553 Tax Grievances Filed with Board of Assessment Review Plus Homes Sales and Weekend Open Houses

Tuesday June 18 marked grievance day in Scarsdale Village - and Robert Berg - who serves on the Board of Assessment Review that considers these appeals said that this year the Village received a total of 553 grievances.

Here is a note from Berg that he sent in response to an inquiry from Scarsdale10583 on Wednesday June 19, before the final count was in:

(From Bob Berg) As of yesterday morning (June 18),462 grievances had been filed. I don't know the final number at the 5 pm deadline. Last year 550 had been filed. So we're in the same ballpark. We had a fairly full schedule of residents who actually appeared in person yesterday -- considerably more than last year.

Speaking on my own behalf, I like that because as they explain their individual grievances and tell us about their supporting evidence, we can tell residents right out of the box if their theory is unsound or their evidence will be inadequate. We then advise them of the appropriate type of evidence needed to best support their claim, and we provide them adequate time to get that evidence to us in order to allow us to render timely decisions. In other words, we understand that filing a grievance is a bit arcane and confusing, and we help residents to provide us with evidence that allows us to consider their claim in the strongest light. I joined the Board of Assessment Review seven years ago to make sure that residents are treated fairly by our Board -- unlike in the past when the Board largely rubber stamped the recommendations and/or tentative roll prepared by the Assessor. Having been poorly treated years ago by the Board of Assessment Review and the former Assessor, I wanted to do what I could to make certain others get a fair shake, and I take great pride in the hard work, integrity, and fairness of this Board and the prior Boards of Assessment Review on which I have served.

Yesterday, we heard from a number of residents, including a builder, of large, new or recently-built houses, with very high assessments who are grieving those assessments in the face of the substantial drop in the market price especially of such houses in the high end segment of our local real estate market, particularly since the enactment of the cap on the SALT deductions. The Scarsdale Village real estate market is struggling right now, and the grievance process allows residents to lower their assessed valuations to reflect the current fair market valuation of their properties. But they need to supply the Board of Assessment Review with substantial credible evidence of the current fair market value as of the valuation date (for this year's grievances, that date is July 1, 2018). As we tell those residents who come before us on Grievance Day, the best evidence for us generally is evidence of a sale of the subject property in an arm's length transaction within one year prior to the valuation date or an independent real estate appraisal of the property as of the valuation date.

Oftentimes, residents will provide us with an unadjusted list of properties they claim are comparable to theirs which sold recently or a list of neighboring properties with lower assessed values than theirs which they say are larger and newer. Although we do consider whatever evidence residents provide to us, that evidence rarely will be sufficient to overcome the legal presumption that the valuation set forth in the tentative roll is accurate. That's why we keep urging residents to provide us with an independent real estate appraisal. Unfortunately, such appraisals do cost money, but if you win your grievance as a result of supplying us with such an appraisal, your tax savings year after year will likely pay for the cost of the appraisal many times over. Residents who timely filed their grievances by June 18, 2019 can still supplement their petitions with additional supporting documentation by contacting the Assessor's office. Personally, I recommend that residents who have not submitted an independent appraisal strongly considering doing so unless you bought the property around July 1, 2018 or the one year prior and have provided proof of closing at that price. If you do decide to obtain an appraisal, there is a lag time. Please contact the Assessor and let her know one is forthcoming.

Finally, the Board of Assessment Review will meet over the course of the Summer to deliberate and decide the grievances. We will begin our meetings next week, and generally meet twice per week in the evenings. These meetings are quasi-judicial in nature and are not open to the public. Our decisions will be mailed out to residents on September 15, 2019 which is the date that the assessment roll becomes final. If a resident is dissatisfied with the decision of the Board of Assessment Review, the resident may appeal to the Small Claims Assessment Review court or to the Supreme Court within 30 days.

Sales:
75 Morris Lane
One of Scarsdale's premier properties with fabulous curb appeal, this spectacular sunlit Tudor home with a slate roof, is situated in the heart of Murray Hill on a lush and level 1.5 park-like acres. Picturesque and tranquil outdoor entertaining spaces include mature plantings, a large stone patio accessible from many of the first floor rooms, a pool and tennis court. The perfect home and floor plan for everyday living and entertaining. Built in 1929, this majestic estate offers exquisite architectural details and remarkable craftsmanship. The impressive entry leads to a living room with grand fireplace and 2 pairs of French doors to patio, den with French doors to patio, formal dining room, large kitchen with pantry and breakfast room with French doors to yard. There are 6 bedrooms on the second floor and 2 bedrooms on the third floor; 5 full and 2 half baths. Vaulted ceilings in some rooms. Full house Generator.

