Record Finder / 26-002885-TT
Michigan

Brian Berlinger Petitioner V Township Of Clay Respondent

Petitioner
Brian Berlinger
Respondent
Township Of Clay

Case overview

Docket number
26-002885-TT
Status
Default Petitioner
CaseType
SC Property
Division
Small Claims Division
County
Saint Clair
Judge
No judge assigned

Docket history

Line #SubjectFilerLine RefEnter Date/Post MarkFeeRelated Item
4Order of Default of PetitionerNot recordedNot recorded09/25/2026Not recordedDownload
3Petition has been verifiedPET109/25/2026Not recordedDownload
Not recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedDownload
2Notice of Docket Number SCNot recordedNot recorded09/25/2026Not recordedDownload
1A petition was received.PETNot recorded07/29/2026$0.00Download
Not recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedNot recordedDownload

Documents

SC_Order_of_Default_of_Petition.2026-09-25_06-28-20.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 Brian Berlinger,

 Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

 v

 MTT Docket No. 26-002885

 Township Of Clay,

 Respondent.



 ORDER OF DEFAULT



 The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that:



 Petitioner did not submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (i.e., notice of

 action taken by Board of Review, uncapping notice, PRE denial notice, final assessment

 notice, etc.), as required by TTR 279. As such, Petitioner must submit the notice within

 14 days of the entry of this order.



 Therefore,



 IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner is HELD IN DEFAULT.



 IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the defaulted party shall cure the default, as indicated

 above, within 14 days of the entry of this order.1



 Failure to comply with this order will result in the defaulted party being required to file a

 motion to set aside the default (with appropriate filing fee).



 By: /s/ Patricia L. Halm



 Entered: September 25, 2026



 1 “A submission by mail is considered filed on the date indicated by the United States Postal Service

 postmark on the envelope containing the submission. A submission without a postmark or with an illegible

 postmark is considered filed on the date the submission is received by the tribunal. A submission by

 commercial delivery service is considered filed on the date the submission is given to the commercial

 service for delivery to the tribunal as indicated by the receipt date on the package containing the

 submission. A submission by personal service is considered filed on the date the submission is received.

 A submission through the tribunal’s e-filing system by 11:59 p.m. on a business day is considered filed on

 that business day. A submission by email to the email address designated by the tribunal by 11:59 p.m.

 on a business day is considered filed on that business day. A submission on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a

 holiday is considered filed on the following business day, as provided by section 35a of the tax tribunal

 act, MCL 205.735a.” TTR 225(5).



 MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

 PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 26-002885

Page 2 of 2



 PROOF OF SERVICE



I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized

representatives.



 By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 Brian Berlinger,

 Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

 v

 MTT Docket No. 26-002885

 Township Of Clay,

 Respondent.



 ORDER OF DEFAULT



 The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that:



 Petitioner did not submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (i.e., notice of

 action taken by Board of Review, uncapping notice, PRE denial notice, final assessment

 notice, etc.), as required by TTR 279. As such, Petitioner must submit the notice within

 14 days of the entry of this order.



 Therefore,



 IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner is HELD IN DEFAULT.



 IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the defaulted party shall cure the default, as indicated

 above, within 14 days of the entry of this order.2



 Failure to comply with this order will result in the defaulted party being required to file a

 motion to set aside the default (with appropriate filing fee).



 By: /s/ Patricia L. Halm



 Entered: September 25, 2026



 2 “A submission by mail is considered filed on the date indicated by the United States Postal Service

 postmark on the envelope containing the submission. A submission without a postmark or with an illegible

 postmark is considered filed on the date the submission is received by the tribunal. A submission by

 commercial delivery service is considered filed on the date the submission is given to the commercial

 service for delivery to the tribunal as indicated by the receipt date on the package containing the

 submission. A submission by personal service is considered filed on the date the submission is received.

 A submission through the tribunal’s e-filing system by 11:59 p.m. on a business day is considered filed on

 that business day. A submission by email to the email address designated by the tribunal by 11:59 p.m.

 on a business day is considered filed on that business day. A submission on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a

 holiday is considered filed on the following business day, as provided by section 35a of the tax tribunal

 act, MCL 205.735a.” TTR 225(5).



 MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

 PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Page 4

MTT Docket No. 26-002885

Page 2 of 2



 PROOF OF SERVICE



I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized

representatives.



