Squaredeal - DIY Property tax protest

?? 2025 Rockwall county property values are out! ~50% of homes saw an increase from last year, especially in 75087, 75032, and 75189. ?? How did your home fare? Check here: Rockwall CAD Property Search https://lnkd.in/dBGwNBfR ?? Whether your value went up or not, consider filing a protest if: ?? Your property has repair issues that reduce its market value e.g, cracks in foundation, roof damage, mold infestation et.al. ?? Similar homes in your neighborhood sold for less than your appraised value. Check with your friendly neighborhood realtor. ?? Your property was appraised unequally compared to others. ?? Unequal appraisal? Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dVJQP5Pc

Here is a step-by-step guide to protesting your appraised value in Harris county: https://lnkd.in/dki5CSac

?? Attention Harris County Homeowners! ?? Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) has published the 2025 preliminary property values! ?? ?? Check your updated appraisal here: https://lnkd.in/dXZiSUMX If your home’s value has increased, your property taxes might too. The good news? You have the right to protest your valuation and potentially lower your tax bill. ?? Most homeowners who file a protest get a reduction.

Beware of "Homestead designation services" or "Homestead recording services". The mailers look official. But they are not! Don't fall for these deceptive tactics. Applying for your homestead exemption is FREE! Don't pay anyone for it.

New Homeowner in Harris County? Your First-Year Property Tax Protest is Easy! ???? If you bought a home in Harris County last year, your property value notice should arrive in early April. Here’s what to do: ? If the appraised value is LESS than what you paid → Do nothing! Enjoy the lower value (and lower taxes) this year. ? If the appraised value is MORE than what you paid → File a protest on HCAD’s iFile system. It’s a simple DIY process! ?? How to Protest: In iFile, under "Reasons for Protest," check "Value is over market value or otherwise incorrect." In the "Sale Information" section, enter your closing price and date. Upload your closing statement as evidence. ?? What Happens Next? In most cases, HCAD will match your closing price—saving you money on property taxes. You can accept the price in iSettle and conclude your protest. Need more guidance? There are plenty of YouTube videos that walk you through iFile step by step. Tag a new homeowner who needs to see this! ????

Fort Bend County homeowners may take note:

Why You Should Disclose Your Home Sale Price in Texas ???? If you're a Texas homeowner, you’ve probably noticed that home sale prices are not public record. Texas is a non-disclosure state, meaning you're not required to report your sale price—but should you? ? Yes, and here’s why it benefits you: 1?? Avoid inflated appraisals – Appraisal districts estimate values without full sales data. Your disclosed price can prevent overvaluation. 2?? Strengthen your tax protest – CADs buy MLS data to justify values, but homeowners don’t have easy access. If more homeowners disclosed sale prices, protests would be easier and more effective. 3?? Save taxpayer dollars – Appraisal districts spend tax money to purchase third-party sales data. Voluntary disclosures reduce this cost. 4?? Skip the first-year protest – If your sale price is documented, your appraisal may reflect it, eliminating the need for an immediate appeal. Many homeowners fear disclosure will increase their taxes, but appraisal districts already buy this data—so why not ensure accuracy and fairness for everyone? Would you consider disclosing your sale price to help fix the system?

Why You Should Disclose Your Home Sale Price in Texas ???? If you're a Texas homeowner, you’ve probably noticed that home sale prices are not public record. Texas is a non-disclosure state, meaning you're not required to report your sale price—but should you? ? Yes, and here’s why it benefits you: 1?? Avoid inflated appraisals – Appraisal districts estimate values without full sales data. Your disclosed price can prevent overvaluation. 2?? Strengthen your tax protest – CADs buy MLS data to justify values, but homeowners don’t have easy access. If more homeowners disclosed sale prices, protests would be easier and more effective. 3?? Save taxpayer dollars – Appraisal districts spend tax money to purchase third-party sales data. Voluntary disclosures reduce this cost. 4?? Skip the first-year protest – If your sale price is documented, your appraisal may reflect it, eliminating the need for an immediate appeal. Many homeowners fear disclosure will increase their taxes, but appraisal districts already buy this data—so why not ensure accuracy and fairness for everyone? Would you consider disclosing your sale price to help fix the system?

"2,593 homeowners will lose their homestead exemptions." Well, the question is - did they deserve to keep the homestead exemption? ?? This is the reason Texas law now required homestead exemption be renewed every 5 years. https://lnkd.in/d8ZYJxwq

"2,593 homeowners will lose their homestead exemptions." Well, the question is - did they deserve to keep the homestead exemption? ?? This is the reason Texas law now required homestead exemption be renewed every 5 years. https://lnkd.in/d8ZYJxwq