Sale Price: $2,400,000
Assessed Value: $3,200,000
Real Taxes Value: $78,892

147 Mamaroneck Road
Fabulous, young Colonial, meticulously maintained and set on .6 acres in the heart of Heathcote, recently updated throughout and boasting high ceilings and spacious rooms for gracious entertaining and relaxed family living. The first level features a grand double-height entry foyer, living room with wood-burning fireplace, formal dining room, open-plan chef's kitchen/family room with French doors to a patio with awning and the gorgeous property, guest room/study with full bath, formal powder room, mudroom with laundry and additional powder room and two car attached garage. The second level boasts a stunning master suite with tray ceiling, master bath with Jacuzzi, shower and double sink vanity, two walk-in closets, two bedrooms with hall bath and one bedroom with ensuite bath. The lower level (1169 sq ft) includes a playroom with door to yard, bedroom, full bath and exercise room. The beautifully landscaped property is filled with flowering trees and shrubs.

Sale Price: $1,920,000
Assessed Value: $1,674,250
Real Taxes Value: $41,491

259 Old Army Road
Don't miss this 2006 gut-renovated, Edgemont home set on nearly half an acre of gorgeous property with a pool and separate cottage. The first level features a fabulous chef's kitchen with premium appliances, separate dining area, French doors to the yard and a fireplace, formal living with fireplace, formal dining room and powder room. The second level boasts a beautiful master suite with a cathedral ceiling and exposed beams, plus a luxurious bath with large shower, 3 spacious bedrooms and an oversized hall bath, laundry and a reading hallway lined with books and window seats. The lower level of the home offers two rec rooms for kids of all ages plus another full bath. The cottage provides a unique and wonderful office or guest suite with full bath.

Sale Price: $1,495,000
Assessed Value: $1,064,100
Real Taxes Value: $35,156

63 Sprague Road
Sophisticated and reimagined for contemporary living in the heart of Edgewood. Fall in love with the striking architectural details and level of craftsmanship fully renovated and thoughtfully decorated home. Highlights include a gracious formal entry way with updated powder room, modern living room featuring new hardwood floors, moldings and recessed lighting. An exquisite chef’s kitchen detailed with white marble countertops, white shaker cabinetry, top-of-the-line appliances and sliding glass doors to terrace perfect for entertaining. On the second level the master bedroom and private master bathroom with separate shower and claw tub is sure to impress. Two family bedrooms with an additional renovated hall bathroom complete the second floor. The walk-out lower level is completely finished and features a game room, laundry room, and full bathroom. Additional features include new roof, new windows, new exterior siding, new insulation, new doors, new trim, new hardware and new central HVAC throughout.

Sale Price: $965,000
Assessed Value: $800,000
Real Taxes Value: $19,760

45 Fenimore Road
This expanded Greenacres Colonial offers an open layout and lush, level property. Features include a renovated kitchen with Woodmode cabinetry, granite countertops, high-end appliances, hardwood floors, central air conditioning, two car attached garage, large clean basement for storage, lawn sprinkler system and much more.

Sale Price: $925,000
Assessed Value: $1,000,000
Real Taxes Value: $24,700

Featured Listings:

7 Putnam Road, Scarsdale
Light-filled entry draws you into this all new, stylishly redesigned Colonial merging tradition with an open floor plan and modern amenities. Built as a traditional center-hall Greenacres Colonial, this home now offers 21st century style buyers long for. Your quest for all new with an open floor plan is over.
Learn more here.
Listing Price: $1,850,000

161 Moorland Drive, Scarsdale
The perfect Edgemont home. Sited on a beautiful .31 acre in a favorite Greenville neighborhood, this special home features a fabulous family room/breakfast room across the entire back of the house with a wall of windows and French doors to the yard. Other features include: a first floor office and the classic living room.
Learn more here.
Listing Price: $1,095,000

Open Houses:

4 Kingston Road, Scarsdale
Open House 6/23 from 2pm-4pm
Exciting opportunity to live in popular Greenacres and make this much loved Tudor home your own. The centerpiece of the first floor is a spectacular 30 x 19 living room featuring a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and a soaring 11' beamed ceiling, surrounded by a brilliant sunroom, all with an elegant formal dining room.
Learn more here.
Listing Price $1,295,000

88 Palmer Avenue, Scarsdale
Open House 6/23 from 1pm-3pm
Remarkably spacious home with updates throughout. New master bathroom has marble wall/floor tiles and shower stall. Beautifully refinished wood floors. Kitchen has new stainless steel appliances, new glass tile backsplash, and new flooring. Hall bathroom has new sink vanity and cabinetry. Lower level family room.
Learn more here.
Listing Price $999,000

160 Juniper Road, Scarsdale
Open House 6/23 from 2:30pm-4pm
Amazing value and space with four-bedrooms, four full bathrooms. Stylish Edgemont School District gem on cul-de-sac in walking distance to elementary school and commuter bus to Scarsdale village and train. Open and bright floor plan makes this beautiful home perfect and easy for today's modern lifestyle with many updates.
Learn more here.
Listing Price $799,000