Property Value of Missouri Man's Home Increased by $185K Since 2021, Says the County Made 'Error' Again & Will Appeal

A Kansas City man has watched his modest 1,500 square-foot home consistently "increase in value" since 2021 and believes the county is "making errors on property assessment." In 2021, his home was valued at $285,000. In March 2023, it was appraised at $345,000, and in July, it increased again to $470,000. He wants answers and will appeal again after winning an appeal four years ago.

Bruce Rozenblit's housePhoto byKMBC 9 News

KMBC 9 News reported that Waldo homeowner Bruce Rozenblit is having a hard time understanding how his Kansas City home can keep going up in value so egregiously, and wonders if it is computer software that is erroneously increasing his home's value. He believes that if it isn't in error, then it "must be to pay for a baseball stadium downtown," and if that's the case, "they should all be fired."

Homeowners Can't Figure Out the Variations in Property Assessment

Bruce Rozenblit, Waldo homeownerPhoto byKMBC 9 News

Bruce said he hasn't seen the comparable properties that Jackson County is using to justify the recent increases in property value to his modest $1,500 sq. ft. home. He would like to see them to know that things are on the "up and up" and not just a glitch in the system.

He told KMBC 9 News:

"They have to provide three comparable properties. They don't tell us what those are. They're supposed to tell us." -Bruce Rozenblit, Waldo homeowner

Bruce also doesn't understand the huge variations among property assessments in his neighborhood. He spoke with his neighbors around him.

One of his neighbors saw only a seven percent increase in the assessed property value, while Rozenblit's (home) property assessment increased by 65%, while the houses on both sides "went up 30%." None of them can figure out how or why there are such large variations without a logical rhyme or reason.

"How does that happen from a computer program? It looks to me like they're screwing with the number. I think this is all about generating revenue to build a baseball stadium downtown." -Bruce Rozenblit, Waldo homeowner

He appealed the value of his home four years ago and won, and plans to do it again this year. The only problem is that he says the Jackson County website for appealing makes the process very difficult.

Bruce said:

"People are losing their homes, from property taxes. This isn't a game." -Bruce Rozenblit, Waldo homeowner

Jackson County Board of Equalization extended their "appeal deadline" to July 31 at 11:59 p.m. Virtual appointments and assistance regarding property value assessments is available by calling (877) 895-9675. Appeals can be filed online here before August 1.

Thoughts

Have you experienced a rising property assessment value on your home? Was it a fair assessment?

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Sources

Jackson County Board of Equalization official website. Page to file an appeal.

Johnson, Brian. "'I'd fire every one of them': Kansas City homeowner frustrated after home jumps up $185,000 in valuation." KMBC 9 News. 10 July 2023.