Property Taxes 101: Read the Bill, Challenge the Value, Reduce the Cost

Why did my property tax bill jump—and what can I actually do about it?
Most homeowners glance at the total, feel the pain, and move on. But your tax bill is full of clues—and there are legitimate ways to challenge an inflated value, correct errors, and reduce the cost over time.

Property Taxes 101: Read the Bill, Challenge the Value, Reduce the Cost is a FREE informational session for homeowners who want a clear, practical understanding of how property taxes work and what steps to take if their numbers don’t look right.

We’ll cover the questions people really ask

• What do all the line items mean (levies, taxing districts, effective tax rates, special assessments)?
• How is my property’s value determined—and what data is being used?
• What’s the difference between market value, assessed value, and taxable value?
• When is it worth challenging the value (and when is it not)?
• What evidence actually helps—recent comparable sales, appraisals, condition issues, repair estimates, photos, property record errors
• What deadlines and filing rules matter so you don’t miss your window
• How buying, selling, or refinancing can change taxes afterward—and why
• Other ways to reduce cost (exemptions/credits that may apply, correcting property record details)

What you’ll walk away with

• A simple “read-the-bill” walkthrough so you know what matters and what doesn’t
• A checklist to evaluate whether your value looks inflated
• Clear next steps if you decide to pursue a challenge
• Live Q&A so you can ask about your situation

Details

Where: Solon Public Library
When: February 26, 2026 | 6:15–7:15 PM
Cost: FREE
Seating: Limited—registration recommended (room details provided after registration)
Parking: Free on-site parking
Food/Drink: Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided

Hosted by Mike Ferrante (Broker Associate, MBA, LPT Realty), Andrew Tomko, Business Development Counsel, Infinity Title Agency, LLC, and Vince Lucas, Licensed Appraiser.