We’re used to getting things done quickly. With a few clicks, we can shop, pay bills, manage accounts, and take care of tasks that once required much more time. But when it comes to finances, rushing through a decision isn’t always the best option. A second set of eyes can help catch errors, identify information that may have been overlooked, and offer a fresh perspective before an important decision is made.
Property taxes are a good example. In Texas, challenging a property’s appraised value takes more than a quick review of the tax bill. It requires research, supporting evidence, and a close look at the details that affect a property’s value.
At O’Connor, preparing a property tax appeal involves reviewing the property’s appraisal information, comparing it with similar properties, and collecting evidence to support the homeowner’s case. Property conditions can also play a role. Photos, repair estimates, and documentation of problems with the home can reveal details that appraisal district information may not show.
That preparation carries over to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing, where the evidence is presented to support the owner’s case. Every property is different, so the research needs to account for the details of that home.
Understanding how all this work fits together can give homeowners a better idea of what goes into an appeal and how O’Connor helps prepare a case.
Why Research and Evidence Matter
A property tax appeal needs facts and supporting evidence because a homeowner’s belief that their property is overvalued may not be enough to support a challenge. Reviewing appraisal district records and property details can help identify areas that deserve a closer look. If similar homes have lower appraised values or the property has conditions that affect its value, those details may help build a stronger case.
There are different types of evidence that can support an appeal, including photographs, repair estimates, property records, and sales information. Photographs can show physical problems with a home that may not appear in its appraisal records. Repair estimates can help show the cost of addressing those problems. Sales information can provide insight into how similar properties are valued.
Property owners can also check whether the appraisal district has the correct measurements and description of their home. Sometimes, records may not reflect certain problems with a property, such as a cracked foundation or plumbing issues. Photographs, repair estimates, and other documentation can help show these conditions and provide additional support for an appeal.
Homeowners can gather some of this information themselves, but reviewing the records and connecting the evidence to the property’s appraised value takes additional work. O’Connor’s consultants help bring everything together, including details about the property’s physical condition. In some markets, this also includes an in-person visit through O’Connor’s Concierge On-Site Experience.
How O’Connor’s Concierge Visits Help Document Property Conditions
A property’s appraisal records can tell you a lot about a home, but they don’t always show its full condition. Some issues are easier to spot in person than they are on paper. That’s where O’Connor’s Concierge service comes in.
Through its Concierge On-Site Experience, O’Connor provides personalized, in-person support to homeowners. A representative can visit the property, take photographs, and document physical conditions that may affect its value. This gives O’Connor additional information to consider when preparing a property tax appeal.
An in-person visit can also help identify details that may not appear in public records or appraisal district data, including deferred maintenance and structural concerns. O’Connor’s broader research can also take neighborhood factors and recent market activity into account when reviewing a property’s value.
The service gives homeowners an opportunity to speak with someone about their property and ask questions along the way. Each client has a dedicated Client Success Consultant who provides updates, answers questions, and offers support throughout the process.
Using Comparable Properties to Support Your Property Tax Appeal
One way to evaluate a property’s appraised value is to compare it with other homes in the area. These are known as comparable properties, or “comps.”
O’Connor reviews information from the appraisal district, including comparable sales and property assessments. The team also checks property details for accuracy. Location, size, age, and other features can help determine whether another home is a reasonable comparison.
For example, if a home has a higher appraised value than similar properties nearby, that difference may be worth examining. Recent sales of similar homes can also help provide a better picture of what a property may be worth. Not every home is identical, so differences between properties need to be considered when making comparisons.
This research can help O’Connor identify information that supports the homeowner’s position and determine which comparisons may be useful during a property tax protest.
Bringing the Research and Evidence to a Texas ARB Hearing
After reviewing property records, documenting conditions, and comparing similar properties, the next step is bringing that information together for the property tax hearing. Each piece of evidence helps explain why a property’s appraised value may deserve another look.
Preparing for a hearing can involve reviewing a substantial amount of information. According to O’Connor, a typical hearing evidence file may contain between 50 and 125 pages.
The Texas Comptroller’s Office, which provides guidance on Texas property tax procedures, recognizes that homeowners can present supporting documents at an ARB hearing to explain why they disagree with their property’s appraised value.
During the hearing, O’Connor’s consultants present the research and evidence to the ARB. The board reviews information from both the property owner and the appraisal district before making its decision.
What happens if the ARB’s decision doesn’t go the homeowner’s way? There may still be other options. Depending on the property and the circumstances, homeowners may be able to request binding arbitration, file an appeal in district court, or take their case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). O’Connor’s team can advise and assist clients with these next steps if further action is needed.
Putting the Pieces Together for a Stronger Appeal
A strong Texas property tax appeal takes research, preparation, and a close look at the details of each property. Reviewing appraisal records, documenting property conditions, and comparing similar homes can help build a case supported by facts and evidence.
O’Connor brings these pieces together to help homeowners challenge their property’s appraised value. From researching property details to preparing evidence for an ARB hearing, the team works to support each client’s case throughout the appeal process.
If you’re looking for help with your property taxes, O’Connor can help you take the next step. Enroll now to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What evidence can help with a Texas property tax appeal?
A: Photographs, repair estimates, property records, comparable sales, and information about similar properties can help support a property tax appeal. Evidence showing incorrect property details or physical problems with a home may also help explain why its appraised value should be reviewed.
Q: How does O’Connor prepare for a property tax appeal?
A: O’Connor reviews appraisal district records, checks property details, researches comparable properties, and gathers supporting evidence. In some markets, the process may also include an in-person property visit through the Concierge On-Site Experience.
Q: What are comparable properties in a property tax appeal?
A: Comparable properties, often called comps, are similar homes used to evaluate a property’s appraised value. Factors such as location, size, age, features, and recent sales can help determine whether two properties are reasonable comparisons.
Q: What happens at a Texas Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing?
A: At an ARB hearing, the property owner or their representative presents evidence explaining why they disagree with the property’s appraised value. The appraisal district can also present its information. The ARB reviews both sides before making a decision.
Q: Can I appeal my property taxes if I disagree with the ARB’s decision?
A: Yes. Depending on the property and eligibility requirements, homeowners may have options such as binding arbitration, an appeal in district court, or a hearing through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).
