As we enter our 21st year of existence we have reached over 1 billion dollars in reductions. This far exceeds any other grievance service in Suffolk County. In the mid 1990's an association was formed of approximately 25 grievance services on Long Island. There were many discussions held and opinions considered. It was a unanimous decision that companies that charged a upfront/flat fees had no incentive to obtain a larger reduction than their guarantee. At that time, for that reason, we altered our fees to a contingency basis as every other company did on Long Island. There are many new companies that are trying to enter our field due to our success. We warned homeowners last year that most of these new companies were charging upfront/flat fees. We now hear a rumor that one of these companies may be ready to close its doors. We are warning you again. Never pay any company upfront/flat fees. If a company charges a $399 flat fee and has a guarantee of obtaining a $399 reduction over the next 3 years, yet the homeowner is entitled to a $3,000 reduction; where is the incentive to obtain the largest reduction possible? They have met their guarantee, and their job is complete. My company fights for every dollar because every dollar we save, we earn fifty cents. The incentive obviously exists. We are the only company, to my knowledge that has received a Proclamation from the Suffolk County Legislature, NYS Assembly, and the Suffolk County Executive, Steve Levy, for the work we perform. When Suffolk County Executive Levy needed someone to train homeowners how to grieve taxes on their own, he contacted me to perform that service. I feel as if it is my civic responsibility to the community and I do it with pleasure. This has been ongoing for the past 10 years. Last year we received over 9,000 referrals from past clients and realtors throughout Suffolk County. This year it looks like we will break that record. I am proud of my organization and I am proud of my staff. Enough said! Mark Lewis |