Property value, or market value, is determined by many factors besides home improvements. Improving neighborhoods, how many houses are for sale, and inflation also affect the value of your property. Even though your house isn't for sale, it can be worth more because of these conditions. It is the Assessor's job to determine what your property would be worth if it was now for sale.

The houses are valued differently because their actual market values vary. The market values are different because the real estate market conditions are different. Location plays an important part in establishing market value. General location, distance from schools and commercial facilities, quality of surrounding properties, and neighborhood amenities are examples of factors that could and would cause a purchaser to pay more for a home in one neighborhood than in another.

That may be true, but don't necessarily blame it on the property assessment or the Assessor. Their job is to estimate the value of every property in the township as close to 1/3 of market value as possible. This will assure that each taxpayer will bear a "fair share" of the tax burden. The amount of taxes is determined by the voters, the municipalities, school boards, and other taxing bodies in the area.

Yes. If you would like to review your Record Card, stop in to the Assessor's office at 1492 N. Main Street, Wheaton. The office is open Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. With a few specific exceptions, all assessment files are open to the public. Not only is information about your home available, records about other homes in the area are also accessible. The Township Assessor's personnel will help you retrieve the information needed, as well as answer questions regarding the assessment or how to read the information.

No. Most normal maintenance of the home will not raise the assessment. Additions to the home, such as; in ground swimming pools, decks, porches, or fireplaces, etc., may add considerable value to the home and may increase the assessment.

The best place to start is by contacting the Assessor's Office in person or by phone. We will listen to why you feel there is a problem with the assessment, and explain our position. Most problems are cleared up after talking to the Assessor, but if you are still not satisfied a complaint may be filed with the DuPage County Board of Review.

Generally yes. It is too late to appeal for that assessment year, unless you have already filed with the Board of Review. It might still be beneficial to talk with the Assessor, if you have not done so already, for the current assessment year.

Not necessarily. Properties are studied in neighborhoods, not individually. If other sales besides yours in the neighborhood were typically higher, then an assessment increase would be warranted. If the Assessor was to increase individual assessments because of sales, inequity would be created in the neighborhood.

There are roughly 175 different tax rates in Milton Township. Also some areas may pay more for special services in their neighborhood.