With that said, you will need at least three com-parables in your area that are the identical “class” home as your home.
For example, on your taxing statement, you will see class 5 or 5+ or 6...that sort of thing.
Go out to HCAD or MCAD...whatever county you live and check all the lil details of your home. They will have pix of your home...even from the air (b@st@rd$).
Begin to put together a portfolio on your home. Anything not completed, not upgraded, damage and so forth...take lotsa pictures.
Drive by the homes you've chosen as com-parables. Take as many pix as you can w/o entering their property for risk of getting a bullet lodge in ya. Print out their info off of the HCAD/MCAD websites and place the pix you've taken with it. Place all your research in a binder or folder (I used a clear cover with a pic of my home), then make at least 3 copies of that same portfolio to hand out in case you have to go before the board.
Try to pick the most beautiful homes you can that are listed in your class. Then, try to document you home in a more negative light. Make sense?
Now you know why this whole process is a freakin circus?
You'll go down and sign in at the desk...make sure you arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your appt. But sign in. They'll pass ya over if ya don't and believe me, they don't give a rats patooka whether you make it or not.
They'll call your name, you will go back with one of their appraiser wannabe’s. You'll present your research and make your arguments as to why they shouldn't raise your rates to XXX amount. The rookie appraiser will either choose to bless you with something or he will blow you off.
At this time, you can either take what he/she gives ya or you can request to go before the board...this is a whole new ridiculous chapter in the process.
Now, if you go before the board, you'll have three or four people sitting in what looks like a board room (mine was elevated above the citizens) looking like they lord over you. To your side will be the chief appraiser...the prosecutor type fella.
The lords will have you raise you right hand and swear you in. (no joke). Then the chief appraiser will make a case to the lords why they should indeed raise your rates. He will use research and formulas YOU are not privy to. In fact, it will make no sense whatsoever.
You...the lil guy citizen will then be allowed a few minutes to present you research and make a case that is stronger than the fella sittin next to ya. They will either bless you with a knock off of the assessed value or they will foo foo you and send you away to bother them no longer.
I'm tellin ya, it's a damn joke...the whole process.
I love Texas for so many reasons...but this one, Texas has it all wrong.
Hope this helps. Ping me back if something is unclear.
Have a blessed day...heck, I sound a lil negative...maybe it's I that needs a lil blessin. lol
Yeah, it’s all a scam and we’re the scam-ees. So, I have to swear to be honest but I can’t make them swear to be honest with me, right?
Good to know about the class ratings. I’d forgotten about that.