If you’re buying in Central Ohio—whether a Westerville cul-de-sac, a Powell golf-course community, Dublin’s school-rich neighborhoods, or a new build in Evans Farm—property taxes aren’t just a line item. They shape your monthly payment, escrow, and even offer strategy. I’ll break down what actually matters so you don’t get surprised after closing.

1) Assessed value ≠ your contract price

Counties reassess on their own cadence, and tax values typically lag the market. Translation: your purchase price in Columbus or Powell doesn’t instantly become your tax value. I help clients model both the current bill and a realistic “catch-up” scenario so budgeting is bulletproof.

2) School districts drive the bill

Two houses a mile apart—Dublin vs. Columbus City Schools, Olentangy vs. Westerville—can mean very different tax totals. When you send me an address list, I’ll overlay district millage, recent levy history, and neighborhood comps so you see the true monthly picture before you fall in love with the kitchen.

3) New builds (Evans Farm, etc.): beware the escrow jump

Year one taxes can be based mostly on land value. Once the structure is fully assessed, your escrow can pop. I pre-underwrite that jump for my new-construction buyers and negotiate credits or rate buydowns to smooth the landing—because surprises aren’t a strategy.

4) Exemptions & credits you might be missing

Owner-occupancy and homestead benefits can reduce what you owe if you qualify. The key is filing correctly and on time after you close. My team sends you a post-closing checklist with the exact links, dates, and forms for Franklin and Delaware counties—no guesswork, no “I thought my lender did that.”

5) Appeal strategy (use data, not vibes)

If your assessed value feels high in Dublin or Westerville, an appeal can make sense—but only with airtight comps and timing. I build a clean packet: recent sales, adjustments, and neighborhood trends. If the math works, we pursue it. If not, I’ll say so—because chasing a weak appeal wastes time and leverage.

Bottom line: taxes are predictable when you model them right—before you write the offer. That’s where I give my clients an unfair advantage.

Thinking about buying or building in Columbus, Powell, Dublin, Westerville, or Evans Farm? Let’s run your personalized tax + payment model and set you up to win.

[Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]