Do you own real estate property in Los Angeles? If you do, you’re required to pay property taxes for it. How much taxes you pay will depend on the value of the property, as well as any other real properties you have. These property taxes then fund Los Angeles government services that you and everyone else in the city can benefit from.
If you have unsettled property taxes on your home, this can cause a lot of complications that could affect your home and finances. At best, you could end up paying a late penalty; at worst, this could be grounds for the local government to foreclose your home. In these cases, it’s best to have a real estate lawyer in Los Angeles help you navigate and resolve your property taxes. Here’s what you should know.
Paying Your Property Taxes
Property taxes can range from 1 to 3 percent of your home’s value. Property law in Los Angeles offers limited flexibility, so it may be difficult for some homeowners to pay off their taxes, especially if they are facing financial hardship or have a limited income on top of the rising cost of living.
However, it is still required that you pay off your taxes. Aside from the fact that your taxes pay for government services, you can run into several conflicts that prevent you from doing some things to your home before you pay. These include:
- Being able to sell your property. Before you can put your property on the market, you will have to settle all unpaid taxes before you can transfer your title to your buyer.
- Foreclosure. If your taxes remained unpaid for a long time, your local government can initiate foreclosure. Your home can be auctioned off, which results in your household being evicted from the property and you losing possession of the property.
If you have been delinquent for some time and are unable to pay your outstanding taxes, it’s best to get a real estate lawyer who understands Los Angeles property law. A tax consultant is limited to telling you what to do and how to do it, but a real estate lawyer can represent on your behalf to negotiate a compromise if you cannot fully pay your taxes.
What A Real Estate Lawyer Can Do For You
Real estate lawyers have legal knowledge and negotiation skills that can work in your favor. After taking a look at your case, they can determine if you qualify for deferrals or exemptions for certain demographics such as the elderly and financially struggling homeowners. Whether or not you qualify for exemptions, your real estate lawyer can also help you apply for property tax deferrals.
And even if you do not qualify for these, there’s a possibility a real estate lawyer can lower your due property taxes. Property assessment isn’t always an exact science and is just an estimation of the market value of your property. Especially if your area’s properties were assessed in a group, it is possible to dispute the property tax to be higher than it really is.
If this is the case, your real estate attorney can help you identify these discrepancies, negotiate with the proper authorities, and appeal overdue property taxes. This can stop any enforcement proceedings like foreclosure from continuing, giving you the chance to end up with a better property tax due that may be more affordable for your situation.
Choosing The Best Real Estate Lawyer For Your Case
It’s important that you never try to negotiate for yourself, since you cannot properly defend rights you don’t know you have. Ideally, the real estate lawyer that works on your behalf should have the following traits:
- Years of experience in Los Angeles property law. Rather than deferring to research, your lawyer has a strong command of the law and can address your issues easily without having to do extensive research.
- Negotiation skills. Your lawyer may have to go to your property assessor’s office and present your case. If they are successful, the property taxes you owe can be significantly lowered. Thus, your lawyer should be confident and have the interpersonal skills to negotiate taxes with other professionals. Remember: an aggressive negotiator is not necessarily an effective negotiator, so your lawyer can adapt to any setting to help you get better tax deals for yourself.
- A heart-centered practice. An effective real estate lawyer isn’t just all about land and taxes. Their team empathizes with your position and understands that they’re fighting for a resolution that can get you and your household out of the risk of foreclosure.
Conclusion
When behind on property taxes, a Los Angeles real estate lawyer may be key to getting a better outcome that you can manage. So, rather than waiting for a tax collector or authorities to knock on your door, get a lawyer that can negotiate in your interests for the best outcome.
The Law Office of R. Grace Rodriguez has helped homeowners in California for over 20 years. We are here to protect your best interests and give you the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.