by Tammy Murphy | Oct 3, 2025 | Current Events, Estate Planning, Facing Foreclosure, Neighbor Chat, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love
Feature Topic: Property Taxes — Then vs. Now
Property taxes in Ohio have become one of the biggest burdens on homeowners. Let’s look at a real-world example:
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2018: A family buys a home for $150,000 in Montgomery County. At that time, their property taxes were roughly $2,800/year.
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2025: That same home may now be valued closer to $225,000 (a 50% increase). Property taxes have climbed to about $4,200/year.
That’s an extra $1,400 every year — without the family making any changes or upgrades. Over 7 years, this adds up to nearly $10,000 more out of their pocket.
This is why Property Tax Reform is such an urgent issue. Homeownership should create stability — not financial strain.
❗ Surprising Fact
Ohio law requires schools to get the first 20 “mills” of property taxes, no matter what happens to values. That floor keeps taxes from ever dropping, even when home values rise dramatically.
Property Tax Reform – Have You Signed Yet?
I’m helping organize a petition for Property Tax Reform in Ohio. If you’d like to review the petition and add your signature, stop by my RH2L office. Every voice matters, and your support helps move this conversation forward.
by Tammy Murphy | Sep 6, 2025 | Current Events, Facing Foreclosure, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Podcast, Real Estate News
Upcoming Elections: Is Property Tax Reform Needed
Property taxes have become one of the most pressing issues facing Ohio homeowners. Year after year, many families are opening their tax bills to find unexpected increases that strain budgets and threaten affordability. As a Realtor and community advocate, I hear these stories every day — from seniors on fixed incomes to first-time buyers who suddenly find their monthly costs skyrocketing.
It’s not just about the bills we pay. It’s about transparency, accountability, and fairness. We deserve to know where our money is going and how it’s being used to support schools, services, and our communities. More importantly, we deserve to have a say in shaping a tax system that is sustainable and equitable.
Holding Leaders Accountable: What Every Ohio Homeowner Should Know About Property Taxes
The Candidate Questionnaire: A Tool for Accountability
With elections approaching, it’s the perfect time to ask hard questions of those in power — and those seeking office. That’s why a Candidate Questionnaire on Property Tax Reform has been created as a tool for voters.
This questionnaire asks candidates to go on record about:
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Transparency in how tax dollars are reported and spent
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Accountability through independent audits and oversight
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Fairness in how properties are assessed and taxed
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Relief for homeowners through exemptions and caps
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Priorities that place families and residents above big developers and outside investors
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Alternatives to reduce reliance on property taxes alone
By using this questionnaire at candidate forums or sending it directly to those running for office, you can help ensure that our elected officials can’t dodge the tough questions. Their answers (or refusal to answer) speak volumes about where they stand.
Why Homeowners Should Stay Involved
Advocacy doesn’t stop with one petition or one election. The property tax system in Ohio is deeply tied to school funding, local services, and state policy. Change requires persistence. Here are some additional steps you can take:
1. Sign and Share Petitions
Petitions demonstrate the strength of public demand. When thousands of Ohioans sign together, legislators are forced to pay attention.
2. Attend Local Meetings
School board, city council, and county commissioner meetings are where many tax-related decisions are made. Your voice matters at the local level.
3. Ask Questions Publicly
Use the Candidate Questionnaire as your guide. When you attend a forum or town hall, don’t hesitate to ask: “What will you do to make property taxes more fair and transparent?”
4. Connect with Your Legislators
Write letters, send emails, and request meetings. Share your personal story about how rising taxes affect you and your family. Personalized communication has far greater impact than form letters.
5. Stay Informed and Share Information
Many people don’t realize how property tax systems work or why they’re being hit with increases. The more we share resources, the stronger our collective voice becomes.
A Call to Action for Ohio Homeowners
Property taxes shouldn’t be the reason families leave their homes or communities. By signing petitions, asking tough questions, and using tools like the Candidate Questionnaire, we can demand better.
Download the Candidate Questionnaire and share it with your neighbors, family, and friends. Ask your candidates to fill it out. Hold them accountable. Ohio_Property_Tax_Candidate_Questionnaire
Together, we can push for a system that works — one where homeowners are protected, dollars are transparent, and our communities can thrive.
by Tammy Murphy | May 14, 2024 | BLOG, Current Events, Estate Planning, Facing Foreclosure, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Podcast, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Sellers, Senior Living, Short Sale
Reverse Mortgages: Unveiling Insights and Pitfalls… At first glance, Reverse Mortgages may seem like a beneficial financial option, especially for seniors looking to tap into their home equity. However, our episode uncovers the hidden complexities and potential risks associated with these arrangements. Through a detailed analysis and invaluable insights, we empower you with a deeper understanding of Reverse Mortgages.
