Is there a way to determine the property tax in a particular area, especially for new builds? We got priced out of a house because of Mello-Roos and can't find a tool that can help us accurately estimate property taxes on new builds and newly developing areas?
We waited to purchase a new build in Ontario, CA in the Inland Empire in San Bernardino County. We did the math MULTIPLE times and used all kinds of wacky tools online to get a good idea of what our monthly payments would be. It appeared we could afford the home, but when it was our turn in the phase release we were told the tax rate is actually 1.86% and not 0.86% because it was a developing area and it was the 'mello-roos' tax. We were devastated. It meant that the property tax we were estimating to be around 500ish a month was going to be closer to $1200 a month which put us well over budget for our goals. Of course it was our fault - we should have asked. But now we've decided to pivot and considering getting existing houses in the vicinity (built post 2005) but scared we will run into a similar issue and don't have the time to call every single listing agent to confirm property tax on each house we're interested in. Any tips? submitted by /u/SoySanjay...