PSA: New homeowner protest tip

If you bought in 2023 and your latest noticed value is higher then your purchase price, then protesting is very simple.

1. Head to HCAD's iFile: https://hcad.org/hcad-online-services/ifile-protest/
2. Signup/ SignIn and follow through.
3. Mention your purchase price as "Opinion of Value".
4. Under "Reasons to Protest", check: "Value is over market value".
5. In "Sales Information" section, check "This property sold within the last two years". Mention the sale price and date of sale, mentioned on your closing statement.
6. Click on "Upload files" and submit your closing statement showing the date of sale and price. This will be your evidence.

HCAD will generally match the sale price.

If the noticed value is lower than what you paid, then enjoy the lower appraised value till next year!

If you moved in there and haven't yet applied for your homestead exemption, do so ASAP!