FINAL Special assessment appeal.pdf
Aaron Shields, Petitioner V Township Of Chesterfield, Respondent · 24-003981-TT
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To: Michigan Tax Tribunal P.O. Box 30232 Lansing, MI 48909 From: Aaron and Nicole Shields 48884 Salt River Drive Chesterfield, Michigan, 48047 shieldsjaaron@gmail.com / nmadamic@gmail.com (586) 381 – 0752 / (586) 556 – 5215 Date: November 10, 2025 Re: Appeal of Special Assessment – 48884 Salt River Drive Dear Members of the Michigan Tax Tribunal, I am writing to formally appeal the special assessment imposed on my property located at 48884 Salt River Drive in Chesterfield Township. Document A attached shows the total amount of this special assessment is $7,689.05. This is payable upfront by 11/01/2025, or over 10 years with a 5% interest rate. I respectfully request that this assessment be reviewed and reconsidered, as I believe it fails to provide a sufficient "special benefit" to my property, as required under MCL 41.721–41.738 governing special assessments. Under Michigan law, a special assessment must be reasonably proportional to the increase in market value or benefit conferred to the property. In this case, that proportionality standard has not been met. 1. Lack of a Sufficient Special Benefit to My Property Our road was already paved prior to the repavement project, albeit with some potholes typical of Michigan roads. It was entirely passable and safe to drive on (See Photos 1 and 2). Despite my wife’s and my objections, the repaving project proceeded due to a majority petition, though I fail to see how this improvement provides a benefit commensurate with the $7,689.05 assessment. I formally protested the special assessment in person at the hearing held on September 24, 2024, to confirm the special assessment roll. Since the road was already paved and functional, repavement has not provided any meaningful improvement that would increase the market value of my property. I have found no measurable evidence that the repaving has increased my home’s market value or utility in any way. Any alleged benefit, if present, is minimal at best and does not justify such a high financial burden.
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Photo 2 Photo 1 48884 Salt River Drive Photo 1 48896 Salt River Drive J 554 Sait River Drive
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2. Misrepresentation of Road Status and Improper Signage
When I purchased the property in 2021, the Salt River Drive street signs were green, which according to
Chesterfield Township’s own website, denotes a public road maintained by Macomb County Department
of Roads. Please refer to Document B attached. Two of the roads that intersect with Salt River Drive did
indeed have blue street signs indicating a private road, but the signs for Salt River Drive were green at
each of these crossroads.
In fact, per attached Document C, the appraiser at the time of our purchase recorded our property as
being on a public road made of asphalt. The appraiser also noted that the utilities and off-site
improvements were typical for the market area, hence, not affecting the evaluation.
It was only during the discussions surrounding this project that I learned we live on a private road. I
raised this concern with the Chesterfield Township Engineer, who stated that only the portion of Salt
River Drive from Jefferson Avenue to Lakeview Drive is a public road, and that the remainder of Salt River
Drive from Lakeview Drive to Point Lakeview Drive did not meet the MCDR standards for a public road
and was therefore considered private.
Shortly thereafter, the Salt River Drive street signs were replaced with blue signs, indicating a private
road. I later received a letter from a neighbor explaining that another resident on our street had
personally paid for the sign replacement and would accept donations to cover the cost, which seems
improper for an issue affecting the township. If the signage was incorrect, the responsibility for
correcting it lies with the township, not a private resident. This indicates a lack of clarity from the
township about road designations and confusion around road ownership, further complicating the
justification of the special assessment.
3. Partial Repaving of the Road Limits Any Benefit
The repaving project only covered the portion of the Salt River Drive starting just before my neighbor’s
house and continuing down the road for 37 properties. However, the section of Salt River Drive
beginning at Jefferson Avenue—which all vehicles must use to enter and exit the area—remains public
and was not repaved, leaving it in notably worse condition than the newly paved segment. Currently, this
area is in far worse condition than what the newly paved segment was prior to the repaving. As a result,
anyone driving to my property will still have to traverse a public road that is uneven and with significant
potholes, passing only one property’s length of repaved road before reaching my driveway {See Photos
3-9}.
