It's that time again. I don't think anyone looks forward to getting their new residential tax value estimates in the mail, but like Benjamin Franklin said, "The only things certain in life are death and taxes." Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Montgomery, Galveston and other surrounding counties have already begun sending out 2011 estimates, so if you are a home (or townhome/condo/property) -owner, it is your responsibility to fight your taxes and keep them low.

In Houston, you have the option of protesting your taxes online, called iFile (www.hcad.org/ifile). Some other areas offer this option too, but many of you will still have to take the old fashioned route and protest by mail, then wait for an appointment to see a tax representative for an informal meeting. It is here that you will first present your proof or reasons why you feel that your property value should be lower than what the district is appraising it for. There are many reasons why values should be lowered, but the most common reason is actually nearby sales comps. Most informed buyers didn't purchase the biggest and best home in the neighborhood, nor did they purchase the smallest dumpiest home. That being said, there are inevitably going to be sales which are lower than yours, to help support lowering your tax values.

Unfortunately, the general public does not have access to local sales data. This is where we come in! We would be happy to email you comparable sales in your area that you can use to help lower your taxable values. It's free and it only takes a minute, so contact us on our website at www.MaryAndKelly.com or email us at KellyMStewart@Yahoo.com.

It may sound strange to want property value to be low, but there is a huge difference in taxable property value and market value. As homeowners, we want our market values to be high, so resale on our property is good - it brings us as sellers more money at closing. However, we want our taxable values to be low, so we save money in tax payments. Taxable values and market values are rarely associated with each other in this market area, so don't worry about what a potential buyer may thing about low tax appraisals. They will likely be very happy that you were diligent in keeping your home taxes low, so they inherit the tax benefit once they purchase your home.