Property Appraisal Protest Informal Hearing

[verybadgnome]

Originally Posted by Trainwreck20

Do you have a basis for proving that two combined lots are NOT worth more than the sum of the individual values? I have no idea on the numbers you are looking at, but in some areas, a double-lot might be worth a ton more than two single lots.

I don't know the logic - except for "current utilization" of land - but double and triple lots are appraised at less per square foot than single lots in my neighborhood.

[FalconheadWest]

Originally Posted by Halls1027

We are protesting unimproved land. We purchase two 1.5 acre lots less than a year ago, October 2014, and did a replat so its now considered one lot. I plan on bringing in our closing documents showing the purchase price and replat documents.

I'm curious of the process and setting. Do I just show up and show these documents to a clerk and they can decide in my favor or schedule a formal hearing so the board can decide?

The setting is that you'll be in a cubicle talking with someone at a computer pulling up all the information on your property telling you why they use these properties to compare to yours.

I agree that a double lot is going to be worth more than a single lot, but to jump that much is wrong without anything for them to base it on. Also, purchasing in October helps as you're pretty close to the Jan 1 cutoff, so even if they want to claim a time adjustment, it shouldn't be that much.

[Halls1027]

Originally Posted by FalconheadWest

The setting is that you'll be in a cubicle talking with someone at a computer pulling up all the information on your property telling you why they use these properties to compare to yours.

Thanks.

The property is near the north shore of Lake Travis. Past year sales show 1 acre lots vary from $30K to $300K+ and 3 acre's from 85K to $600K+. Lake front properties being at the upper end, lake views mid, and heavily sloped properties on the low end. I wonder if CAD takes views and topography of the property into consideration, or is it just location and acreage.

[FalconheadWest]

Originally Posted by Halls1027

Thanks.

The property is near the north shore of Lake Travis. Past year sales show 1 acre lots vary from $30K to $300K+ and 3 acre's from 85K to $600K+. Lake front properties being at the upper end, lake views mid, and heavily sloped properties on the low end. I wonder if CAD takes views and topography of the property into consideration, or is it just location and acreage.

Being an arbitrator and seeing the CAD's side when they fight the value, they are definitely taking into consideration topography and buildability and views, but not at an informal hearing. At the informal, it's more about, "my computer says this and my computer says that." Very little human involvement unless you get someone in a good mood when you come in, which can happen as I've been on the homeowner side many times too.

If you want to fight topography and such, you definitely have to bring pictures and maps so they can be visual and not stare at you because they can't picture what you're trying to describe.

[Halls1027]

Had my informal hearing on Friday. It was much easier and smoother than I thought it would be. It did not matter that I combined the lots. I showed the appraiser the settlement statement and he agreed to lower the appraised value to the purchase price. Didn't need to show him the comps. Thanks for all the replies.

[Trainwreck20]

Yea!

[AustinDude360]

Originally Posted by Halls1027

Had my informal hearing on Friday. It was much easier and smoother than I thought it would be. It did not matter that I combined the lots. I showed the appraiser the settlement statement and he agreed to lower the appraised value to the purchase price. Didn't need to show him the comps. Thanks for all the replies.

Great to hear! I have the same thing (settlement statement)