Because the section of Salt River Drive that remains public is the primary access route to all homes—
including mine—the practical and aesthetic benefit of the private road paving is effectively nullified.
Given this, the limited scope of this project fails to provide any noticeable benefit to my property’s value.
Prospective buyers would still have to drive over the deteriorating public portion of the road before
reaching my driveway, which negates any supposed improvement from the private road project. The
partial nature of this project only underscores the lack of meaningful enhancement to my property’s
value.Page 4
Photo 3. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when entering from Jefferson Ave Photo 3. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when entering from Jefferson Ave
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Photo 4. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when approaching Jefferson Ave Photo 4. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when approaching Jefferson Ave
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Photo 5. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when approaching Jefferson Ave Photo 5. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when approaching Jefferson Ave
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Photo 6. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when approaching Jefferson Ave Photo 6. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) when approaching Jefferson Ave
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Photo 7. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) headed away from Jefferson Ave Photo 7. View of Salt River Drive (public portion of road) headed away from Jefferson Ave
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Photo 8. View of Salt River Drive and Pointe Lakeview St intersection. Photo includes public portion of Salt River Drive and private portion of Salt River Drive after re-paving. 48884 Salt River Dr
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Photo 9. View of Salt River Drive and Pointe Lakeview St intersection. Photo includes public portion of Salt River Drive and private portion of Salt River Drive after re-paving. Photo 9. View of Salt River Drive and Pointe Lakeview St intersection. Photo includes public portion of Salt River Drive and private portion of Salt River Drive after re-paving.
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4. Property’s Assessed Value Increase for 2025 due to Market Adjustment According to attached Document D, 2025 Notice of Assessment issued by Chesterfield Township shows our property’s assessed value increased from $186,500 in 2024 to $196,900 in 2025, an increase of $10,400 (approximately 5.6%). The notice explicitly identifies the reason for this change as “Market Adjustment.” There is no indication that any property-specific improvements such as the road project was a factor in that valuation change. Therefore, the $7,689.05 special assessment does not appear to be reasonably proportional to any measurable increase in property value. Furthermore, the assessed value change for our property is consistent with typical year-over-year appreciation rates in Chesterfield Township. Attached Document E shows a summary from Zillow for Chesterfield, MI showing a typical 1-year value change of +5% through September 30, 2025. Similarly, attached Document F from Redfin shows home prices in Chesterfield, MI were up 7.1% compared to last year. This data supports that my property’s value change aligns with general market trends, not the road project. 5. Conclusion In light of the above, I respectfully request that the Tribunal reconsider the justification for the special assessment for my property. The project has not provided a sufficient special benefit to my property, either in terms of value or usability, to justify the significant financial burden imposed by the $7,689.05 assessment. Additionally, the confusion over the road’s ownership and the incomplete scope of the project further diminishes the rationale for the assessment. Accordingly, I respectfully request that the Tribunal remove the special assessment on my property, as the cost is not reasonably proportional to any demonstratable benefit received. