Lancaster County property valuation protests begin Thursday

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Property valuations have gone up the past few years for many in Lancaster County, but there is a way to protest your home’s valuation.

But County Assessor Dan Nolte said valuations are “strictly a reflection of what’s going on in the marketplace.”

“We saw large increases in home prices here the last couple of years for a number of reasons, real low interest rates and shortage of homes and so forth” he said.

He said his follows a strict process while valuing homes and must follow state statute.

Most home valuations in the county were increased by 10% to 30% from last year.

Lancaster County Clerk Matt Hansen said the success of protests depends on how much data and research is provided by the homeowner to the contracted referees, who are local real estate experts.

“People who do the research and come in with a good argument — maybe they’ve got comp sales or have a recent home appraisal that shows a number — have good, good chance.,” he said. “And it kind of varies from there.”

To protest your valuation, you must fill out and submit a formal protest form either online or at the county clerk’s office from Thursday through June 30.

After that, a hearing will be scheduled with referees, who will go over your documentation and make recommendations on the value of your home.

The Board of Equalization will determine the final valuation in mid-August.

There is no fee for protesting your valuation.