 By: Tribunal Clerk

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Exhibit A Detailed Reason for Appeal.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

Page 1

Exhibit A:



Detailed reason for appeal:



The petitioners purchased their home in July 2025 for $530,000. We are appealing the 2026

assessed and taxable values of $327,200 established by the Clay Township Michigan Board of

Review, which reflect an unreasonable assumed true cash value of $654,400. Petitioners have

supported their position with an independent appraisal and significant data and documents.

The Township’s assessment is based on incorrect data and grossly inaccurate market

assumptions.



In July of 2025, the petitioners paid $530,000 in an arms-length transaction that fairly

represented the true cash value of the home. If the SEV was adjusted to 50% of the true fair

market value, the uncapped taxable value of $265,000 would have been a substantial increase

over the prior owner’s taxable value of $229,500. The local assessor, however, increased it to

$320,800, representing a 21% increase over the true cash value of the home. (See Exhibit B).



In March 2026, the petitioners’ realtor, acting on petitioners’ behalf, submitted form L-4035

with a comprehensive list of comparable homes from April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2025 to

the Clay Township Board of review. Her analysis recommended a true cash value of $492,200

with a 50% taxable value of $246,000 (See Exhibit C). The analysis was thorough and

professional. The analysis used homes of similar square footage which also included some two-

story homes. A member of the Board of Review argued that only ranch homes should’ve been

used and refused to consider the recommendation. The same day, the petitioner’s agent

provided the Board with a list of ranch homes that clearly established the Township’s valuation

was improperly inflated. (See Exhibit D). The local assessor provided its own list of comparables

(See Exhibit E), but none of them substantiated a $641,600 market value for the property.



Despite this clear evidence, the Township not only did not reduce the assessment, it instead,

sent the petitioners an even higher assessment of $327,200 (See Exhibit F), indicating that the

covered boat hoist was not included in the property card. However, the property card

information sent from the township also included a picture of the covered boat hoist taken in

2003, some 23 years ago. The Township’s assessed true cash value of $654,400 is a 23.5%

increase in value in just six (6) months from the petitioners’ purchase of the home.



Also attached is a trend analysis of the property SEV values from 2017 to 2026 with percentage

increases and purchase prices (See Exhibit G).



Independent Appraisal:



In July 2026, the petitioners hired an independent certified appraisal company, (Schnoor Real

Estate Services LLC), to complete an appraisal and comprehensive neighborhood market



Berlinger/New Exhibit A paragraph [redline][07282026]

Page 2

analysis. Schnoor appraised the True Cash Market value of the home at $550,000. A copy of the

appraisal is attached (see Exhibit H). The Schnoor appraiser came to the house and personally

measured the true square footage of the home and found it to be 1,984 sq ft, instead of the

township’s property card record of 2,124. The appraiser inspected all of the features of the

home as well as the detrimental deferred maintenance issues. The independent appraiser’s true

cash market value is much closer to our purchase price than the excessive taxable value from

the township. At 50% of the Schnoor appraiser’s True Cash Value, the Taxable Value and SEV

would be $275,000.



Detailed home information provided to Board of Review in March:



In addition to the market analysis provided to the Board of Review, the petitioners’ agent also

helped us submit a form L-4035 to show valuation discrepancies on the property. The square

footage of a home and the lot are not the only items that affect market value. (See Exhibit I).



The townships valuation fails to account for deferred maintenance present at the time of

uncapping; the roof was 22 years old, the boiler 22 years old, air-conditioner 22 years old, all at

or exceeding useful life. The petitioners have already installed a new roof ($25,400 in 2026). The

cement driveway is cracked and broken. The home, originally built in 1960, has significant brick

spalling around the perimeter. In addition, the crawl space has a wood structural beam versus

steel. The layout has two bedrooms, two baths with a den versus 3 bedrooms like most of the

comparables.



Home values in this canal subdivision, and any waterways, are also affected by the proximity or

distance from the river/lake. The subject home’s location is over a mile away from the river/lake

entrance. This distance requires a commute time of 45 minutes just to travel at no-wake speed

to and from the St. Clair River’s North Channel. In contrast, some homes on other streets, such

as Flamingo, Riverside, Parklane, etc. have just a few minutes commute time. For this reason,

homes on those streets with easy access to the river are more highly desired and therefore their

sale prices are impacted.



The Board of Review refused to reduce the assessed value for any issues our petition addressed.



Conclusion:



We respectfully request that the Tribunal correct the township’s unsupported Taxable Value of

$327,400 and revise the State Equalized Value and Taxable Value to $275,000, reflecting a lawful

50% of the property’s actual True Cash Value developed by the certified independent appraiser

(Schnoor Real Estate Services, LLC).



