Every spring, property owners across Texas experience a familiar shock when appraisal notices hit their mailboxes. This year is no different—and as a real estate agent, your clients may be turning to you for advice on what to do next. Fortunately, you can be a valuable resource by helping them understand their options and the steps involved in protesting their property appraisal.

Understanding the Basics

Property appraisal values are set based on your home’s condition as of January 1st. Any changes made after that—like repairs or renovations—won’t impact this year’s valuation. When notices arrive in late April or early May, it’s important for homeowners to carefully review the details. If the information is inaccurate or the valuation seems too high, they have the right to protest.

Options for Your Clients

Clients have two main options:

  • Hire a protest firm: Many of these companies operate on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they’re successful in lowering the taxable value.

  • Do it themselves: Homeowners can file a protest directly with their county appraisal district, either by mail or online. Online filing is often the most convenient and may even lead to a resolution without a formal hearing.

The Protest Timeline & Key Steps

  • Review the Notice: When the appraisal notice arrives, confirm that the property description and square footage are accurate.

  • File by May 15: This is the standard deadline to submit a Notice of Protest (or the next business day if May 15 falls on a weekend).

  • Use the Right Evidence: Encourage clients to gather photos, comparable property values, or contractor estimates—anything that supports their case.

  • Attend Informal Meetings: If protesting in person, they may be offered a settlement during an informal review before needing to appear at a formal hearing.

How Agents Can Support Clients

As a real estate agent, here are a few ways you can step up and assist your clients during this process:

  • Offer CMAs (Comparative Market Analyses): Provide recent sales data for similar properties to help them establish whether their home is overvalued.

  • Educate them on the process: Share easy-to-understand breakdowns like the one from Patten Title’s digital guide.

  • Direct them to the right resources: Help clients navigate to their county’s appraisal district website (e.g., Travis CAD, Williamson CAD, etc.) so they can file online or find forms.

  • Remind them of the deadline: May 15 comes quickly! A gentle reminder can save your client hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Helping clients challenge an inaccurate appraisal isn’t just a goodwill gesture—it’s a powerful way to strengthen your relationships and provide exceptional service beyond the sale. With the right tools and guidance, you can empower them to make informed decisions and potentially reduce their property tax burden.