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to a fair and just resolution to this matter. Please feel free to contact either me or my wife using the contact information below if further information is needed. Sincerely, _______________________________ ________________________________ Aaron Shields Nicole Shields shieldsjaaron@gmail.com nmadamic@gmail.com (586) 381 – 0752 (586) 556 – 5215 Attachments • Document A: Special Assessment Notice • Document B: Street Signage Evidence (Green vs. Blue) • Document C: 2021 Appraisal Report Excerpt • Document D: 2025 Notice of Assessment (Marked “Market Adjustment”) • Document E: Zillow – Chesterfield, MI 1-Year Value Change • Document F: Redfin/Local Market Data – Chesterfield Home Price Trend
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Document A 2025 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BILL DUE DATE: 11/01/2025 y i Sp. Assessment: PAVING - SALT RIVER DR. CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CHESTERFIELD 15-09-27-279-002 CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP — EST. 1842 —— ANNUAL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT NOTICE There are three options on how to proceed. Payments must be received by November 1, 2025 1. Take NO action by November 1, 2025, to have the Minimum Annual Installment Due applied to your 2025 Winter Tax Bill. You do not need to contact the Treasurer's office for this to apply. 2. Pay the Minimum Annual Installment Due amount. 3. Pay the Special Assessment Payoff amount. DESCRIPTION AMOUNT f Payment Options - CURRENT PRINCIPAL $765.72 - Online at https://www.chesterfieldtwp.org via electronic check or credit card* CURRSTINTEREST $0.00; - In person via cash, check, or credit card* - Mail in payment. Check made payable to Chesterfield Township 47275 Sugarbush Rd. Chesterfield, MI 48047 Minimum Annual Installment Due $765.72 Fees apply for credit & debit card transactions Special Assessment Payoff Amount $7,689.05 Please return this portion with payment Sp. Assessment: PAVING - SALT RIVER DR. DUE DATE: 11/01/2025 15-09-27-279-002 Check made payable to Chesterfield Township Minimum Annual Installment $765.72 Payoff Amount $7,689.05 9 JO 0 ARAM SHIELDS, NICOLE & AARON 150927279002/P 163%C 48884 SALT RIVER DR CHESTERFIELD, MI 48047-3423 4 -Prop ddress- 48884 SALT RIVER DR CHESTERFIELD, MI 48047-3423 Document A
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Document B ~ PROJECT LOCATION Photos taken Feb 2024 Text regarding Private vs Public street signs directly from Chesterfield Township website Roads Private Roads are maintained at the expense of the private individuals who requested the road. If the street sign is blue, the road is private. Public Roads are maintained by the Macomb County Department of Roads If this road sign is green, it is under the jurisdiction of Macomb County Michigan Department of Transportation - MDOT MiDrive Click on the link for current and upcoming MDOT road projects. ~— CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CHESTERFIELD MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN SALT RIVER DRIVE RESURFACING (PONT LAKEVEEW ST TO LAKEVEW ST) SD JOB No. CH24002 HEE fort ee . = Bam x} Ee oa = ed Erm 5 TOWNSHP BOARD OF TRUSTEES ! TREASURER: [i BRADLEY A. KERSTEN KATHY ELLIOT [| CLERK: TTT i CINDY BERRY at i TRUSTEES: x it HANK ANDERSON DAVD JOSEPH i oa BRIAN S. DEMUYNCK KATHY VOSBURG Document B
