Independent Real Estate Appraisers

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Providing Fast, Accurate & Affordable Real Estate Appraisal Services in Austin, TX Since 2005.

Austin Property Tax Protest Appraisals

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There are many reasons for homeowners to protest their property taxes. From inaccurate county data, a decline in values within your market area, or simply due to the county property tax office raising taxes each year without cause. Unfortunately, despite whatever evidence you bring you are never on a level playing field when meeting with the county tax assessors. The exception is if you have in hand a professional Austin real estate appraisal that has been performed by a Texas licensed or certified real estate appraiser. The county appraiser CANNOT argue the value presented in an independently performed, professional appraisal – to do so would be considered “appraisal review” which requires the appraiser to follow strict USPAP guidelines (which they aren’t going to do).

If you live in Travis County or Williamson County then you are especially susceptible to over-taxation by the appraisal district. If you’ve paid attention to your real estate tax bill over the last few years, you may notice a trend of increased valuation of your property each year by as much as 10% on primary residences. This 10% is actually the most they are allowed to increase your real estate taxes if a property has a homestead exemption. These increases are evident even in market areas that have clearly declined over the last few years. It is for this very reason that it is imperative for all Travis and Williamson county homeowners to protest their tax bill at least every three years. The results of a lowered assessed value can be felt for many years AFTER a successful tax appeal due to the fact that they can only go up 10% MAX every year.

Let’s look at an example: Say your home is assessed by the county appraisal district at $250,000 in 2009. If you appealed the tax valuation and had the value lowered to $225,000 AND the property has a homestead exemption, then in 2010 the assessed value could be raised to $247,500 at MOST. And that is using the max percentage, 10%, that the county is allowed to increase your property values by. Had you not protested in 2009 year, your 2010 value could have very well been $275,000. So in actuality, you save a good deal of money for years to come just be protest the value down to $225k in 2009. It’s for this reason that we recommend everyone protest at least every three years!

An Austin tax dispute appraisal is performed a little differently than a standard appraisal and requires that the appraisal report be written by an appraiser that is experienced with such types of assignments. For example, an experienced tax appeal appraiser knows that the appraisal must be retrospective to Jan. 1st of the year in protest. In other words, the appraisal will be what the value of the home was on January 1st of the protest year, not the current value. Secondly, an experienced appraiser knows how to indicate declining trends and other market statistics that prove a weakening real estate market within an area. Appraisers also know the “lingo” and can use verbiage that would be otherwise foreign to an average person. Another unknown caveat is that most counties require the appraisal to be printed, signed and notarized before being shown as evidence. These are just some of the important aspects of tax protests that you and your appraiser must know to present a compelling case.

When appearing at an informal or formal tax protest hearing, the first thing the county appraiser or appraisal board will ask you is, “Do You Have an Appraisal?”

What Are Some Common Reasons for Protesting Property Taxes?

  • General decline in values
  • Above average number of foreclosures in the Market Area
  • Above average Days on Market for real estate listings
  • Incorrect county data such as square footage of the home
  • External influences that may affect values such as a busy roads or rezoning
  • Interim construction, renovations or other work that is incomplete
  • And more

Our appraisers have performed hundreds of tax protests appraisals over the years across numerous Texas counties. Currently specialize in Travis County Tax Protest Appraisals and Williamson County Tax Protest Appraisals.

Fast & Accurate Real Estate Valuations

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CUSTOMER REVIEWS OF OUR

Austin Property Appraisal Company

We stand behind our work and our customers have nothing but great things to say. Here are a few examples:

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Real Estate Appraisals Austin
4.8
Based on 45 reviews
Ed came out on short notice to measure a new home I was in the process of purchasing. He was professional and honest in his work. I found him online and it was not through my lender. I wanted an independent appraiser since the lender was connected to my builder. Definitely will use him again if I ever needed to. I was a first time home buyer and he was fair to me and helpful. Thank Ed!
Jennifer Nguyen
Jennifer Nguyen
The realtor that came out was very professional and thorough. I would recommend this service.
Nancy Crow
Nancy Crow
This company is contracted to my mortgage company for market appraisals to remove PMI. They contacted me right away and had the whole thing turned around in less than a week. Appreciate the speed and the quality of the service and would definitely recommend.
Jeanna Kozak
Jeanna Kozak
I was able to schedule an appraisal just two days after contacting the company. Likely this was a fluke, but it worked well for me! Our appraiser was a bit late, but that was the fault of the previous appointment. Once he arrived, he listened to everything we pointed out. Our appraisal was fair for our neighborhood we thought and the report arrived about 8 days after the appointment. We are happy and will recommend Real Estate Appraisals Austin to any others we know.
Leah L
Leah L
We used Real Estate Appraisals Austin and found them to be very professional, accommodating and efficient. Their work product was thorough and very well presented. We would definitely recommend them and would use them again.
Calvin Porter
Calvin Porter
I recently had a rental appraisal of my property. The appraiser showed up on time and did a thorough analysis. The report took a week, but it was very thorough. I am very happy with the appraiser and the report.
Karthik Manamcheri
Karthik Manamcheri
We recently used Real Estate Appraisals Austin to appraise a property we have owned over 15 years and have had multiple offers to sell. Michelle was very helpful and professional in coordinating with our property manager. She responds very quickly to calls or emails. Edward did a thorough appraisal and took the time to call and discuss details. I definitely would recommend this company to anyone considering an appraisal in Austin. The price was very reasonable, I felt, for the value we received.
Lorrie Coles
Lorrie Coles

FAQ About Our Austin Real Estate Appraisal Services

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Austin Neighborhoods We Appraise

We provide real estate appraisals and related services to the following cities, towns and communities across the Austin metro area. We cover a large portion of Central Texas - if you don't see your area below, please call to confirm with one of our friendly staff.

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Anderson Mill | Bee Cave | Briafclif | Brushy Creek | Buda | Cedar Park | Creedmoor | Del Valle | Elgin | Georgetown | Hays | Hutto | Jollyville |
Jonestown | Kyle | Lago Vista | Lakeway | Leander | Manor | Mustang Ridge | Pflugerville | Point Venture | Rollingwood | Round Rock |
San Leanna | Shady Hollow | Sunset Valley | Webberville | Wells Branch | West Lake Hills