5 Signs Your Home Is Overassessed
According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, 60% of U.S. homes are overassessed. This guide reveals the five most common warning signs that you're paying too much in property taxes—and exactly what to do about it.
Key Takeaways:
Sign #1: Your Assessment Exceeds Market Reality
Ask yourself: Could I actually sell my home for the assessed value right now?
If the answer is no, you may be overassessed. Check recent sales of similar homes. If comparable homes sold for $395,000-$410,000 but yours is assessed at $450,000, you have grounds for a protest.
Sign #2: Errors in Your Property Details
Common errors to look for:
- Incorrect square footage (often overstated by 50-200+ sq ft)
- Wrong bedroom or bathroom count
- Non-existent features (pool, garage, outbuilding)
- Incorrect lot size or year built
Sign #3: Your Assessment Jumped More Than Neighbors
If your assessment spiked 15% while your neighbor's rose only 3%—even though the homes are similar—you may have an equity argument.
Sign #4: Condition Issues Not Reflected in Value
- Roof nearing end of life (15-20+ years old)
- Outdated or failing HVAC system
- Foundation problems
- Original 1980s-90s kitchens/bathrooms
Sign #5: External Factors Hurting Your Value
- Backing up to a busy road or highway
- Adjacent to commercial or industrial property
- Near high-tension power lines
- Flight path or railroad noise
- Flood zone or drainage issues
What to Do If You're Overassessed
- Gather evidence: comps, photos, property records, repair estimates
- File your protest before the deadline
- Attend your informal hearing and present your case
85-95% of informal protests in Texas result in some reduction.
Paying Too Much in Property Taxes?
Let our licensed property tax experts assess your tax bill for potential savings. Over 80% of protests get a reduction of more than $1,000 and it takes less than 3 minutes to enroll.
⏰
🏠
💵
FAQs
How do I know if my home is overassessed?
Compare your assessed value to recent sales of similar homes within 0.5 miles. If your assessment is 10% or more above what comparable homes actually sold for, you likely have grounds for a protest.
Where do I find my property's assessed value?
Visit your county appraisal district website and search by your address.
Ryder Meehan
Ryder Meehan is the Co-Founder of TaxDrop and a Licensed Property Tax Protest Consultant
