by
Susan Pruden
February 22, 2006
A few days ago, I wrote about
property taxes and assessments in Maryland and what they mean when the house being assessed has been the principal residence for several years. The Homestead Tax Credit insulates those owners from the huge increases in assessed value that we're seeing now.
But what happens if you bought your home after June 30? For you, the Homestead Tax Credit won't kick in until your second year of homeownership.
Let's break down the tax assessment. A) is the old total market value when it was assessed three years ago. B) is the new market value. In this example, the value increased over 150%. C) is the amount your taxes will be based on if you just purchased the home or if the property is not your primary residence. The three figures that make up D) are the amounts that the previous owner was paying taxes on due to the Homestead Tax Credit. The amounts vary depending the county, state or municipality.

I'm sure this is clear as mud. The good news is this: If you just bought your house, even though your taxes are likely to go up, after this year you'll have the benefit of the Homestead Tax Credit. They won't go up nearly as much after this year. The good news for investors? Your tax deductions just got bigger.
(c) 2006 Susan Pruden
A lifetime Maryland resident, Susan Pruden has the ideal foundation for selling and buying homes. After 8 years working in just about every facet of the mortgage industry, and several years with her own company specializing in marketing for real estate agents, Susan got her real estate license in 1994.
Susan has earned several industry awards. The CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Award is based on reviews from Susan's clients and is earned by a very small percentage of agents. She has earned that coveted recognition since 2012
Two others were awarded by the Prince George's Association of REALTORS®. The Distinguished Sales Associate of the Year Award is based on a mixture of community involvement, association involvement and real estate education and designations. The other, the Distinguished Service Award, is for "exceptional meritorious service."
Susan is involved in her local community. She was named Cheverly Volunteer of the Year in 2018, even having June 25th designated "Susan Pruden Day" in the Town of Cheverly. She is also a Commissioner on the Prince George's County Historic Preservation Commission and President of the Cheverly American Legion Auxiliary.
Susan Pruden has lived in Cheverly lived with her husband, Joseph, for almost 30 years.