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Document C 28815124 28815124 Uniform Residential Appraisal Report Flo# 0621/016-001 The purpose of this summary apprasal report § to provide the lendericlient with an accurate, and adequately suppored, opinion of he market value of the subject property. Property Address 48864 Salt River Dr Cty Chesterfield State MI Zip Code 48047-3423 Borower Nicole & Aaron Shields Owner of Publ Record Dennis Lada/Marsha Ladd RV L County Macomb Legal Description _"BAYSHORE ACRES” LOT 2 | Assessors Parcel # _15-09-27-279-002 Tax Year 2020 RE. Taxes $ 3,838 | Negrbomood Name BAY SHORE ACRES Map Reference 47664 Census Tract 2225.00 Y Occupant (KJOwner [Tenant [Vacant Special Assessments $ 0 [JPuD HOA O [J per year [ per month Property Rights A [Fee Simple [IL [Other (describe) Assignment Type _ [XiPurchase Transaction [Refinance Transacton [Other (desarbe) IC LenderCient Bank of America Address 7105 Corporate Dr Plano TX 75024 Im Is the subject property aumently offered for sale or has it been offered for sale in the twelve mons prior to the effectve date of this appraisal? Yes (Iho Report data souroals) used, ofering prioafs), and dates). DOM 17.The subject is currently pending on the market and was listed for $409,900 since 5/31/2021. All information gathered was through Public Records & Realcomp MLS#58050039567. [156] dd [] dd not analyze the contact for sae for he subject purchase transadion. Explain the resus of the analyss of fe contact for sale or why fie analyss was nol performed. | Arms length sale; The subject is being purchased in the amount of $430,000 as an arms length transaction. Contract Price $ 430,000 Date of Contract 05/27/2021 Is the property seller the owner of public record? ~~ [Yes [] No Data Sourcefs) Purchase Agreement Is there any financial assistance (loan charges, sale concessions, gift or downpayment assistance, etc.) to be pad by any party on behalf of the borrower? [J Yes I No If Yes, report the tal dolar amount and describe the tems fo be paid. | $0;:$0;:$0; After the purchase ag provided to the $0.00 in seller con for prepaid or any other assistance was provided to the borrower for this |T transaction. This information was gathered through the purchase agreement. Note: Race are not apprassal factors. Location [] Urban Suburban [] Rural Property Values [] Increasing Stable [Decining PRICE AGE Buit-Up [Over 75% []25-75% [1] Under25% | Demand/Suppy [XC] Shortage [J In Baiance [[JOverSupply | $(000) (yrs) |24 Unt % | Gowh [Rad [Swe [Sw gTime [Under 3mths []36mths [J Over 6 mths 125 Low 1 Muit-Family 5% Neghborhood Boundaries 600 High 100 |Commeraa 10% * The subject is located North of Anchor Bay, South of Jefferson Avenue, East of the St. Clair River and West of Lakeview Street. 340 Pred 40 |Other % 10 Neghoomood Descrpton The subject neighborhood consists of single family homes, condominiums, and commercial property along the main roads and all intersections. Housing styles, age. size & utility are | consistent with the subjact. The subjactis close in proximity to major freeways and schools. D Market Conditions (including support for he above conclusions) See attached addenda. Dimensions 111x330 Area 36630 sf Shape Rectangular View N;Res; Specific Zoning Classi RIA Zoning Dx jon One Family Residential Zoning Compliance I]Legal [] Legal Nonarforming (Grandathered Use) [No Zoning [] Ihegal (describe) Is the highest and best use of subject property as improved (or as proposed per plans and specications) he presentuse? [3] Yes [No If No, describe. § Utitiss Pubic Other (describe) Pubic Othe (describe) [| Becricty 0 Water [m] Gas [m] Santary Sewer [m] Alay None E FEMA Speda Flood Hazard Area [Yes IKINo FEMA Flood Zone X FEMAMap# 26099C0269) FEMA Map Dae 12/30/2020 envionmenta conditions, land uses, etc)? [] Yes BK] Nolf Yes, desare — I Foundation lots One [Je with Accessory Unit | BC] Conaete Sib [] Craw Space [Foundation Walls Concrete/Avg Floors CptHwd/Avg | # of Stories 1 [J Ful Basement BC Partial Basement | Exterior Walls Brick/Avg Wals DW/Painted/Avg | Type Det. [J At. [] S-Det/End Unit Basement Area 1,419 sq.ft. |Roof Surface Composition/Avg Trim Finish Wd/Painted/Avg [X] Existing [J Proposed [] Under Const. | Basement Finish 80 % [Gutters & Downspouts Aluminum/Avg Bath Floor Ceramic/Avg Design (Style) Ranch [J Ousside Entry/Exit Sump Pump [Window Type VinyliAvg Bath Wainscot _Ceramic/Avg | Yea Bult 1976 Evdenceof [Jinfestaton Storm Sashinsulaed Insulated/Avg Car Storage [None [1 Effective Ags (Yrs) 15 [] Dampness [] Setlement Screens VinylAvg Driveway #ofCas 2 Attic J None Heating [XK] FWA [] HWBB [] Radiant |A Ow # 0 Driveway Suface Concrete 2 [1 Drop Stair [stars J Other [Fuel Gas Frepiacels)# 1 [Fence None |i Garage #ofCas 2 0 [7 Foor Scuttle Cooing BC Central Air Conditioning [IX] Patio/Deck Both Pach Covered |] Capot #of Cars 0 ¢ [1 Fnshed [J Heawd [J hdvdua | [J Other Poo In-GPool [omer Shed Att [J Det [JBuitin Appliances |] Refrigerator [] RangelOven [x] Dishwasher Disposal _[] Microwave [[] Washer/Dryer [KK] Otier (describe) Fan/Hood E Finished area above grade contains: 7 Rooms 4 Bedrooms 3.0 Bah(s) 2,112 Square Feet of Gross Living Avea Above Grade . Additional fealures (special energy efficent tems, etc.) There are no energy efficient items. "| Describe the condition of the property (including needed repairs, deterioration, renovations, remodeling, etc.) | CaKitchen-upd to five years ago! one to five years ago; The subject propery has been adequately maintained. The subject has newer windows (2 years), a newer roof (3 years), newer driveway (3 years), a newer (3 years), newer i i and (5 years). Ave there any physical deficiencies or adverse conditions thal affect the ivabilty, soundness, or structural integrty of he property? [J Yes [XI No If Yes, describe Does the property generally conform to the uty, style, condition, use, construction, etc)? Yes [No If No, desaribe Freade MocFam 70 Moxh 2005 UAD Version 9/2011 Fc Fann Mae Form 1004 March 2006 Document C
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Document D i [pte Tram, THIS IS NOT A TAX BILL L-4400 1019 (Rev, 10-24) Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification El This form is issued under the authority of P.A. 206 of 1893, Sec. 211.24 (c) and Sec.211.34c, as amended. This is a model nt notice to be used by the local CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP RARCELIDENTIFICATION ASSESSING DEPARTMENT. PARCEL NUMBER: 15-09-27-279-002 47275 SUGARBUSH RD ECF NEIGHBORHOOD: AB11 S.P. OF BAKERS, #3, #4, #9, ETC CHESTERFIELD, MI 48047-5156 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 48884 SALT RIVER DR CHESTERFIELD, MI 48047-3423 OWNER'S NAME & ADDRESS/PERSON NAMED ON ASSESSMENT ROLL: PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION sername AUTO5.DIGIT 48047 % Exempt As "Homeowners Principal Reside 100.00% SHIEL 56. NICOLE & AARON et y 00% A ae . 48884 SALT RIVER DR % Exempt As "MBT Industrial Personal": 09% CHESTERFIELD, MI 48047-3423 % Exempt As "MBT Commercial Personal": 00% OE CLT Le ee A A ATA TT Ee ET I Exempt As "Qualified Forest Property”: [7] Yes No Exempt As "Development Property”: [J Yes [X] No LEGAL DESCRIPTION: "BAYSHORE ACRES" LOT 2 ACCORDING TO MCL 211.34c THIS PROPERTY IS CLASSIFIED AS: 401 Residential PRIOR YEAR'S CLASSIFICATION: 401 Residential The change in taxable value will increase/decrease your tax bill for the 2025] PRIOR AMOUNT CURRENT TENTATIVE CHANGE FROM year by approximately: $205 YEAR: 5024 ANCONA" Ss pj Ne 1. TAXABLE VALUE: 177,392 182,891 2. ASSESSED VALUE: 186,500 196,900 3. TENTATIVE EQUALIZATION FACTOR: 1.000 4. STATE EQUALIZED VALUE (SEV): 186,500 5. There WAS or WAS NOT a transfer of ownership on this property in 2024 WAS NOT 6. Assessor Change Reason(s): Market Adjustment The 2025 Inflation rate Multiplier is: 1.031 Questions regarding the Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification may be directed to the Following: Name Phone: Email Address: KERRY L. BEAUVAIS, ASSESSOR (586) 949-0400 ASSESSING@CHESTERFIELDTWP.ORG March Board of Review Appeal Information. The Board of Review will meet at the following dates and times: 2025 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW * DUE TO ONGOING CONSTRUCTION * THE BOARD OF REVIEW SHALL MEET IN THE SENIOR CENTER LOCATED AT THE SOUTH END OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING- TOWNSHIP HALL OFFICES LOCATED AT 47275 SUGARBUSH RD, CHESTERFIELD, MI 48047. 