I doubt that there is anything I can do now but I have to ask. We have been married almost 3 years and closed on our first home in Sept. 2008. We are very pleased with our home however we can't help but feel taken advantage of. Our total price for our home and 2 1/2 acres of land was $85,000. About 8 months after moving in an Atascosa County Appraisal Office employee knocked on my door and asked if this was the only dwelling on the property. When I said yes he asked if there were any other buildings or offices on this property at all. I said "NO". "Why do you ask" I said. He said "I was just sent to check for multiple dwellings due to the appraisal amount of $83,000. Don't worry. It doesn't necessarily mean you will have to pay on that appraisal. Will probably remain at the current $45,000 appraisal". Then he left. Sure enough-after looking at my paperwork it WAS appraised at $45,000 and we are paying almost double that just for the lack of knowing any better. I guess I'm just stuck, huh?

Not really. Most county appraisals don't match actual value of the homes and land. Sometimes it can be pretty close but most times its not. Have you asked a realtor in your area for an opinion ?

You can also hire a professional if you like or try looking at some of the appraisal search engines to get a rough idea.

Hello l:

The county doesn't appraise - they assess. That's why it's called the assessors office... IF you got a mortgage, the bank would NOT have loaned you the money unless they got a REAL appraisal based on your neighborhood...

You really don't want your property assessed at its retail value.. You'll be paying taxes through the nose...

excon

lizzier - I don't quite follow what you're saying - after the county assessor stopped by did your assessment change from $45K to $83K? This may or may not be fair - some counties try to assess at market value, while others try to assess at some percentage of market value. Either way it really doesn't matter as long as all assessments are all done in a consistent way. You should look into how your county does it (like a previous poster said, ask the realtor you worked with when you bought the property). The property tax figures are public information so you can see how your tax assessment compares to comparable properties in your town. If you feel your assessment is unfair you can appeal - contact the county tax office to find out the procedure for appeal.

DEAR EBAINES- The county assessor stopped in AFTER we had closed and moved in. Guess it was about time to assess taxes for the year and the assessment did NOT change after that. One poster had a good point- if appealed I may pay much more taxes. UGH!

p.s.- ebaines,
Thanks so much for your time and considerarion.

EXCON- Thank u for your time and good advice. That sounds like what happens in my world-appeal an unfair decision thinking I paid too much for my home then end up raising my taxes. Thank you. Definitely worth a thought.