Anyone have experience with ownwell? Tax appraisal service. Supposedly no fee unless you save. Then only 25%.

Use then for a lot I have in Aransas County. Not overly impressed so far

Used them one time despite my better judgement and thought it was terrible

I used them this last time. My value went from $602k to $405k.

What were your complaints?

I've found them to be extremely easy to work with. I do feel they settle too easily and I could do better by fighting it out myself.

They accepted the proposed increase from HCAD, which was the maximum increase allowed. I did not find any support that they disputed/negotiated the amount and their customer support was awful when I tried finding someone to give me background. Customer support was essentially non existent.

the "maximum increase allowed" is infinite.

Sorry, I'll be more clear. They negotiated a market value that got me an increase in total assessed value of 10%.

When I couldn't find any realtors that would provide me comps anymore this past year tried them. I knew I couldn't argue condition so needed comps to argue unequal treatment. They negotiated the CAD to within 1% of what I was originally thinking was my target without me even having looked at comps. They took awhile but during the extended "not hearing results period" I would occasionally get an email that it was still in progress. All in all no complaints.

I've used them for 3 years. no complaints - they haven't done much for me though because i think the CAD was close to market unfortunately on my main house. but the service is easy to use. i did save on a second property that was super inflated and in rough shape. they saved me 800 bucks which i was happy for. it was an out of town property that i didn't have time to get to.

Got it. What was the original value?

Ignore that odd emoji...too early for me

Diggity said:

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the "maximum increase allowed" is infinite.

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Of course it is, home prices & values can go up as high or low as the market dictates.

As a rate, the circuit breaker caps non homesteaded homes at a 20% annual increase, and homesteaded properties are capped at 10% annual.

ETA: The appraised value, and final notice value are functions of all sales in your neighborhood.

When you go in to protest they narrow it down to the 5 most comparable sales they have certified in their system.

Agents know this, and often go in to see what the districts 5 sales look like, and finish the discussion of a homeowners property in less than 5 minutes & a settlement waiver...they pocket their fee and move on. The homeowner could've done the same thing with no knowledge of the process.