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Category Archives: Home Value & Taxes
Does a Surviving Spouse Owe Capital Gains Tax on a Hom...
A Guilderland surviving spouse thought she had to sell before the two-year mark. The half step-up in basis changed the math and the calendar.
What Do Seller Closing Costs in Albany, NY Look Like A...
An Albany couple under contract in October wondered if paying their September school tax bill was a mistake. Here is how the school tax credit, the 0.4% NY transfer tax, and a December versus January closing date played out on their net sheet.
How Does a Real Comparative Market Analysis Get Built ...
A Niskayuna seller’s CMA started with twenty-one possible comps and ended with seven. How a real comparative market analysis gets built.
Why Did a Free Home Valuation in Albany, NY Come Back ...
A Niskayuna homeowner pulled three online estimates in one afternoon and got a $42,000 spread. The story of what the algorithms miss.
Is My Home Actually Worth What I Think It Is?
Summary Sellers in Albany often price off emotion, not the most recent, comparable data. Appraisals still anchor deals; buyer demand doesn’t override weak comps. Condition matters, but layout, location, and updates fit into price brackets. Online estimates are coarse; local micro-trends often move value up or down. A simple, repeatable reality check can align expectations with likely outcomes. Introduction I’m asked some version of …
How Does the STAR Exemption Affect Home Valuation in A...
Most Albany homeowners eligible for Enhanced STAR are not getting it. Here is what the exemption actually changes on your tax bill, how the assessment process connects to it, and what to do if you have missed years of savings.
Solar in Upstate NY: Incentives, Payback, and Appraisa...
Solar has moved from a niche upgrade to a mainstream home improvement in the Capital Region and across Upstate New York. Between federal and state incentives, better technology, and rising utility rates, homeowners want clear answers about cost, return on investment, and how solar actually affects appraisal value. If you’re considering going solar in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, or the surrounding counties, you need a …
Are Real Estate Taxes the Same as Property Taxes?
Summary Introduction In day-to-day conversations around Troy and the wider Capital Region, we hear buyers and sellers use “real estate taxes” and “property taxes” as if they’re the same thing. In many cases, that’s fine. On a closing statement or a listing, both phrases usually point to the annual taxes tied to land and buildings. The confusion starts when a bill shows multiple lines …
How to Appeal Your Property Assessment (and Lower Taxe...
If your latest assessment notice made your heart skip a beat, you’re not alone. Across Albany and communities throughout Upstate New York, homeowners are rediscovering how assessments work—and realizing they can legally challenge a value that doesn’t reflect reality. Appealing your assessment can be the difference between paying hundreds or even thousands more than you should and keeping those dollars in your pocket. This …
Capital Region Property Taxes: Upstate NY Realtors’ Gu...
Understanding property taxes is crucial for homeowners in Albany and the broader Capital Region. Anthony Gucciardo explains that local taxes often exceed national averages, making them a major factor in affordability and homeownership decisions. In New York, taxes vary widely by county and even by neighborhood, influenced by school budgets, local budgets, and state programs like STAR. This guide breaks down how assessments and …