Posts Tagged: property tax appeal

Optimizing Multifamily Property Management Teams with the Kolbe A Assessment

Multifamily property management can be dynamic and very taxing, but having a cohesive and efficient team can make success a reality. Imagine a scenario where every member of your team operates seamlessly together, feels valued and thrives in their respective roles. It’s not just a fantasy – it’s entirely achievable. The challenge lies in finding the right people, but that is only part of the equation; ensuring they are placed in roles that align with their natural strengths is equally crucial. This is where tools like the Kolbe A Assessment come into play. Kolbe A offers invaluable insights into each team member’s innate problem-solving approach. This tool has been instrumental in our team success at Wayfinder and has enabled us to significantly expand our team and establish ourselves as the nation’s top-performing tax consulting firm in Texas. We are excited to empower you with the same ability to enhance your hiring and management practices with the Kolbe A assessments. 

Understanding the Kolbe A Assessment 

Kolbe A is not a personality test.  It focuses on conative abilities, or our natural operating modes when we are free to be ourselves.  The focus is on how an individual naturally tackles tasks that require work. It identifies four primary modes of operation: 

Fact Finder: This assesses how individuals gather and disseminate information. Those with high Fact Finder scores love to gather as much data as possible before making decisions. 

Follow Thru: Measures an individual’s propensity for organizing and structuring information and tasks. High Follow Thru scorers thrive in creating systems and processes, ensuring efficiency and order. 

Quick Start: Reflects an individual’s comfort level with uncertainty and risk. Those with high Quick Start scores are innovative and adaptable, often taking the initiative in fast-paced environments. 

Implementor: Evaluates how individuals handle tangible tasks and ideas. High Implementor scorers excel in hands-on work and construction, bringing practical skills to the table. 

Building a Dynamic Team 

Understanding each team member’s natural mode of operation can help you curate teams that complement one another’s strengths and mitigate weaknesses. For instance, for jobs that require a lot of research and detail, people with high Fact Finder scores will be energized by the work.  While roles focused on administration and processes would be a joy for people with high Follow Thru, and they would ensure projects stay on track and are executed efficiently. Those with high Quick Start scores could be strategically placed in creative departments such as marketing and sales, where innovation is key. 

Improving Team Culture 

Embracing and respecting the diverse work styles of each team member fosters a culture of appreciation and collaboration. Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, celebrate them as unique contributions to the collective success. Recognize that every individual brings valuable skills to the table, and by leveraging these differences, multifamily property management teams can achieve superior results. 

Conclusion 

So, here’s the bottom line; in the competitive landscape of multifamily property management, a high-performing team is just as indispensable to your success as choosing the best tax agent possible. By harnessing the insights provided by the Kolbe A Assessment, property owners and managers can assemble a powerhouse team primed for success. This tool not only aids in team formation but also unlocks the full potential of each member, driving innovation, productivity, and ultimately, success. Embrace the opportunity to optimize your team and propel your multifamily property management endeavors to new heights. 

Your Property Matters

We believe every property has a story worth knowing, documenting, and telling.

You deserve someone to care about your property as much as you do.

Trusting your tax agent and having peace of mind are priceless. Wayfinder limits our agents to 100 properties per year to make sure each property can be visited in person and given the care they need for the best appeal. Those we represent receive top notch service and understand that we act with their best interest in mind.

Trust us to help protect your legacy and Experience Excellence with us!

Wayfinder Attribute: Accountability

Vital Attribute: Accountability

Being accountable is a privilege that we embrace as Wayfinders!

Accountability is being responsible for your actions and results either positive or negative. Being Accountable means you are being entrusted with something important to our mission! That trust continues to strengthen as you continue to report on your progress and meet or exceed expectations.

It’s actually VERY rewarding!

At Wayfinder, we use good judgement in all situations.

I am where I am because of the choices I made.

Wayfinder Attribute: Integrity

Vital Attribute: Integrity

Integrity is at the very core of who we are as Wayfinders. Trust is earned over a long period of performance, but it can be shattered in one moment! Mistakes can happen, we know, but integrity really can shine through mistakes.

