they're glad to talk options.
If you're rethinking the house overall, would a short call with the team help?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074What should I do if I'm having problems with my escrow or impound account?
Escrow problems are frustrating, and you have every right to a clear explanation. The CFPB has a guide on contacting your servicer, requesting information, and disputing errors, and that's the best first step. If the higher payment has you thinking about your options, our team is available for a no-pressure chat.
Would a quick call with the team to talk through your options be helpful?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074What should I do if I have a reverse mortgage loan and I can't pay my property taxes or homeowners insurance?
I'm glad you reached out, because acting early matters here. The CFPB recommends contacting your servicer and a HUD-approved housing counselor as soon as possible; they can explain your options. Our team are real estate agents, so they can't advise on the loan, but if selling ever becomes something you want to explore, they can walk you through it gently.
If you'd ever like to understand your selling options, would a quiet, no-pressure call with the team help?
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074Want to talk it through? Free, private, no obligation.
Request a free call backMeet your team
Licensed local real estate professionals, not foreclosure consultants or attorneys.
Ryan Alter
REALTOR®
EQ1 Real Estate | DRE# 01382268
Natorie Moreno
REALTOR®
EQ1 Real Estate | DRE# 02173289
Chico Laney
Broker Associate
EQ1 Real Estate | DRE# 01274122
How we can help
Whatever your situation, the first step is seeing your real numbers. There is no pressure and no obligation, and we are happy to work alongside your lender, advisors, or housing counselor.
Equity review
A free look at what your home could sell for and what that might leave you with, so you can compare staying, adjusting, or selling.
Equity Optimization Strategy
A plan for getting your home ready and timing a sale, so you can weigh it against your other options with real numbers.
An option to consider
Home Ready Program
A way some homeowners get a home market-ready before selling, without paying upfront, for homes that qualify. It is one option among several. Selling as is, doing updates yourself, or staying put may suit you better.
No up-front cost option
For homes that qualify, payment is deferred until close of escrow or up to 90 days from the project start date.
A design consult and a detailed estimate
Our professional design team schedules a visit to evaluate your home, consults with you on the best updates and finishes, and provides a detailed estimate.
One team, start to finish
Kitchens, bathrooms, and other cosmetic updates, with design through installation managed for you.
About 20 working days
Renovations are typically finished in about 20 working days, so your home can get to market quickly.
May be worth a look if
- Your kitchen, bathrooms, or finishes are dated or worn
- You want to sell but would rather not pay for updates upfront
- You would like one team to manage the work instead of coordinating contractors yourself
Questions to ask about any renovation program
- What is the total cost, and when is payment due?
- What happens if the home does not sell on schedule?
- Who does the work, and are they licensed and insured?
- Will I get a detailed estimate in writing before I commit?
A typical 90 day path
Days 1 to 30
Renovation
Days 31 to 60
List and go under contract
Days 61 to 90
Close escrow
A typical timeline, not a guarantee. Results depend on your home and the market, and terms and eligibility apply.
Talk with our teamCall (669) 341-1074
Results depend on your home and the market. Nothing here promises a sale price, net proceeds, or timeline.
Our written promise
The Straight Answers Promise
- We will personally return your call or request within one business day.
- You will get a plain-language outline of your options, in writing if you ask.
- No pressure and no obligation. If staying in your home is the better move, we will say so.
- We will not sell your information, and we will not ask for loan or account numbers.
- If we ever fall short of this, tell us and our team will make it right.
Our team at EQ1 Real Estate. This is a promise about our service, not about any sale price, result or timeline.
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About this guide
What this page is
A free information guide from our team, licensed real estate professionals with EQ1 Real Estate, for homeowners under financial pressure. General information only, not legal, tax, lending or insurance advice.
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