Lake Conroe Appraisals Blog

Every year, thousands of homeowners try to fight their property tax assessments , hoping to lower their tax bill. And every year, many of them fail. Why? Because they walk into the appeal process unprepared, uninformed, or relying on bad information . If you’re planning to protest your property taxes in Montgomery County, TX , you need to do it the right way . Here are the top five reasons why protests fail—and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. 1. No Evidence to Support Your Claim You can’t just walk into your hearing and say, “I think my taxes are too high!” (Well, you can, but it won’t get you very far.) The appraisal district wants proof —cold, hard data that justifies why your home is overvalued. How to Win: ✔️ Bring recent comparable home sales (comps) that support your argument. ✔️ Get a professional appraisal to show your home’s true market value. ✔️ Provide photos of any damage or issues that could affect value. 2. Using the Wrong Comparables Not all c...

There’s a new neighborhood coming to Montgomery, and if you haven’t heard of Briarley , you’re not alone. This 385-acre master-planned community is just getting started, but it’s already turning heads. With nearly 700 homes planned, a lineup of top-tier builders, and a location that keeps you close to the best of Montgomery and Lake Conroe, Briarley is shaping up to be a big deal. A Modern Community with a Natural Touch Briarley is being developed by Johnson Development , a company known for creating some of the most successful master-planned communities in Texas. This one? It’s all about blending modern home design with the natural beauty of the area. The neighborhood will have preserved lakes, scenic walking trails, pocket parks, and a central recreation center. In other words, it’s designed for people who want both comfort and a connection to the outdoors. What Kind of Homes Are Coming? Briarley will offer homes on 60-foot, 70-foot, and 80-foot lots , giving buyers a good range ...

  Ever had that moment where you tell someone your home is “about 2,500 square feet,” only to find out later it’s actually 2,300? That missing 200 square feet isn’t just a rounding error—it could cost you thousands of dollars when it comes time to sell. Whether you're a real estate agent listing a property or a homeowner getting ready to sell , getting the square footage right is one of the smartest moves you can make. And no, your tax records, an old MLS listing, or that "eyeball measurement" from your uncle Bob don’t count. If you want to avoid pricing mistakes, low appraisals, and deal-breaking surprises at closing, you need a professional home measurement . Let’s talk about why Gross Living Area (GLA) matters, what counts as square footage (and what doesn’t), and how a certified measurement for $150-$250 could save you thousands in the long run. GLA: The Magic Number That Affects Your Home’s Value So, what is Gross Living Area (GLA)? In simple terms, it’s th...

If you’ve got a home appraisal coming up, you might be wondering—what exactly happens during the inspection? Do you need to clean? Should you light a candle and make the place smell like fresh-baked cookies? (Spoiler: The appraiser isn’t there to judge your interior decorating skills.) Whether you're refinancing, selling, or protesting your property taxes , knowing what to expect can help the process go smoothly. Let’s break it down so you’re fully prepared when the appraiser shows up at your door. How Long Does a Home Appraisal Take? The on-site appraisal typically takes 45 minutes to an hour , depending on the size and complexity of the home. If you live in a 1,200-square-foot home in Conroe, it’ll likely be on the quicker side. If you’re sitting on a 5,000-square-foot waterfront property in The Woodlands or Lake Conroe , expect it to take a little longer. What Does the Appraiser Do During the Visit? The appraiser’s job is to determine your home’s fair market value . Here’s what ...