Our mission is clear: to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. By dissecting the intricacies of Reverse Mortgages, we provide you with the tools to navigate this financial option with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re considering a Reverse Mortgage or simply curious about its implications, this episode is a must-listen.
Join us as we unravel the mysteries surrounding Reverse Mortgages and offer practical advice to help you avoid common pitfalls. By staying informed and aware, you can protect yourself and your assets while making sound financial choices for the future.
Tune in to our podcast episode and gain a deeper understanding of Reverse Mortgages. Don’t let the allure of quick cash overshadow the importance of due diligence and informed decision-making. Your financial well-being is paramount, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
** This episode is dedicated to Mildred Elrod, mother of Tammy Lilly, and the subject case of today’s topic. Her passing in December of 2023 brought to light not only the issues of a Reverse Mortgage; but it spotlights the unconscionable preying on our seniors. From their real estate holdings to potential inheritance by family; the government’s insatiable appetite to misrepresent a “solution” that ultimately is a scheme to deteriorate what should be the people’s rights of ownership, wealth accumulation and future generation of wealth inheritance. **
You Tube: https://youtu.be/yrZUlpTG7fo
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/real-homes-to-love/episodes/The-Real-Tea-SPECIAL-Episode-on-Reverse-Mortgages-e2im43i
by Tammy Murphy | Mar 12, 2024 | BLOG, Buyers, Client Testimonials, Commercial Properties, Current Events, Estate Planning, Facing Foreclosure, GLOBAL, Investor Relations, LENDERS, Military, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Podcast, Real Estate News, Real Homes to Love, Sellers, Senior Living
We hinted about a project late last year, and are happy to announce that The Real-Tea Podcast is Available Now!
This twist on a Real Estate Podcast presents from a Professional view with a Client Perspective, join Tammy Murphy and Elle Sollenberger, as they spill The Real-Tea about buying and selling Real Estate. You will get to meet our hosts and learn what brought the Realtor and Client together for this fun and sometimes quirky podcast. The years they have shared in working together in multiple deals and different market scenarios is beneficial for anyone looking to Buy or Sell a house.
Curious about our episodes??
check it out on YouTube (video) https://www.youtube.com/@realhomestolove3939/podcasts
or Spotify (audio only) https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/real-homes-to-love
by Tammy Murphy | Dec 31, 2014 | Commercial Properties, Current Events, Facing Foreclosure, Real Homes to Love
As reported by National Association of Realtors:
“The package of tax extensions approved by the U.S. House and Senate, and headed to the President’s desk for signature, includes important provisions that will help distressed homeowners and commercial property investors with transactions made during 2014. NAR applauds Congressional leaders in both chambers for their effort to pass this legislation before adjournment.
“Realtors® strongly supported the bipartisan Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act, which was included in the package to prevent underwater borrowers from paying taxes on any mortgage debt forgiven or cancelled by a lender in a workout or after their home was sold for less money than was owed. We are grateful to Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Reps. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., and Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., for championing the provision.
“The legislation also includes one-year extensions of the 15-year depreciation schedule for leasehold improvements and the deduction for improvements to energy efficient commercial buildings.”
by Tammy Murphy | Feb 1, 2014 | Current Events, Facing Foreclosure, Investor Relations, Neighbor Chat, Networking, Real Estate News
Below is a clip from the article…good information to keep in mind when looking to pickup that “bargain” home!
“Four Warning Signs to Watch for When Buying a Foreclosure”
Source: Respres.
Over the past several years, many people have gotten great deals on homes because of foreclosures. While the inventory of foreclosed homes in the market is not nearly what it was a few years ago, there are still many to be found. In fact, in some areas, the foreclosures from the 2008-2010 period are just now making their way through the court system and appearing on the market.
In the right situation, a foreclosure can be an excellent way to obtain your dream home at a much better price than you would expect. Buying foreclosures can also be an great way to acquire investment properties, as many foreclosures are duplexes, triplexes, and smaller single-family homes that can become lucrative rentals.
Even though foreclosed homes can be a good deal, they definitely carry their own issues and risks that buyers need to be aware of. Let’s break down a few of these and see if they should affect your decision on whether to buy the property or not.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE
