I received a PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENT letter in the mail...?

I bought my home for 300,000 four years ago and was assessed a property tax of $5,000 a year later due to the increase in value of the homes in CA at that time. However, the real estate market has been volatile to the point where it is heading toward a downward spiral. Anyway, I realize that the property tax that I am paying now does not correspond with the value of my home. I know that I should be paying less. I've just received a letter in the mail titled "PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENT." In short, it is an agency willing to act as my agent for the purpose of completing all steps necessary for filing an application and accepting a modified assessment through the County Assessor's Office and the County Appeals Board. This will temporarily reduce the property taxes to my home so that I can pay lower taxes, The fee is $85.00. Anybody out there that can give me advice if I should take advantage of this? Or can I do this on my own?

Public Comments

1. OK, first, check out the agency who sent you this offer. It's easy, they should be in the area. If it is from an agency out of state, forget it. You can apply to get your assessment lowered, thus lower your property taxes on your own. Go to the County Assessor's office & ask, they will tell you what you need to do. It's not rocket science, it just takes time on your part. Whether you pay someone else or you do it yourself, there is no guarantee, your request could be turned down. But it is worth a shot.
2. In most states, you can do this on your own. You need to appeal the appraisal with the local board of assessors. You will need to prove that houses are selling for less with real sales transactions. Sales information can be found on the internet and can be verified in county or city records. Usually you can appeal with a simple letter. First step you get a written response. If you don't like that, you can get a hearing with the board. This is usually a group of appointed citizens. If you don't like this answer. You can take it to court. You might try a simple phone call to the assessors office and ask for the assessor that did your appraisal, Sometimes that can be reasonable and make adjustments.
3. You can go directly to the assessors office and ask for a reassessment yourself.