The median home sale price in Napa County is down from $645,000 in March of 2007 to $475,000 in March of this year, according to Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc.

It is important to remember that such a change in median value may have little or nothing to do with the change in value of your particular home.

Home prices have been in a near three-year decline after a six-year rise, and many local homeowners may be seeking property tax relief as a small bright side to an otherwise dark picture.

The prospect of seeking a property tax deduction would normally appear an uphill process, but given the accessibility of our local Napa County Assessor, prospects for fair treatment are bright.

John Tuteur, our Napa County Tax Assessor for more than 18 years, has a commitment to personal service in carrying out his official duties and responding to the questions and needs of property owners.

In both good times and bad, he has set the standard in the state as educator and communicator with his tax-paying public.

These trying times are no exception. It has been made known by John that he and his department will, without personal request, review the current market value of 5,000 to 6,000 properties in Napa County to see if a temporary reduction of the assessed value is appropriate.

Looking back approximately five years, with a focus on subdivision properties in Napa and American Canyon, those properties known to be impacted by decline in value will be assessed and notified by letter in July if a reduction in value has been approved and by what amount.

Areas less impacted by price declines, such as upper valley and rural locations, will only be reviewed upon request from the individual property owner.

If you do not reside in a known subdivision within these areas and believe that you are entitled to a reduction in assessed value, it is important that you make your request by one of three methods before May 31, 2008.

As a testimony to his accessibility, Tuteur has requested that you either:

• E-mail him at jtuteur@co.napa.ca.us with your request for review and your address or Napa County assessors parcel number.

• Call his personal direct line at 253-4459 with your property address and telephone number.

• Walk in to 1127 First Street, Room 128, and complete an Assessment Review Request (Prop. 8) form at the front desk.

All personal requests for review as well as any properties within the mass review that are approved for a reduction in assessed value will be responded to by letter in July.

If your value is reduced, it will be reflected in your 2008-2009 tax bill. It is important to note that any reduction in assessed value is “temporary” and will re-adjust as the market changes over time.

If you live outside the areas identified above and believe you have suffered a meaningful loss in property value, you will want to contact Assessor John Tuteur and submit your assessment review request by May 31, 2008.

Tax reduction is a small silver lining in what has become a costly personal experience for many local homeowners.

Bogue, a broker with Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley, 1775 Lincoln Ave., Napa CA 94558, can be reached at 258-5221 or cbogue@cbnapavalley.com.