Brian & Denise Berlinger



Berlinger/New Exhibit A paragraph [redline][07282026]

Page 3

Exhibits:



Exhibit A - This letter detailing the reason for the appeal



Exhibit B – Letter from the township on Tax Year 2016 – Assessment



Exhibit C – Form L-4035 Market Value Analysis taken to Board of Review



Exhibit D – Market Value Analysis of “Ranches Only” sent to township



Exhibit E – List of comparables sent from township



Exhibit F – Board of Review Decision



Exhibit G – Trend of SEV Values from 2017 – 2026



Exhibit H – Independent Schnoor Real

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

scpetition_valuation.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM

 VALUATION / UNCAPPING APPEAL



 MTT DOCKET NO.



 Petitioner’s Contact Information:

 Filer Type: Local Unit of Government:

 Individual



 First Name M.I. Last Name

 Brian Berlinger



 Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

 7213 Cardinal



 City or Town State ZIP Code

 Clay Michigan 48001



 Telephone Number

 317-385-0546



 E-mail Address

 bdberlin@comcast.net



 Subject Property Information:

 How many parcels are you appealing? If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining?

 1 *If no, you must file separate appeals for each parcel



 N/A

 Property Address (No., Street)

 7213 Cardinal



 City or Town County State ZIP Code

 Clay Twp Saint Clair Michigan 48001



 Taxing Authority (City or Township)

 Township Of Clay (SAINT CLAIR)



 Check which of the following you are appealing: (check all that apply)



 True Cash and Taxable Values



 Please Explain the Reason for this Appeal:



 1 of 3

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 The subject property is assessed in-excess of 50% of its True Cash Value. Petitioner’s appeal the 2026 Tax Year, True Cash, Assessed, and Taxable Values for 7213

 Cardinal following a July 2025 ownership uncapping. The Board of Review’s implied market value of $654,400 is excessively overstated compared to true cash

 market value indicated in the arm’s length transaction purchase price of $530,000. As detailed in the attached statement (Exhibit A), and an independent certified

 appraisal (Schnoor Real Estate Services, LLC), (Exhibit H). The petitioners request the 2026 True Cash Value be set to $550,000, (supported by appraisal), reducing

 the assessed/taxable value SEV to $275,000. Please refer to the attached (Exhibit A) for a full statement of reasons, appraisal information, and other supporting

 evidence.



 Jurisdictional Issues:

 Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review? Yes



 If Yes, check which Board of Review you attended: March



 If No, please check the applicable reason(s):



 Year(s) Under Appeal:

 2025 and 2026



 Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal:

 Parcel Number:

 74-14-199-0007-000



 Classification of Property: Real (check one)



 Residential (check one)



 Current Assessed Value as established by the Board of Review:

 327200



 Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

 327200



 What do you believe is the fair market value?

 550000



 Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value.

 275000



 If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

 275000



 2 of 3

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

 Petitioner’s Signature:



 /s/ Brian Berlinger



 Attorney or Authorized Agent’s Signature:



 /s/



 Fee Information:



 If you do not have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% at the time of the filing of this petition, you are required to pay a filing fee for

 the filing of this appeal.



 The filing fee is based on the greater of State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel

 with the highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each

 additional parcel being appealed.



 Property tax appeal: Residential** Non-Residential

 SEV or TV in contention* Filing fee*** Filing Fee**

 $100,000 or less...........................................................................................$ 125.00 $250.00

 $100,000.01 to $500,000.00.........................................................................$ 200.00 N/A

 More than $500,000…..................................................................................$ 300.00 N/A



 Does the subject property have a principal residence exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition?

 Yes



 3 of 3

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

SC_Notice_of_Docket_Number.2026-09-25_06-27-00.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 Brian Berlinger,

 Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

 v

 MTT Docket No. 26-002885

 Township Of Clay,

 Respondent.



 NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER



 TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket

 number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does

 not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies

 with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents

 submitted in this case.



 Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a

 copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our

 website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer

 form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the

 placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic

 copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the

 Tribunal’s website.



 By: Tribunal Clerk

 Entered: September 25, 2026



 PROOF OF SERVICE



 I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the

 parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing

 or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized

 representatives.



 By: Tribunal Clerk



 MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

 PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 Brian Berlinger,

 Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

 v

 MTT Docket No. 26-002885

 Township Of Clay,

 Respondent.



 NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER



 TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket

 number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does

 not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies

 with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents

 submitted in this case.



 Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a

 copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our

 website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer

 form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the

 placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic

 copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the

 Tribunal’s website.



 By: Tribunal Clerk

 Entered: September 25, 2026



 PROOF OF SERVICE



 I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the

 parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing

 or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized

 representatives.



 By: Tribunal Clerk



 MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

 PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Exhibit A Detailed Reason for Appeal.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

Page 1

Exhibit A:



Detailed reason for appeal:



The petitioners purchased their home in July 2025 for $530,000. We are appealing the 2026

assessed and taxable values of $327,200 established by the Clay Township Michigan Board of

Review, which reflect an unreasonable assumed true cash value of $654,400. Petitioners have

supported their position with an independent appraisal and significant data and documents.

The Township’s assessment is based on incorrect data and grossly inaccurate market

assumptions.



In July of 2025, the petitioners paid $530,000 in an arms-length transaction that fairly

represented the true cash value of the home. If the SEV was adjusted to 50% of the true fair

market value, the uncapped taxable value of $265,000 would have been a substantial increase

over the prior owner’s taxable value of $229,500. The local assessor, however, increased it to

$320,800, representing a 21% increase over the true cash value of the home. (See Exhibit B).



In March 2026, the petitioners’ realtor, acting on petitioners’ behalf, submitted form L-4035

with a comprehensive list of comparable homes from April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2025 to

the Clay Township Board of review. Her analysis recommended a true cash value of $492,200

with a 50% taxable value of $246,000 (See Exhibit C). The analysis was thorough and

professional. The analysis used homes of similar square footage which also included some two-

story homes. A member of the Board of Review argued that only ranch homes should’ve been

used and refused to consider the recommendation. The same day, the petitioner’s agent

provided the Board with a list of ranch homes that clearly established the Township’s valuation

was improperly inflated. (See Exhibit D). The local assessor provided its own list of comparables

(See Exhibit E), but none of them substantiated a $641,600 market value for the property.



Despite this clear evidence, the Township not only did not reduce the assessment, it instead,

sent the petitioners an even higher assessment of $327,200 (See Exhibit F), indicating that the

covered boat hoist was not included in the property card. However, the property card

information sent from the township also included a picture of the covered boat hoist taken in

2003, some 23 years ago. The Township’s assessed true cash value of $654,400 is a 23.5%

increase in value in just six (6) months from the petitioners’ purchase of the home.



Also attached is a trend analysis of the property SEV values from 2017 to 2026 with percentage

increases and purchase prices (See Exhibit G).



Independent Appraisal:



In July 2026, the petitioners hired an independent certified appraisal company, (Schnoor Real

Estate Services LLC), to complete an appraisal and comprehensive neighborhood market



Berlinger/New Exhibit A paragraph [redline][07282026]

Page 2

analysis. Schnoor appraised the True Cash Market value of the home at $550,000. A copy of the

appraisal is attached (see Exhibit H). The Schnoor appraiser came to the house and personally

measured the true square footage of the home and found it to be 1,984 sq ft, instead of the

township’s property card record of 2,124. The appraiser inspected all of the features of the

home as well as the detrimental deferred maintenance issues. The independent appraiser’s true

cash market value is much closer to our purchase price than the excessive taxable value from

the township. At 50% of the Schnoor appraiser’s True Cash Value, the Taxable Value and SEV

would be $275,000.



Detailed home information provided to Board of Review in March:



In addition to the market analysis provided to the Board of Review, the petitioners’ agent also

helped us submit a form L-4035 to show valuation discrepancies on the property. The square

footage of a home and the lot are not the only items that affect market value. (See Exhibit I).



The townships valuation fails to account for deferred maintenance present at the time of

uncapping; the roof was 22 years old, the boiler 22 years old, air-conditioner 22 years old, all at

or exceeding useful life. The petitioners have already installed a new roof ($25,400 in 2026). The

cement driveway is cracked and broken. The home, originally built in 1960, has significant brick

spalling around the perimeter. In addition, the crawl space has a wood structural beam versus

steel. The layout has two bedrooms, two baths with a den versus 3 bedrooms like most of the

comparables.



