Get Inside the Mind of a Property Appraiser

Ever wonder why some property tax protests succeed while others fail? The difference often comes down to understanding exactly what Appraisers are looking for when evaluating your protest.

Before diving into specifics, it's important to understand the perspective of property appraisers:

Appraisers respond to clear, logical arguments based on specific facts.

Pro tip: For each piece of evidence, explicitly state how it affects your property's market value with a specific dollar amount or percentage adjustment.

The way you present your evidence can be almost as important as the evidence itself.

Pro tip: Create a cover page with your property information, account number, and a bulleted summary of your main arguments and evidence.

Nothing influences an appraiser more than well-selected comparable properties. HCAD appraisers are specifically trained to evaluate property on a comparative basis.

Pro tip: Present your comparable properties in a clear table showing address, sale date, square footage, price per square foot, and key features. Include a map showing their location relative to your property.

Property issues (aka condition issues) can significantly impact your property's market value, but only if properly documented.

Pro tip: Create a condition report that pairs photos with professional repair estimates, showing both the issue and the cost to remedy it.