@TexanFan1 : @tinytim : When you did your online protest, did you choose the iSettle option? They ask for a specific value opinion, and it appears it moves the process forward quicker. Curious to see what happens if you do not select this option.

@Floyd : Yes, I did. From the comps I took the average $/sq ft and multiplied that by my sq footage. Used that number and last year they actually went less than the previous year. I don't remember if this was +/- the value I used. I was just thrilled it was lower than the number they used at first. Now this year, the comps are a little higher than last year's. But still not what HCAD's value is. We shall see.

@TexanFan1 : you used actual sales price? Not listing price?

@ParksideRes : I just checked. Last year my friend used recently sold properties. My friend this year, different friend, used properties currently on the market. I don't know if that will be to my disadvantage or not. I feel like it's gambling either way. This year might be different because they have to cover all the spending the county has been doing during the pandemic. So I'm not holding my breath. But I did it on my own and it didn't cost me anything.

@TexanFan1 : it doesn't hurt to try, they're not going to increase out of spite for trying

@Floyd : Yes I choose the isettle option.

@WeveBecomeEastHouston : yes! Ours went up 27k. SMH. Plan on using someone to protest. Last time I did it myself they were pretty dismissive. Our whole property tax system needs to be overhauled. Putting people out of their homes because of improvements around them shouldn't be allowed.

I will protest...

@tinytim : @TexanFan1 : Update: hadn't checked my email in a while but I'm glad I did, my protest was accepted at the value I suggested. I just had to log on and accept it, and there you have it. Money saved

@Luckysis : Nope, May 15th is the deadline. You can protest and settle online as well!
hcad.org/hcad-online -services/ifile-prot est/

@Floyd : Congratulations!!! I have not received anything. my first year maybe I did it incorrectly.

Mine increased $12k but I have Advaloremtax.net set up to automatically dispute every year. I pay them half of the savings.

Oh my. So I inquired with the tax company and they said my dispute was settled at $17k savings. So my value went below what it was last year. I'm scared of what they will charge me. Stay tuned!Edit; I pay 35% on savings, not 50. And I only pay if i save.

@WeveBecomeEastHouston : Yes, I did the online arbitration thing that let's you dispute it. No word yet but I hope they will at least lower it some. Thanks for the kick in the nuts Harris county - good things there's not a pandemic or rampant unemployment to worry about now.

@mastiffrex : the assessments were set in January.