Protesting Propery Appraisal Increases (sales, 2014, how much)

[SsnTktHldr]

I've enjoyed the discussion of all of our BCAD appraisals. It seems many of us, myself included, wish to contest our appraised values. I've never felt the need to contest it before, but this year was a steep increase. I'd love to get some input from people who have won or lost in this process and what was the deciding factor in the win or loss. I personally am filing my protest online but know I may eventually have to appear in person. What evidence did you present in your specific situation? Let's all use our combined knowledge and experience to help those of us who could use and would appreciate the help!

[Azure110]

Doesn't this belong in the "BCAD Appraisal" thread?

[need4speed2012]

How to Protest Your Property Taxes and Win

How to Protest Your Property Taxes and Win - Lifestyles Unlimited

[sshurgot]

I'd never file my protest on-line; I think it makes it too easy for them to win. I've protested many many times and always won. I've never had to go to a formal hearing, but I've been told it's a whole different league. I would always go to an informal hearing in person. Here's what works:

- pictures of anything that needs repairs, etc. in your house (deferred maintenance) and of anything that "looks bad" near you (a neighbor with a junk-yard in his front yard);

The following works very very well when you find evidence on your side:
- check on the BCAD website to see if there are nicer houses in your neighborhood that are appraiser for a lower value than yours;
- MLS sales data: how much are houses actually selling for in your neighborhood?

Obviously if houses sell for more per sqft than your house appraisal value, MLS data will be used against you. Same thing if BCAD has your house appraised lower per sqft than surrounding houses.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

[prim8]

How would we go about getting those MLS sales data if we aren't a Realtor?
Is there a charge?

[sshurgot]

Originally Posted by prim8

How would we go about getting those MLS sales data if we aren't a Realtor?
Is there a charge?

I don't know how long ago you bought your house, but you could see if the agent you worked with would help you. There are individuals and companies out there who go to the protest for you but they charge.

[Rustybolt]

Originally Posted by prim8

How would we go about getting those MLS sales data if we aren't a Realtor?
Is there a charge?

If you protest, BCAD provides you with a copy of sales in your immediate area upon which their proposed rates are based, as well as valuations for your neighbors homes.

[SAAggiemom]

They use the sales from 2013, not 2014. In my case they picked the three highest sales with no regard that one that they used had an inground pool & spa on an interior lot.
I had no pool and face 281.
I would suggest going your homework.
When will they tell you comps they are looking at? Can you find out in advance?
They only told me after I got there.

[sshurgot]

Originally Posted by SAAggiemom

When will they tell you comps they are looking at? Can you find out in advance?
They only told me after I got there.

You can request it when you send your form in. I did it once and it made them that much more unpleasant when I went. I'd rather not know and just be very well prepared in every other way.

A few years back, BCAD and MLS were "connected" but the powers that be put a stop to that so BCAD really has no way to find out how much properties actually sell for EXCEPT THAT after you purchase a house, they send you a form asking how much you paid. Most people probably fill it out and send them the information.

BCAD keeps every little piece of evidence people bring to the hearings; they scan and store everything electronically. (One of the guys I met with for my protest two years ago was nice enough to show me what they do, what type of information they have...scary.)

[suprlonghorn]

So it sounds like getting the appraisal lowered is a pretty tedious situation. We bought our home about 3 weeks ago and just saw that our appraisal jumped ~40K. We paid significantly less than the appraisal value for the house. The house itself is in a historical district and needs A LOT of work.

As a first timer, should I hire somebody to help with lowering the appraisal or does it sound like it should be pretty straight forward to get it done on my own? I'm considering doing it online since it would be a lot easier and less time consuming.

Thanks in advance!