Lake Conroe Appraisals Blog

It’s that time of year again in Texas — the weather’s heating up and so are those property tax statements. If you opened your mail and nearly spit out your coffee after seeing your new assessed value, trust me... you’re not alone. Counties all across Montgomery County — from Conroe to The Woodlands — are bumping up home values like it’s a game of Monopoly. Only problem? You’re not collecting $200. You’re handing it over. Here’s the thing most homeowners don’t realize: you can protest your property taxes. And better yet? You don’t need a lawyer, a tax agent, or a PhD in spreadsheets to do it. So, Can You Really Protest Your Property Taxes Yourself? Yes. And it’s not as complicated as they want you to think. The county hopes you’ll just grumble and pay it. But if you take just a little time to gather your facts and show up with a strong case, you’ve got a real shot at lowering your tax bill — this year and every year after. I’ve seen homeowners in Conroe and Montgomery slash thou...

You know what I love? When someone tells me how the appraisal “should” come out before I even step out of my car. Happens all the time — and trust me, I get it. There’s a lot of folklore out there about how appraisals work. So today, we’re busting some of the biggest myths floating around Montgomery County, Conroe, The Woodlands, and beyond. 🏚 Myth #1 — The Appraiser Uses the Tax Value Nope. Not even close. Your tax-assessed value is about as helpful to me as using a weather app from last week to plan today’s picnic. Appraisers use recent market data , comparable sales , and actual market trends , not whatever the county says your house is worth. Taxes are their own thing. Appraisals? Whole different beast. 💵 Myth #2 — The Appraisal Always Comes in at Contract Price I wish it worked like that — it would make my life easier. But nope, I don’t get a little pop-up that says, “Adjust until you hit contract price.” My job is to determine market value , not to “make the deal work....

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 ...