JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — If you own a home in Johnson County, you probably saw your property value go up — and that translates to higher taxes later on in the year.
That is, unless you get your land reappraised with an appeal.
The Johnson County Appraiser Paul Welcome describes it as an easy process. The appeal form is actually on the back side of your property value papers, so all you have to do is fill it out.
County officials said 40 to 50 percent of those who file an appeal will see a drop in value.
"We want to have a discussion about their home. They know it better than we do. They can communicate with us very easily," Welcome said.
On the actual form, homeowners can list any outdated decor — things like shag carpet or off-color finishings. They should also include pictures or documents of repair estimates for things like flood damage or a cracked foundation.
"We're sitting here trying to understand what's happening at that house, all of the characteristics. We go over in detail those type of elements," Welcome said.
Homes valued at $350,000 and below have seen the most drastic increase, especially in Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Merriam, Mission, northern Overland Park and central Olathe.
Realtors said homeowners shouldn’t worry about the increase in value because they will see such a good return on their investment.
"The bidders come out and it's a war for these beautiful homes," Kit Boje, a real estate professional with the Huff Group-Keller Williams, said.
Boje took 41 Action News inside a home in the Town & Country neighborhood in Prairie Village.
He said it just listed Friday and already there is interest.
Boje said things like granite finishes, stone floors, natural lighting in the living room and a vent hood over the stove all increase the value of the property. Plus, right now the demand for homes is much greater than the supply.
That's part of the reason Johnson County has seen a steep rise in property values.
Welcome estimates from last year, Northeast JoCo properties went up 8 to 18 percent.
Because the county is in a "seller's market,” some property owners are getting creative.
Robert Mogren has lived in Prairie Village for more than 30 years.
His home off of 75th Street was built in 1929 and he sits on acres of land.
"I mowed that front yard for 25 years," Mogren said.
Since he's sick of mowing and would like to cash in on increasing property values in Northeast Johnson County, he has decided to develop his front yard.
He cut the front into four lots and one has already sold.
"There will be an $800,000 home there," Mogren said, pointing at the lot that's under construction.
Boje tells homeowners if your property value goes up, to not panic, but rather look at the long term added value.
"Johnson County is gold standard real estate. It's always appreciating, going up. Paying a little more property tax is going to pay off big time when you go to sell," Boje said.
If you would like to appeal your property value, you have until March 28 to fill out the form and send it in.
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