Reassessment Roulette: Informal Review Fallout (03/29/12 update)

More than 4,600 property owners have received a decision on their informal review.  According to the Post-Gazette, 57% of property owners saw reductions in their assessments as a result. Here are some other numbers that stand out . . .

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Reassessment Roulette: One Week Left to File (03/26/12 update)

There is one week left to file for a formal appeal of either/both a property's 2012 and/or 2013 assessment in Allegheny County, with the April 2nd deadline fast approaching.  The deadline to file for an informal review on a property has passed.  If a property owner had an informal review, they will have 30 days after receiving the written informal review notice to file for a formal appeal.  That becomes the new deadline to file for a formal appeal for that parcel. Last Thursday, I brought you the numbers on informal reviews that have been filed.  Now let me combine that with the latest info available on formal appeals . . .

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Reassessment Roulette: By the Numbers (03/22/12 update)

Numerous anecdotes and angry phone calls to talk radio stations made for wild predictions on how many Allegheny County property owners would file for an informal review on their new valuation.  The deadline to file for an informal review has now passed.  Here's how that has been shaking out . . .

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Deadline to Register to Vote is Monday, March 26th

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Primary is Monday, March 26th.  Are YOU registered?  (Are you sure?!)  Here's an easy way to check . . . .

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RAMP Takes it to the Harrisburg Hill

Last week RAMP Government Affairs was pleased to lead a series of successful visits with State Legislators in Harrisburg.  Our group met with PA Representatives Rob Matzie, Dan Frankel, Dan Deasy, and Bill Kortz . . . .

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Reassessment Roulette: Crystal Ball (03/14/12 update)

A hot press release from the office of County Executive Rich Fitzgerald just crossed my inbox, pointing to a new page on the County's web site that allows property owners to glimpse such interesting bits of data as the average increases for 2013 reassessment values by municipality, and average increases for 2013 reassessment values by school district.  Also of great interest is some basic guidance on whether property owners will see an increase or decrease in their county, municipal, and school property taxes . . .

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Reassessment Roulette: A Lil' Bit of Help, Here? (updated 03/15/12)

Somewhere between genuine, altruistic outreach and capitalizing on an opportunity to create political goodwill is where you can find many sessions suddenly popping up by assorted elected officials to help property owners appeal their new assessment.  RAMP Government Affairs has been hearing positive street chatter on the outreach, and level of assistance being provided!  Here's a list of upcoming sessions . . .

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Reassessment Roulette: Northern and Western 'Burbs Now Available Online (03/08/12 update)

Allegheny County property owners in the northern and western suburbs should receive their 2013 assessment in the mailbox either today or tomorrow.  But if you're like me and can't stand the suspense, you can look it up online. Click here to look up the 2013 assessment for ANY property in Allegheny County. About 50,000 requests for informal reviews and formal appeals have been filed with the County.  Do you need to file for a property you own? Click here for RAMP's Reassessment Toolbox that has all of the links and resources you might need in one place.  It's been freshly updated, and the newest information is always highlighted for your convenience. . . 

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Safety First! It's Now the Law.

It's no secret how much REALTORS® love  rely on their phones, especially if it's a smartphone.  But texting (or emailing) while driving should not mix.  In addition to being an issue of safety, it's now against the law in Pennsylvania as of today. Click here for an article by PAR's Diana Dietz that covers the specifics of the new law, and the penalties.

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Video: RAMP's 3-Part History Series is Available for Viewing Online

Our second century is upon us.  The integral part we've played for over one hundred years has been felt in the communities we serve.

Last year, we produced a three-part series chronicling our history. The video was first aired to industry and political leaders, to our guests and to our friends at the Heinz History Center in celebration of our Centennial. 

We invite each of you to experience our history from the comfort of your home or office. Below is part 1, 2 and 3. Enjoy and share this page with your friends, family and colleagues.