By: Laura Gaskill, Houzz
Fireworks, swimming and clambakes. With summer in full swing, the month of July can seem to zip by. Make the most of your month with these to-dos.
1. Clean porch lights. If you have glass light fixtures that are easily removed, bring them inside and wash in a dishpan of warm water with gentle soap. If the fixtures must stay in place, turn the power off and carefully wipe the exteriors with a damp microfiber cloth; dry with a soft cloth. When finished, change lightbulbs as needed.
By Giulia Carbonaro, Newsweek
Rising property taxes over the past five years have exacerbated American homeowners' housing affordability struggles, with many reporting that they are now paying much more than they initially budgeted for them.
According to a new survey by property tax appeal service Ownwell, 66 percent of homeowners in the U.S. say their bill is higher than they budgeted for, while three in four (74 percent) are worried about paying even more in the near future.
By Ron Kingsley – Lake County Appeal, Tax Attorney and Owner
If Lake County Appeal can reduce your Lake County property’s assessed value, your property tax burden will decrease. Additionally, there are many exemptions available to taxpayers that can reduce the burden even more. Make certain that you are receiving all of those you are entitled to! The value of the exemption is the exemption amount multiplied by your tax rate, which is on your tax bill.
General Homestead Exemption:
Lowers your principal residence’s assessed value (“AV”) by $8,000;
By Hiranmayi Srinivasan and Kathy Barnes
Better Homes and Gardens
By Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens
When it comes to selling your house, curb appeal is touted as one of the most important features for drawing in potential buyers. But before you rush out to your front yard and spend hundreds or thousands on unnecessary upgrades, listen to the experts.
by: John Clark
Illinois Capital News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — In an effort to combat population loss attributed to the state having the second-highest property taxes in the United States, an Illinois legislator has introduced a bill that would eliminate property taxes for those who have owned a home for 30 years.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois’ population has declined for 10 consecutive years, with a loss of 32,826 residents from July 2022 to July 2023.
By: Patrick Andriesen,
Illinois Policy, March 2025
Illinois families will pay the second-highest property tax rate in the nation in 2025, spending more than double what the average American family will spend to stay in the same home. That’s driving Illinoisans away.
The average American family will spend $2,969 on property taxes for the average home in 2025, but the average Illinois family will spend $6,285 on it, according to a new report.
By Ron Kingsley – Lake County Appeal, Tax Attorney and Owner - May 2025
The Chief County Assessment Office is responsible for assessing your property. The assessment should be the fair market value (what the county believes you could have sold your property for on January 1, 2025) multiplied by .3333 (for all Illinois counties besides Cook). 2025 is the third year in the assessment cycle for Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane and the other Illinois counties besides Cook. Barring significant changes to your property, the assessor will make township level adjustments only.
Written by Ron Kingsley
LCA Tax Attorney and Owner
Many residential and commercial property owners were shocked by recent increases in property tax bills. One of the reasons for the increases is that many properties’ assessed values were raised because of the booming housing market, resulting in increases in property taxes owed. The other reason is the higher-than-usual 2023 inflation rate.
Property Tax Bill Mechanics
Written by Ron Kingsley
LCA Tax Attorney and Owner