The 25% reassesment shouldn't be bad for us homeowners that just purchased in the last year or so. They highballed it to begin with and even with the 25% hike it's lower than what I had to escrow coming out of settlement.

It's certainly plausable that there may be real increases to some of these areas of the city, but as a Realtor for the last 24 years with tons of B. City experience, I find it a little ironic and I'm dubious that we would see an increase of that magnitude in light of the market since late 2005. There are some hidden stories that will never be written because of the political correctness attached to them or the lack of nerve of anyone to speak out. I have seen first hand how the sharp rise in taxes is negatively affecting sales in a city so desperate for a larger homeowner base. I have a luxury listing right now that has been on the market for about 1 1/2 years and when I first listed it the taxes were a little over $12,000/yr. They then jumped to $16,000/yr. and now are a staggering $21,420/yr. The homeowner is not stuck paying that amount due to Homestead credits, but what about a new purchaser? How about the fact that landlords don't get that break. Who do you think will pay those tax increases for them? Either the landlord will eat it or it will be passed on to the tenants. How many landlords are fed up with Baltimore and might head for greener pastures in the counties where rents are higher and far less local governmental issues. If the city wants to increase revenues via real estate taxes, does it make sense to stick it to those already dealing with the worst governmental services in the state or those considering becoming a city resident?

So what is you feel on the recent non-Maryland resident real estate holding tax increase? As on 1/08 it goes up 1.5%!

Let's see this year O'Malley made it harder to invest in Maryland through a corperate tax increase, a real estate tax increase. All taxes are up! Your blog is reporting on HGTV stuff and points? What about the real issues that matter ti investors and residents. Sorry to be a pain, but if you want to be a voice, be a VOICE! Thank you.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like real issues affecting city residents. In the mean time, be a believer... I really want you on our side. :)

I knew this day would be coming soon. The city is assessing the homes at a greater value. The homeowners in the city are getting ready to bite the cost of the city's renovations to West Baltimore (Edmondson Village) and downtown areas. The only down side is that we have senior citizens who own thier homes and are already struggling to meet the deadlines to pay yearly property taxes. It's a plus for some folks and for others it may not be the best thing. I am glad to see that Baltimore is reassessing it's property value. In looking at the bigger picture consider a way to assist the elderly.

Christian, you befuddle me. What am I ignoring? Every tax issue I've heard of that affects property owners, I've put up on the blog. (I posted something about points -- once -- because I like to cover all sorts of general issues facing homeowners.)

Keep in mind that I don't get to have opinions. I'm a reporter, not a columnist. Wonk readers can opine all they like about the issues, though.