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If
after following these instructions you do not receive satisfactory results, we
will be happy to personally assist you.
To
exercise this option you will need to forward a copy of the printed report you
created from MyPropertyValue.com to our offices:
Phone:
630-587-8484
Fax:
630-587-8481
Email: valuation@synergisticservices.com
MyPropertyValue.com
- Instructions for Use
Gather all information requested to insure the most accurate outcome and record your answers.
Below is a sample screen print from the property characteristics input page. It's fast and easy to enter your properties information since most field have pull down menus to help you.
(Sample Form)
Each field marked with an asterisk * is a required field. Even if your property does not have a particular amenity (such as a fireplace) you must still use the pull down menu and choose a "0" (or none). Failure to make a choice in a required field will result in an error message upon submission.
Property Type: Choose the property type.
Property Age: Choose the age bracket that fits the age of the property. If you don't know the age of the property and can't approximate the age, go to the end of these instructions to "don't know".
Subdivision/Complex: Although this field is not required for properties outside the City of Chicago, it can be very helpful in aiding the program in finding the best match for your property. For those properties within Chicago City limits, choose the neighborhood that the property is in. If your neighborhood is not listed, choose the one that is closest, or that the larger neighborhood that the property is a "sub" sub-neighborhood of.
Pin: Though optional, a correct pin is the single most important optional field. This is your property identification number or tax id. This number can be found on the recent tax bill from the township tax assessor. I f you cannot find the property tax bill see the directions below for "don't know".
Total Rooms: This is your number of rooms "above grade" (not in the basement or below ground level) Do not include coach houses or cottages on your property. Do not include your bathrooms, closets, foyers, stair landings or hallways. If you don't know if an area should be counted as a room (like a kitchen eating area) imagine that area with a wall and a door way... Does it still work as room or is it best left as part of a larger room.
Baths: Enter number of full bathrooms here that have at least one bathing unit (bathtub or shower). A bathroom is counted a singe room even if it has several bathing units.
1/2 Baths: Enter number of bathrooms without a bathtub or shower, these are often referred to as powder rooms. Enter "0" if none
Cars: Enter only garage space, do not include carports or pads. Enter "0" if none.
Fireplace: Enter number of fireplaces. Enter "0" if none.
Water Front: Check this box if your property adjoins a stream, pond or lake. Do not check this box if the property is near or can see the water or if there are water rights but no private access from the property.
A/C: Check this box only if your property has central air conditioning.
Basement: Check this box if your property has a full or partial basement. Do not check if you have a "cellar" or you live in a condo located above the first floor in a building that has a basement. If your condo is on the first floor with a basement that only you have access to, then check this box. If the area is shared with other units, do not check this box.
Finished: If the basement has an average to good permanent finished area with a suspended or drywall ceiling and drywall or paneled walls, tiled or carpeted floor then check this box. Do not check this box if the area has only painted concrete walls with a rug or carpet and furniture.
Exterior: Choose the field that most closely fits the majority of your exterior finish. If it's aluminum or vinyl maintenance free siding choose "Al/Vy". If your home has a painted exterior siding or stucco choose "Frame" . If your home is made of brick or stone, choose "masonry". If your home is combination of any of the above choose the exterior material that comprises the majority of the front and sides of the home. In cases of a full front masonry elevation choose "masonry". For condos choose "other".
Style: Choose the style that best describes the home. For condos choose "other".
Porch Patio: Choose the type of rear porch or patio you have. Do not include front porches. If multiple, choose deck, if you have a gazebo choose "Gazebo" over all other choices. Do not include above ground pools. If you have a built in or permanent pool, choose B/I pool. If you don't have a rear porch or patio, choose "none".
Site Size: The lot or site size presented in acres. [To convert property size from square to acres divide your site size by 43,560 (i.e.) a 10,000 square foot lot size = 10,000/43,560 = .23 acres]. If you don't have an approximate idea of your site size see "don't know" below.
Water: choose either city water "Municipal", or well water "Well"
Sewer: Choose either city sewer "Municipal", or on site sewage disposal "Septic"
View: This is what your primary view from the property is. If there is a water view, but you did not check "Water Front" above, choose Pond/Lake now. If you did qualify to check "Water Front" choose Pond/Lake again here. If you live in a residential neighborhood and do not have any of the views described, choose "Standard". Also choose "Standard" in these situations; view of common area, club house, tennis courts, corner lot, view of park or playground, view of school, view of commercial or other non residential use buildings, farms or streets.
Living Area: Type in your living area in square feet. Living area includes all above grade area. Living area is calculated as follows:
All first floor area is included - you can measure around the outside of your house to calculate the first floor area.
Second floor area includes only the floor area - this excludes any two story areas from your first floor. Do not count areas that are less than 6 feet from floor to ceiling (like dormers). You may not count unheated attic areas even if they are finished.
Count third floor if applicable using the same parameters as second floor.
Do not include finished basements or finished areas below grade (lower than the lawn outside). [PROGRAM EXCEPTION: for tri-level or quad level homes only] If there is a living area just below grade (like a family room or rec room) and it is finished to the same quality level as the above grade living area, then include it in your above calculations for this program. Do not double count this area as basement too.
Condo owners include only the area inside the walls that comprise your unit. In other words, don't try to measure from the outside.
If you still can't calculate the square footage of your home then go to "don't know" below.
Don't know - If after going through this worksheet you still don't have the answers you need. Call your local Township Tax Assessor and request the information that you are having trouble with. Most township assessors will be able to give you the answers you need. You can also go to on-line to the county assessors offices where you may also find the information you require. Link
If after inputting all of the correct information in the form, your search is not satisfactory it is recommended that you page back and broaden the search by selectively leaving out these fields in the following order:
1) Neighborhood
2) PIN number
