Take Our 2008 Property Tax Protest Survey!
We are conducting a new survey to educate legislators regarding problems with the property tax appeal process. You can help by taking 2 minutes to complete this survey. You will receive FREE tips on how to appeal your property taxes. Click here to take our survey.

Tips on Market Value Appeal
The countdown to May 31 - the last day Texas homeowners can submit an appeal to protest their property taxes - is growing closer by the minute. Each year, Texas homeowners pay a collective total in the millions on their property taxes. Yet, there is a 70% chance of lowering taxes when an owner appeals the assessment!

Comparable sales are the cornerstone of a market value appeal for a home. The exception may be a new house where cost is an important factor. Sources of comparable sales data can be found in the House Bill 201 package obtained from the appraisal district and MLS sites.

By definition, a property's market value is the price for which it would sell when both buyer and seller want the best price and neither one is under pressure to buy or sell. To develop a market value appeal consider the following factors:

• New-home discounts - Recently purchased homes in subdivisions where builders are active, or near subdivisions where builders are still active, often sell for 5% to 15% less than their initial purchase price. Researching data for recently sold homes sold by the initial owner (versus the builder) will document this discount.
  
  
• Livable versus sellable - When preparing to sell a home, homeowners will be advised by their realtors to perform cosmetic upgrades. If your home has deferred maintenance problems (rotten wood, foundation problems, ect.) these would be important factors to document when preparing for your property tax appeal hearing.
  
  
• Livable versus sellable for a two-year-old home - A discount may be appropriate for the cost to prepare a home for sale and for the differential for new homes versus slightly used homes (in areas where builders are still active).

Click here for FREE useful information to reduce your property taxes

Questions?
E-mail O'Connor & Associates, or call 1-800-856-REAL.


» Hire O'Connor & Associates to reduce your property taxes. You pay NOTHING unless we save you money!


Please send me periodic tips on reducing my taxes.

Property Tax Tips

• Protest every year, and use all steps in appeal process when necessary



• Protest both market value and unequal appraisal



• Obtain data to prepare for hearing



• Be aggressive; demand results

About O'Connor & Associates

As Texas' largest property tax consulting firm, O'Connor & Associates has the expertise and the manpower to help you lower your property taxes. In 2007 O'Connor & Associates reduced our Harris County clients' assessed value in 75% of residential protests and 80% of commercial protests.

Hire O'Connor & Associates to appeal your property taxes. You pay NOTHING unless we save you money!

Visit us today at www.cutmytaxes.com