2025 MARCH BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING DATES: MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025, FROM 9:00 AM TO 12:00 PM AND 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM. TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025, FROM 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM AND 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM. APPEALS ARE BY APPOINTMENT, THE ASSESSING DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN TAKING APPOINTMENTS ON FEBRUARY 20, 2025. PLEASE CONTACT THE ASSESSORS OFFICE AT (586) 949-0400 EXT 2232. Document D
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Document E = 2 Zillow Signin Enteracityorzipcode Q United States > Michigan > Macomb County, > Chesterfield ~~ Chesterfield, MI Housing Market h $324,325 15.0% 1-yr The average Chesterfield, MI home value is $324,325, up 5.0% over the past year and goes to pending in around 17 days. What is the Zillow Home Values Index Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), built from the ground up by measuring monthly changes in property level Zestimates, captures both the level and home values across a wide variety of geographies and housing types. re it the Zillow Hol Ray Chesterfield Key Takeaways comb Visldenburg Typical Home Values: $324,325 ——) - dor 1-year Value Change: +5.0% GUAR oA cLevens Park Mt Cermeny a through September 30, Chesterfield Housing Market = Zillow Home Val. ~~ Allhomes voor Sy Max Overview = Chesterfield ® = 1-year Market Forecast 150 For sale inventory (September 30, 202 65 New listings ber C 0.999 Median sale to list ratio (A. $334,167 Median sale price (Azust 2 $323,700 Median list price 42.6% Percent of sales over lst price (Az. 2024-11 2025-01 2025-03 2025-05 2025-07 Chesterfield Compare Submi 39.7% Percent of sales under list price (4 17 Median days to pending (Septemb (Metric avalaily is based on market coverage and data) How does this data help me? Zillow's metrics provide valuable market data by tracking market Document E
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Document F Chesterfield, New Haven Housing Market: House Prices & Trends | Redfin (p] ty, A f F a ] Buy + Rent » Sell + Mortgage + Real Estate Agents + Feed Chesterfield, Ml Housing Market Homes for ssle The Chesterfield housing market is very competitive. The median sale price of a home in Chesterfield was $332K last month, up 7.1% since last year. The median sale price per square foot in Chesterfield is $185, up 6.3% since last year. Trends Demand Market Insights Schools Climate Chesterfield Housing Market Trends What is the housing market like in Chesterfield today? In September 2025, Chesterfield home prices were up 7.1% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $332K. On average, homes in Chesterfield sell after 21 days on the market compared to 15 days last year. There were 178 homes sold in September this year, down from 201 last year. Median Sale Price = Single Family Homes Median Sale Price (Single Family Homes) $385,000 +10.0% YoY | Sep 2025 ly 3y Sy Based on Redfin calculations of home data from MLS and/or public records. Data Growth Soman Sep 2025 % Yor @ Chesterfield, MI $385,000 “100% United States ® Q # t Compare To compare other locations to the Chesterfield and U.S. housing market, enter a city, neighborhood, state, or zip code into the search bar. Learn which home features in New Haven add value to a home. How much is your home worth? Track your home's value and compare it to nearby sales. [54 See my estimate % https: ww. redfin.com/neighborhood/767572/MI/New-Haven/Chesterfield/housing-market#agent-insights Document F