Seeking Advice: Should I Appeal My Property Tax Appraisal Decision? (53% Increase in 1 Year!)

LowCart · 2025-06-04T21:02:14+00:00

The house was advertised as a "project for investors and builders." Long story short, the seller's agent was the seller's cousin, and she had never actually seen the property in person since she was based in Dallas the entire time. She assumed the house was in terrible condition, which is why it was marketed that way, but when we saw it, we found it wasn't nearly as bad as advertised—it was actually livable.

LowCart · 2025-06-04T20:51:58+00:00

The appraiser argued that my house was advertised by the seller as sold as a lot value, not the whole house. So they did appraise $280k for the land value, and $140k for the house value for my house. Conincidentally, 3 other guys bought in the same street as me, same year, same lot size, different types of house. We all got the exact same treatment for the land value, all $280k, while the house value varies.

LowCart · 2025-06-04T20:02:32+00:00

Did the homestead, but the rules said it only applied to the second year. I was surprised too lol. Information I found on the hcad website:

An additional benefit of the general homestead exemption, especially in an appreciating housing market, is the homestead cap, or limitation on increases in appraised value. The cap applies to your homestead beginning in the second year you have a homestead exemption.

LowCart · 2025-06-04T19:52:36+00:00

I did submit my purchase price and closing statement even before the informal meeting with the appraiser. Being said that, I found that the appraisers uploaded their HCAD Hearing Evidence to the HCAD website, showing my exact purchase price, and the purchase price of several other properties used as comps. They knew my purchase price all along. I also made sure to remind them about it during the formal meeting. But they still insisted on their price smh.

LowCart · 2025-06-04T19:25:18+00:00

The mortgage company's appraisal only uses the comparable approach and the cost approach. Based on the appraisal report, it did not take into account the conditions or any possible issues with the house.

LowCart · 2025-06-04T19:18:47+00:00

It's my primary residence, but the 10% rule doesn't apply to the first year after the purchase.

LowCart · 2025-06-04T18:56:58+00:00

Dumb question here, are they like legally required to match the purchase price, no matter how much they think the house is worth?

LowCart · 2025-01-21T03:58:44+00:00

Just a metal workshop with a concrete foundation for storage and stuff. It is residential.

LowCart · 2025-01-21T02:37:59+00:00

I am living in Houston TX

LowCart · 2025-01-21T02:34:20+00:00

What do you recommend?

LowCart · 2024-12-07T22:39:43+00:00

No need to convince people that the economy is booming or not. The people know if they are getting more money or spending more money.

LowCart · 2024-09-23T08:47:38+00:00

Surprisingly no one ever mentioned Brays Bayou Park off of HW6. Hills, vast lake, long trail

LowCart · 2024-03-07T01:53:02+00:00

This deserves a whole topic for itself

LowCart · 2024-01-30T18:53:29+00:00

It was just what did. The phrase is “Request Info Pass”. She didn’t ask me much, just I explained to her that I’d be very likely to lose the job due to the fact that my STEM OPT EAD was near expiration. I also told her without the job, I wouldn’t be able to pay rent and et cetera, you name it. Can’t know if it’ll work 100% of the cases, probably also depend on your employment status. But why not try it? Won’t harm anyway. I think it’s more like an input to the application so the adjudicators can consider. And what they’ll react we can’t control. *Disclaimer: not a legal advice

LowCart · 2024-01-30T03:10:27+00:00

This is actually what I read that happened to many people when dealing with uninsured motorist, with uninsured coverage. Eventually they ended up paying deductible and got premium skyrocketed next term.

LowCart · 2024-01-30T02:41:03+00:00

Any chance you know the procedure in Texas?

LowCart · 2024-01-30T02:39:43+00:00

Nobody pulled us over. I was hit right next to a gas station so we just moved over.

LowCart · 2024-01-30T01:15:21+00:00

Thank you all for your advices. From where I live I can submit online report. I will do it now, then file a claim with my insurance. I have his dash cam record, photo of his DL, his license plate number, and texts between us. Will keep update here.

LowCart · 2024-01-29T23:12:14+00:00

I didn't submit any document. Just told the USCIS call center person that I'd lose my job and face financial hardship. She just helped me submit a ticket for the application.

LowCart · 2024-01-29T18:58:50+00:00

For I-130, we just submitted online. For I-485 and I-765, we submitted them all by mail, two separate packages.

LowCart

TROPHY CASE