Lake Conroe Appraisals Blog

If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Why is my house worth less than Zillow says?” at 2 a.m. — you’re not alone. As a residential appraiser here in Montgomery County, I get hit with the same handful of questions all the time. So, let’s clear up some myths, save you some stress, and maybe even stop those late-night Zillow panic sessions. 1. Can I be there for the appraisal? Yep — and honestly, I don’t mind. You’re welcome to walk me through your home, point out upgrades, and tell me about that brand-new roof you just installed. Just know I can’t “negotiate” the value on the spot. I’m there to observe, measure, and analyze — not haggle like we’re at a flea market. 2. Do my upgrades really count? They sure do… but here’s the kicker: only if the market cares. Granite counters? Likely a plus. A built-in saltwater aquarium in the living room? Cool, but buyers might not pay extra for it. I look at what buyers in your area are actually paying more for — not just what you spent. 3...

If you’ve been anywhere near Willis, TX in the past few years, you’ve probably heard the buzz about The Woodlands Hills — the master-planned community that’s making even long-time locals stop and say, “Wait, when did THAT get here?” With tree-lined streets, miles of trails, resort-style amenities, and homes from multiple respected builders, it’s not just a neighborhood — it’s basically a lifestyle brand. But if you’re buying or selling here, there’s one big question that always comes up: How do appraisals work in a place like this? Let’s break it down. 1. Multiple Builders = Multiple Price Points The Woodlands Hills isn’t a one-size-fits-all subdivision. You’ve got builders like Chesmar, Westin, David Weekley, and Highland Homes — all offering different floor plans, finishes, and upgrade packages. From an appraisal perspective, that means your neighbor’s home might look similar in size but have a very different market value. We’re talking about differences in brick/stone combina...

Property taxes in Montgomery County got you sweating? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of homeowners overpay because they didn’t know how to protest—or didn’t realize they could. But here's the good news: You don’t need to hire a tax agent or legal team to fight your county’s assessment. You just need the right tools... and I've got one for you. Free DIY Property Tax Protest Guide – Now Available As a state-certified residential appraiser here in Montgomery County, I’ve helped countless homeowners save money by challenging inaccurate property tax valuations. That’s why I created a 70-page downloadable guide to walk you through the entire protest process—step-by-step. Whether you live in Conroe, The Woodlands, Montgomery, Magnolia, or Willis , this guide is built for you . No fluff. Just real strategies, clear checklists, and insider tips you can put to work immediately. 📌 Claim your free copy through our Google Business Profile offer here: 👉 https://posts.g...

  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...