Topic: How to Appeal Your Property Taxes!
Appeal Your Property Taxes: Learn from the Masters
Many new investors are shocked by property tax bills after they buy a house. The taxes often seem much higher than what the home — or even the neighborhood — feels like it should be worth.
Part of the confusion is that Michigan property taxes use terms most beginners have never heard before:
capping, uncapping, assessed value, and taxable value.
If you don’t understand how those work, it’s very easy to overpay.
This evening is designed to break all of that down in plain English and show you how — and when — to fight back.
- REIA board member Jay Peltier will start by explaining what happens to your property taxes after you purchase a home, including why taxes often jump due to uncapping, and how taxable value is calculated.
- Next, Willie Donwell — who frequently serves as President of the Detroit March Board of Review — will walk through how the appeal process actually works, what reviewers look for, and practical tips to increase your chances of a successful dispute.
- We’ll close the night with Attorney Peter Ellenson, who will explain your options if the Board of Review denies your appeal, including how to navigate Small Claims and the Michigan State Tax Tribunal.
Bonus:
A professional appraiser will also be available to answer questions and explain how value is determined from an appraiser’s point of view.
When: Thursday, February 12th, 2026 – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (General Meeting)
“Early Bird” Session –
Estimating Your Taxes Before You Buy.
6:00-6:30 PM
Great for All Investors.
Property taxes can make or break a deal — especially after uncapping. In this Earlybird session, Monique Burns will teach three practical ways to estimate what your property taxes will be before you purchase a rental or flip.
- Monique’s Super-Easy Method — fast, simple, and great for beginners
- Tomie’s High-Risk / High-Reward Method — aggressive assumptions with bigger upside (and bigger risk)
- Jay’s Super-Safe Method — conservative numbers to protect your downside
Walk away knowing which formula to use, when to use it, and how to avoid nasty tax surprises after closing.
Doors open at 5:45pm, class starts at 6:00pm sharp!
What to Expect & When
- 5:45 PM — Dinner (optional): Enjoy a meal with fellow investors for just $10 extra.
- 6:00 PM — Earlybird Session: Collecting Back Rents with Hanna & Jarbo PLLC — learn effective approaches to debt and rent recovery, including insights into attorney-led collection options. Get My Money!
- 6:30 PM — Networking: Socialize and connect with other investors and professionals.
- 7:00 PM — Announcements + Haves & Wants: Share opportunities, needs, and market intel with the group.
- 7:30 PM — Main Presentation: Tax & Accounting Planning for 2026 and Beyond with Frank Alcini.
NEXT MEETINGS SNEAK PEAK…
- March: From the Section 8 Source: DHC & MSHDA Explain What’s Changing and What It Means for You
- If you’ve been frustrated, confused, or outright angry about the constant changes, you’re not alone — expect a passionate room, tough questions, and real talk. This won’t be a sugar-coated government presentation. This is your chance to push for clarity, get straight answers, and walk away with actionable direction instead of rumors and speculation. Bring your opinions. Bring your questions. Bring your voice. This one is going to be big.
- April: Lease Clauses That Protect Profits (and Prevent Problems)
- Your lease is more than paperwork — it’s your first line of defense as a landlord. This April, we’ll focus on tightening and sharpening lease clauses that protect your income, reduce disputes, and give you leverage when things go sideways. Learn which clauses actually matter, which ones are missing from most leases, and how small wording changes can make a big difference
LOCATION:
Troy Community Center,
Room No: 305
3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083
We appreciate those who register early online!
Members – Free
Non-members: $20 (buy here) (Become a Member to avail free admission along with other benefits including access to RPOA. Check our Membership page for more information.)
Dinner: $10 purchase online or (buy here)
Dinner: $10 if purchased at the door
Nonmember Attendance + Dinner: $30 (buy here)
*Buffet Dinner served around 6:15 pm
Hope to see you there!
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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER?
Want to gain free entry into all our General Meetings and all our awesome Saturday Local Subgroup Meetings? Want to learn how to do your first deal or save thousands on rental properties/rehabs each year? Its simple to join! All you need to do is:
1] Complete a form and pay for membership at our General Meeting OR
2] Join directly through our website: reiaofoakland.com/membership
