Yes. And you absolutely should.

Welcome to Texas, where the BBQ is spicy, the summers are scorching, and your property appraisal magically increases every year—whether your house improved or not.

Sound familiar?

It should. Because if you own a home here, you’ve likely opened your annual notice and said:

And yet… the tax bill grows. Every. Single. Year.

Let’s talk about how to fight it—and why you shouldn’t just roll over and pay for an imaginary value boost.

Here’s the Hard Truth: The Insane Seller’s Market Hurt Us All

Remember the 2021–2022 buying frenzy? People were throwing cash at homes like candy at a parade.

Well guess what?

The appraisal district took notes. And now they’re using those inflated comps to justify higher values across the board—even if your house has peeling paint, water stains, or smells like last decade’s carpet glue.

How to Fight Back (Yes, It Works)

Here’s what they won’t tell you: You don’t have to accept it.

You can appeal your appraisal—and more often than not, they’ll compromise.

But you’ve got to show up with proof. Here's what to do:

Take pictures of everything wrong with the house

• Peeling paint? Snap it.

• Roof stains? Click.

• Cracks in the driveway, warped floors, busted AC? Document it all.

• Moldy grout, outdated kitchens, stained carpet? Yes, yes, yes.

The uglier, the better. Think of it like reverse staging.

Bring Comparables

Look up similar homes in your area that sold LOWER than your appraisal.

• Use active + pending listings (even ones that expired or were withdrawn)

• Highlight if they had updates or better condition than yours

CAD (County Appraisal District) are your starting points.

📅 Don’t Miss the Appeal Deadline

Every county has a deadline—usually May 15 or a few weeks after you get your notice. You can file online, mail in the form, or show up in person for an informal hearing.

Don’t wait. Once the deadline hits, you’re locked in.

Stop Overpaying for a Home You’re Still Fixing Up

If your ceiling has water spots and your siding is one wind gust away from collapse—you shouldn’t be taxed like you live in a magazine spread. Texas homeowners already pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. Don’t pay a dollar more than you should.

Appeal it. Always. Even if they don’t drop it much—every dollar counts.

You worked hard to buy that home. Don’t let the county overvalue what you’re still updating, patching, or paying off.

Need help pulling comps or building your case? Call or text me

Amanda Allen, Realtor

📞 903-603-0648