Home address: 601 N 7Th St

2021 Taxable Value: $146,688

Recent Sales Price: $74,600 – Over-taxed by 97%

Harris County property investors far too often pay excess property taxes. A market value appeal is based on the assessor’s value exceeding the market value of your home. Property owners can appeal both market value and unequal appraisal. Woody Allen said “80% of success is showing up”.  The same is true of property taxes.  If you file an appeal and attend the hearing, your chance of reducing your property taxes is excellent.

Owners are sometimes reluctant to protest property taxes due to a concern their value might be raised.  This can’t and does not happen.  Since 2019, neither the appraisal district or the appraisal review board can increase a property tax assessment during a protest. Appraisal districts use mass appraisal to value property, basically a math model.  Overall results are OK.  However, many homes are too high or low. Appraisal districts usually settle appeals at the informal hearing since it costs less and takes fewer resources. Appraisal property taxes, yard work and HVAC check-ups are just a few of the responsibilities for homeowners.