Home values in this canal subdivision, and any waterways, are also affected by the proximity or

distance from the river/lake. The subject home’s location is over a mile away from the river/lake

entrance. This distance requires a commute time of 45 minutes just to travel at no-wake speed

to and from the St. Clair River’s North Channel. In contrast, some homes on other streets, such

as Flamingo, Riverside, Parklane, etc. have just a few minutes commute time. For this reason,

homes on those streets with easy access to the river are more highly desired and therefore their

sale prices are impacted.



The Board of Review refused to reduce the assessed value for any issues our petition addressed.



Conclusion:



We respectfully request that the Tribunal correct the township’s unsupported Taxable Value of

$327,400 and revise the State Equalized Value and Taxable Value to $275,000, reflecting a lawful

50% of the property’s actual True Cash Value developed by the certified independent appraiser

(Schnoor Real Estate Services, LLC).



Brian & Denise Berlinger



Berlinger/New Exhibit A paragraph [redline][07282026]

Page 3

Exhibits:



Exhibit A - This letter detailing the reason for the appeal



Exhibit B – Letter from the township on Tax Year 2016 – Assessment



Exhibit C – Form L-4035 Market Value Analysis taken to Board of Review



Exhibit D – Market Value Analysis of “Ranches Only” sent to township



Exhibit E – List of comparables sent from township



Exhibit F – Board of Review Decision



Exhibit G – Trend of SEV Values from 2017 – 2026



Exhibit H – Independent Schnoor Real

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

scpetition_valuation.pdfRead complete document text →
Read document text excerpt

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM

 VALUATION / UNCAPPING APPEAL



 MTT DOCKET NO.



 Petitioner’s Contact Information:

 Filer Type: Local Unit of Government:

 Individual



 First Name M.I. Last Name

 Brian Berlinger



 Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

 7213 Cardinal



 City or Town State ZIP Code

 Clay Michigan 48001



 Telephone Number

 317-385-0546



 E-mail Address

 bdberlin@comcast.net



 Subject Property Information:

 How many parcels are you appealing? If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining?

 1 *If no, you must file separate appeals for each parcel



 N/A

 Property Address (No., Street)

 7213 Cardinal



 City or Town County State ZIP Code

 Clay Twp Saint Clair Michigan 48001



 Taxing Authority (City or Township)

 Township Of Clay (SAINT CLAIR)



 Check which of the following you are appealing: (check all that apply)



 True Cash and Taxable Values



 Please Explain the Reason for this Appeal:



 1 of 3

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 The subject property is assessed in-excess of 50% of its True Cash Value. Petitioner’s appeal the 2026 Tax Year, True Cash, Assessed, and Taxable Values for 7213

 Cardinal following a July 2025 ownership uncapping. The Board of Review’s implied market value of $654,400 is excessively overstated compared to true cash

 market value indicated in the arm’s length transaction purchase price of $530,000. As detailed in the attached statement (Exhibit A), and an independent certified

 appraisal (Schnoor Real Estate Services, LLC), (Exhibit H). The petitioners request the 2026 True Cash Value be set to $550,000, (supported by appraisal), reducing

 the assessed/taxable value SEV to $275,000. Please refer to the attached (Exhibit A) for a full statement of reasons, appraisal information, and other supporting

 evidence.



 Jurisdictional Issues:

 Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review? Yes



 If Yes, check which Board of Review you attended: March



 If No, please check the applicable reason(s):



 Year(s) Under Appeal:

 2025 and 2026



 Valuation Information for Each Parcel under Appeal:

 Parcel Number:

 74-14-199-0007-000



 Classification of Property: Real (check one)



 Residential (check one)



 Current Assessed Value as established by the Board of Review:

 327200



 Current Taxable Value as established by the Board of Review:

 327200



 What do you believe is the fair market value?

 550000



 Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value.

 275000



 If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

 275000



 2 of 3

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

 GOVERNOR LANSING DIRECTOR



 Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

 Petitioner’s Signature:



 /s/ Brian Berlinger



 Attorney or Authorized Agent’s Signature:



 /s/



 Fee Information:



 If you do not have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% at the time of the filing of this petition, you are required to pay a filing fee for

 the filing of this appeal.



 The filing fee is based on the greater of State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel

 with the highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each

 additional parcel being appealed.



 Property tax appeal: Residential** Non-Residential

 SEV or TV in contention* Filing fee*** Filing Fee**

 $100,000 or less...........................................................................................$ 125.00 $250.00

 $100,000.01 to $500,000.00.........................................................................$ 200.00 N/A

 More than $500,000…..................................................................................$ 300.00 N/A



 Does the subject property have a principal residence exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition?

 Yes



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