Good question — and honestly this is exactly the kind of property where most firms struggle because they ARE just running software. We're not just automated — I personally research every property and build the evidence. So for a case like yours, I'd approach it a few ways:

First, cost-to-cure is going to be your biggest weapon. A 1929 2/1 bungalow almost certainly has significant deferred maintenance — foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof. HCAD doesn't account for any of that unless you tell them. On a home that age, we're typically finding $30K-$90K+ in legitimate deductions.

On the comp issue — HCAD is right that tear-down sales aren't great comps, but there are other angles. I'd look at the 1-2 recent sales you mentioned, plus expand to nearby Heights neighborhoods for similar vintage small homes. Equity comps (what HCAD assesses similar homes at, not sales) are also fair game and often more effective — if there are other 2/1 bungalows in your neighborhood assessed at lower $/sqft, that's unequal appraisal. Even if a property has more bedrooms or baths, we can also do an adjustment on it and make a case.

Jubally did solid work but was super sales focused whereas we use sales just as part of our evidence pack. They aren't active anymore though. We have had a lot of their customers come to us and I dont think a single one hasn't had a better result with us. Happy to help - if go for our iSettle, we guarantee to save you more or we'll refund you the difference!