At Wayfinder, we lead through the hard places, we don’t hide from them!

We believe in honesty and transparency with our clients. Always choose to be honest and ACT with Integrity.

Beyond the Profits, the Principles that Drive Us

What drives us?


In today’s business landscape, success is often measured not only by financial gain but also by the values and principles that guide an organization’s actions. At Wayfinder Tax Relief, we believe that integrity, accountability, excellence, and abundance are fundamental to our mission and essential for building lasting relationships with our clients and communities. 

Integrity is the cornerstone of everything we do at Wayfinder Tax Relief. We recognize the importance of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all our interactions. From our initial consultations to the resolution of property tax appeals, we strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ensuring that our clients trust us to represent their interests with honesty and fairness. 

Accountability is another core value that drives our business practices. We take responsibility for our actions and decisions, holding ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. Whether it’s communicating openly with our clients, meeting deadlines, or delivering results, we believe in being accountable for our commitments and actions. 

Excellence is ingrained in our culture at Wayfinder Tax Relief. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and results to our clients. Our team of experienced professionals continuously strives for excellence in all aspects of our work. By setting high standards for ourselves, we aim to exceed our clients’ expectations and achieve the best possible outcomes. 

Abundance is not just about financial success; it’s about fostering a mindset of generosity, collaboration, and shared success. At Wayfinder Tax Relief, we believe in creating abundance for our clients, employees, and communities. We are dedicated to helping our clients maximize their savings through property tax relief, empowering them to reinvest in their businesses and communities. We also believe in giving back to our communities through philanthropic initiatives and supporting local organizations that share our values. 

In conclusion, integrity, accountability, excellence, and abundance are not just buzzwords at Wayfinder Tax Relief; they are the guiding principles that drive our business and shape our interactions with clients and communities. By upholding these values, we strive to make a positive impact and build a legacy of trust, integrity, and success in everything we do. 

We Believe

Discover the essence of Wayfinder as we reveal what we believe in.

From dedicating ourselves on to every venture and fostering collective success to maintaining unwavering integrity and striving for excellence, these principles shape our company’s identity.

Joins us in illuminating the core values that drive our company forward.


We Don’t Believe

Adversity is not a signal to surrender; instead, mistakes become lessons. We uplift one another, holding ourselves to elevated standards. Step into our culture, where resilience, honesty, and excellence define us.

Joins us as we shed light on our values and what we stand against as a company.


Empowering Your Tax Agent for Multifamily Valuation Appeals 


Introduction: 

We all know that every dollar counts when you are creating a quality community that cares for and protects your residents. That is why it is incredibly important to navigate your property tax appeals with intense care. When you choose the right tax agent and empower them with the right information, it can make a significant difference to the outcome of your valuation appeal and the profitability of your community. Let’s take a deep look into the key factors that impact your property tax valuation and share how to effectively empower your tax agent with this crucial information. 

Understanding the Valuation Date: 

One critical aspect is the importance of the valuation date, usually this is January 1st. This date serves as a snapshot of your property’s status for tax assessment purposes. The condition of your property on this specific date determines your tax assessment. Therefore, it is in your best interest to provide your tax agent with a comprehensive overview of issues affecting your property on the valuation date. 

Factors Influencing Valuation: 

Occupancy Rates: 

The percentage of occupied units on the valuation date can significantly affect the revenue potential of your property, and therefore the assessed value. A higher occupancy rate may result in a higher valuation, while a lower rate could potentially lead to a reduced assessment. Be sure to share your occupancy rates with your tax agent on your valuation date. 

Rent Trends: 

Keep your tax agent informed about current rent trends in your area, this ensures that they can accurately assess the income potential of your property and work toward a reduction. What economic factors are influencing your rent? For example, for multifamily communities in the Permian Basin of Texas, we are consistently documenting the direct relationship between operating oil rigs and rent prices. This level of research enabled us to prove declining market rent trends even before the oil crash in March 2020, resulting in immense savings for our clients, while competing tax agents did not even attempt to appeal that year. 

