TXTransplant said:
Yep. They have them. As I said above, when I declined my isettle in 2023, when I opted to appeal, HCAD gave me the option to download reports on comparable sales in my area. I was basically able to download reports for every MLS sale in my neighborhood/subdivision over the previous two years.
They do this supposedly to help you form the argument you prepare for the appeal board.
I think they use sales comp numbers - to an extent. In my 'hood, I think they take the price per square foot of the most expensive home that sold (usually one with a pretty elaborate pool and outdoor space, maybe updated with new kitchens and baths, too) and apply that price per square foot to every other house - whether it has a pool or not (houses with pools sell for significantly more in my 'hood).
And then, just for good measure, they might add another 10-20% on top of that. Because they can.
They most certainly don't use averages. When I appealed, I presented a very sound argument to use an average $/sq ft based on several very good comps. The appraiser cherry picked the one that sold for the highest $/sq ft and used that to determine my new value. It was only a few $ per sq ft difference, but that's not the point. When there are multiple comps, they should use an average.
When do we revolt? I'm ready.
