ICOnic News | Property Tax Basics: Navigating Your 2025 Appraised Value Notice
PROPERTY TAX BASICS: NAVIGATING YOUR 2025 APPRAISED VALUE NOTICE
Every year in early April, County Appraisal Districts (CAD) release Notices of Appraised Value for the current tax year. Some owners are pleasantly surprised with lower values for their home or commercial property. Others are not so fortunate and are looking for a fight. Let''s take a quick look at the overall initial value trends for Harris County.
Overall, the values for commercial properties are up 10.17% from the 2024 Certified Values. In comparison, the 2024 Notice Values were 7% higher than the 2023 Certified Value, this time last year. Thus, the county believes the market is heading in good direction which is driving up values and thus taxes. During the last two years, appeals filed by owners or agent resulted in an average reduction of 7%.
Owners should file an appeal if they disagree with the notice value. There is no harm in filing an appeal because it can be withdrawn at any time. The appeal deadline in Texas does not change. It's the later of, May 15th or 30 days from the date the notice was mailed. Once the appeal is processed by the CAD, they will schedule a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) and provide the owner with fifteen days advanced notice. In addition to the hearing notification, there are details on how the owner can access the evidence the CAD intends to present at the hearing.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the ARB will make a determination of value. If a compelling argument is presented in support of a reduction, the ARB may rule in the owner's favor, resulting in a lower value and tax burden. The ARB cannot increase your value just because you filed an appeal.
Owner's who are dissatisfied with the determination of the ARB will have 60 days to file arbitration or litigation to further contest the value. Properties with ARB values over $5,000,000 are required to go the litigation route, while those below the threshold can file binding arbitration through the Texas Comptroller's office.
Owner's who are unsure about the process or how to prepare for and ARB hearing should consider hiring a Property Tax Consultant to act as an agent on their behalf.
- Jonathan Sanders, CCIM, CMI, Senior Consultant | Rainbolt & Alexander, Inc.
PICNIC AND PROPERTY EVENT IN BELLAIRE
In March, our team took a hands-on approach to learning more about 5205 Spruce in Bellaire, Texas, with a unique on-site experience. We combined team building with market research by having a questionnaire scavenger hunt throughout the building.
The activity challenged us to uncover key details about the property, including its history, demographic trends, and insights into the ideal tenant for the space. It was an engaging way to deepen our understanding of the property while fostering collaboration within our team.
Following the scavenger hunt, we wrapped up the day with a well-earned lunch at Lankford's, enjoying classic burgers and fries. The event was a great success, blending education with camaraderie!
GETTING TO KNOW CHRISTA THERKILDSEN
1. What are your hobbies or passions?
"My passion is really centered around my kids, which means most of my free time is spent at the ballfield or the pool deck, cheering them on! I find a lot of joy in being present for this stage of life. When I do have some downtime, I love to read!"
2. What's your go-to comfort food?
"Chips and queso!!!"
3. What's a fun fact about you that most people don't know?
"I am a certified advanced open water scuba diver. The coolest dive I have ever been on was the wreck site of a WWII-era F4U fighter plane, the Corsair in Oahu, Hawaii."
4. What is the best business advice you have received?
"You cannot rush the process - so don't compare your chapter 1 to someone else's chapter 20." 5. Summary of your business and who an ideal client/prospect might be?
"I'm all about adding real value for my clients-whether that's helping find the perfect space, negotiating a lease that works in their favor, or planning for future growth. I get that small to mid-sized businesses often face unique challenges, and that's exactly where I thrive. With a solid understanding of Houston's local market and a hands-on attitude, I work closely with businesses to make informed, smart real estate decisions that set them up for long-term success. This is why small to mid-sized businesses are my ideal clients, because I can truly make a difference for them."
