Mellody Hobson: Save on Property Taxes

Make an Appeal

No matter where you live, make an appeal. You have 30 days to 60 days after you receive your tax bill to formally make an appeal to the tax assessor. In order to make that appeal, call the tax assessor and ask whether all the numbers you need to know are on the bill or if there's any missing information.

Look at the Neighbors

Check the tax bills of your neighbors' properties. Tax bills are public information, so you can check your own, you can check the home next door, you can check the one down the block. You want to make sure that yours looks reasonable compared to theirs.

Find Out About Sales

In some places, the only number that matters is what property has sold for recently. Find a local broker and ask what sales have been like.

Stay Motivated and Win

One in three property tax appeals actually win. Take the necessary steps and you could save thousands of dollars on your home.