Home values across Johnson County have gone up at a rate rarely seen.
“It’s one of the strongest reevaluation in years that we’ve had on a residential side,” said Johnson County Appraiser Paul Welcome.
Welcome said the higher than usual appraisals are a sign of a seller’s market.
“It’s a positive sign in that we’re seeing an appreciating market. We reflect what’s happening in the real estate market,” said Welcome, characterizing the appraisals.
In Prairie Village, the average home value increase is 12 percent. Prairie Village homeowner Rachel Sewell received a notice that her house is now worth $10,000 more.
“We absolutely did not do $10,000 more of improvements to our house, so it is kind of funny to see that number jump up,” said Sewell. “We spoke to some neighbors and it went up even more for them – $17,000 just a street up.”
With property value being one of three factors that calculates property tax, Johnson County homeowners are also looking at a property tax increase as well.
“We are not thrilled that we are going to have to pay a little bit more in taxes, but we do see the value in paying more,” said Sewell.
Others in Prairie Village don’t mind the increase.
“Yes, you’re getting that extra bill this year which you don't like seeing, but at the same time it’s much better than the alternative,” said Prairie Village resident John Rowley. “If I’m going to be here for a long time, I want to make sure that the neighborhood is moving in the right direction and for all intents and purposes that’s what we see happening and arguably we hope to see happen.”
For those who think their home value was improperly assessed, there is an appeals process.
“We don't know everything about every property. And a lot of it will be more on the interior side than the exterior,” said Welcome.
Welcome said between 40 to 50 percent of those who appeal receive an adjustment.
Click here to learn how to appeal.
The deadline to appeal is March 29 for Johnson County homeowners.
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Brian Abel can be reached at brian.abel@kshb.com.
