Stop trusting the online property tax estimates on Zillow

I almost put in an offer on a house in Decatur that listed the annual taxes at $2,800. My realtor pulled the actual county records and it was $4,600 because the previous owner had a homestead exemption I wouldn't qualify for. That difference changes my monthly payment by like $150. Has anyone else nearly overpaid because of this kind of hidden fee info?

2 comments

2 Comments

finley_smith2h ago

Yeah @taylor.brooke, always check county records yourself before trusting Zillow on taxes.

taylor.brooke3h ago

Oh man, that "$2,800" figure you mentioned is exactly the kind of bait that almost hooks you before you realize it's wrong. I had a similar scare when I was looking at a house in Smyrna - Zillow said $3,100 but the county showed $4,900 once I learned about the prior owner's senior exemption. It's crazy how much those online numbers can be off, and it's not like they make it obvious, you know? The realtor fees and closing costs get all the attention but property taxes can quietly wreck your budget if you don't double check. I still check county tax records on any new rental just out of habit now, it's that ingrained. Good thing you caught it before committing, that $150 a month adds up fast.