Assessed value different than MLS listing (Appraised Value) (Houston: buying a house, buying)

[sat45]

I am interested in buying a house in Cypress and noticed that the MLS listing is 250 sqft more than the County Assessed value. Obviously the seller is pricing the home for the increased sq footage.
Seller have an appraisal report which clearly states that master bedroom has been modified for the extra space and hence the higher appraisal.
Should I even continue with the offer or drop because of the complexities involved? I really like the house but am afraid if I am liable to pay all the back taxes when County records are eventually corrected to the increased sq footage.

[recuerdeme]

First time buyer?

[sat45]

Originally Posted by recuerdeme

First time buyer?

Second home technically. First one was directly from the builder and never came across variances between assessed sqft and listed SqFt.

What I am really afraid is if the owner built the additional 250 sqft without any permit and if I am liable to pay for his mistakes.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by sat45

Second home technically. First one was directly from the builder and never came across variances between assessed sqft and listed SqFt.

What I am really afraid is if the owner built the additional 250 sqft without any permit and if I am liable to pay for his mistakes.

I've never heard of HCAD retroactively increasing the appraisal. You should be OK.

[NativeHouston]

In my experiences, HCAD probably won't find out unless you tell them.
You may want to verify measurements too.

[travelguy_73]

Originally Posted by sat45

Second home technically. First one was directly from the builder and never came across variances between assessed sqft and listed SqFt.

What I am really afraid is if the owner built the additional 250 sqft without any permit and if I am liable to pay for his mistakes.

Separate from the HCAD appraisal, you should definitely ask to get all permits from the buyer. Our neighbor just went through this issue, buying a house that had unpermitted work. They had some additional work done, and the inspector red-tagged the house for the older (but still recent work) that wasn't permitted. They are now retroactively permitting it, but it sounds like it's been a huge headache (this is City of Houston).

[cheryjohns]

aQUOTE=NativeHouston;55768777]In my experiences, HCAD probably won't find out unless you tell them.
You may want to verify measurements too.[/quote]

This. You will no doubt have to get a survey - because the current owner changed the footprint. You will NOT let HCAD know of the increased square footage that will show up on the survey - unless you just really enjoy paying taxes. We are a non-disclosure state. If. later, you add a pool, you resist the inclination to run tell HCAD - so that they are able to tax you for the improvements that you yourself added.

[sat45]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

aQUOTE=NativeHouston;55768777]In my experiences, HCAD probably won't find out unless you tell them.
You may want to verify measurements too.

This. You will no doubt have to get a survey - because the current owner changed the footprint. You will NOT let HCAD know of the increased square footage that will show up on the survey - unless you just really enjoy paying taxes. We are a non-disclosure state. If. later, you add a pool, you resist the inclination to run tell HCAD - so that they are able to tax you for the improvements that you yourself added.[/quote]

Thank you very much for this answer. This makes sense.

[westres1]

After you buy a house you will most likely get a postcard from HCAD in the mail asking questions. Throw it away.