Deferred Maintenance: 

Any deferred maintenance issues should be disclosed to your tax agent. Unaddressed maintenance can adversely impact the property’s value. Without documenting these issues and having estimates for the repairs, you might end up with a higher valuation than you should. 

Obsolescence: 

Technological advancements or changes in market preferences can make certain features of your property obsolete. Identifying and communicating these factors is especially important. This is where an experienced agent who is actually visiting your property can help. If you are not sure about something, the agent can help you know what is relevant.   

Acute Issues: 

Flooding, fire, severe storms or other unfortunate events can significantly impact your property’s revenue and condition. Timely disclosure about these events allows your tax agent to factor in these issues during the valuation process. Do you have any down units? Why are they down? Did a fallen tree damage the roof? Did a pipe burst under the foundation? Did a storm take down part of the fence? Incidents like these have helped us lower the tax bill for our clients. Your tax agent will want to know about everything and sending them pictures to document the issues is important too.  

Tenant Population and Economic Factors: 

Understanding the demographic and economic landscape surrounding your property is equally important. Highlight relevant economic factors in your community, such as job growth or decline, sudden housing availability, an influx of population growth; these issues can influence property values. What is the neighborhood doing? Is it growing or in decline, etc. Be generous and share this information with your tax agent. 

Transparency is Key: 

One of the most crucial pieces of advice is to be transparent with your tax agent. Even if you are unsure whether certain details will impact the assessment, it is better to disclose everything. Tax agents are trained to weed out irrelevant information and focus on factors that genuinely influence property value. 

Conclusion: 

Empowering your tax agent with comprehensive information about your property’s condition, tenant population, and local economic factors can significantly enhance their ability to secure the most accurate property valuation for you. Transparency and communication are key elements in building a strong partnership with your tax agent, ensuring the highest savings potential on your property tax assessment. 

Making an Impact in Storm Uri

Making an Impact

The Opportunity: Storm Uri

At Wayfinder, one of our main goals is to make an impact for good in communities and for families. Back in February of 2021, an opportunity to do good presented itself in Texas with Storm Uri. Storm Uri hit Texas very hard and impacted millions of people. The freeze hit for almost seven days and it affected the electrical grid, so there were many people who did not have food, could not heat their homes, and could not even get gas for vehicles because the systems were down. 

Evaluating the Situation

When we heard about the situation, immediately our hearts broke. We called down to our properties in Texas asking if they were ok and if they needed anything. The regional director expressed that they really needed food. The H-E-B was almost completely out of food, save for a few remaining lunch meat packages. They were concerned that their tenants would not have enough food to get through the weekend. It was really scary. We sat there with that news and said, “Well, we can’t necessarily write a check. It’s not really going to help to just write a check for this one.”

Seizing the Opportunity

After some brainstorming, we called the regional director back and said, “Hey, if we got a truck and filled it with food and brought it, would that help you?” She broke down in tears, and she said, “I can’t believe you would be willing to help, that is amazing.” 

Taking the next step, we found out that we could rent a refrigerated truck. We then took it to Costco and Sam’s Club and asked if they could waive their limits on some of their products to help us, and they said, “Absolutely.” The staff at both places all jumped on board to help us. It was pretty amazing.

When we got the truck down to Texas, there were about 30 people waiting there for us to help us unload the truck. We then worked with our client and their team to unload the truck. They had boxes ready so that as we unloaded the truck, we began to make food kits that would get a family through the weekend.

https://youtu.be/S_PcP9L5rmY

Treating Every Property Like Our Own Home

The fingerprint of Wayfinder, what makes us unique, is that we treat every property as if it was our own. In this situation, if that was our own property, we absolutely would do anything we could to help. If we are looking for opportunities to do good in the world, they will come. All we have to do is be willing to say yes. 

At Wayfinder, it is our goal to always say yes to opportunities to do good.

Start Saving Now

Arrow Icon