Need a commercial appraisal? It is a whole different ballgame compared to the residential appraisal you got when you bought a home. Residential appraisals are typically $350-$450 and take about a week … Read more
The MAI Designation – What Does it Really Mean? As the impact on Houston of the recent drop in oil prices continues to unfold, reliable commercial appraisals are more important than ever. … Read more
By the time the appraiser is called, the buyer and seller are anxious to close. Negotiations are complete, the contract is signed and the loan is approved. Now all parties are waiting … Read more
Property tax law in Texas is one of the most contentious current issues in the state. Indeed, this is particularly true considering that, in 2014, Harris County saw an average increase of … Read more
In the event that you’re trying to sell your house, the last thing you want to deal with is a property dispute. Often, these disputes concern boundary lines or ownership details, but … Read more
As property tax protest and appraisal season is coming to an end in Texas, you’re more than likely to see a few property owners wringing their hands. Receiving your appraisal notices can … Read more
In the state of Texas, there are a lot of things you have to understand when it comes to property taxes. If you’re in Harris County, you may feel like you need … Read more
Once a protest is submitted, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) will be the first people to review the appraisals submitted by the protesting property owners. They are the first government body to … Read more
In the most basic of terms, homestead exemption laws exist to protect someone’s primary residence from being sold in order to pay off unsecured creditors. These types of laws exist in many … Read more
Just like everything else in the Lone Star State, property taxes tend to be a bit bigger in Texas. There’s also a lot of confusion about how the property tax system works. … Read more
Patrick O’Connor, MAI, Owner and President Patrick O’Connor has been active in reducing property taxes, providing expert witness testimony and appraising commercial real estate property since 1983. Pat is active in publishing analyses and data with respect to the real estate market, while being a highly regarded media spokesperson for the real estate community. He holds a MAI, the highest achievable designation from the Appraisal Institute, and is a licensed senior property tax consultant. Pat earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University. In 2001, he authored the first definitive consumer guide to Texas property taxes, Cut Your Texas Property Taxes.
The Property Tax Protection Program™
is powered by O’Connor & Associates
No flat fees or upfront costs. No cost ever unless your property taxes are reduced.
All practical efforts are made every year to reduce your property taxes.
Never miss another appeal deadline.
Property taxes protested for you annually.
You do not have to accept the appraisal district's initial guesstimate of value.
We coordinate with you regarding building size / condition to avoid excess taxes.
Free support regarding homestead exemptions.
Some years are good - typically 6 to 7 out of 10 will result in tax reduction for you.
The other 3 to 4 years out of 10 we strike out. Most often due to people issues in the hearing process. Some years we get an easy appraiser at the informal; some years someone who is impossible to settle with.