Hello BBBB Friends:
School’s out, vacations have kicked off, and it might seem like things are slowing down for the summer—but not so fast! I’m convinced there are plenty of potential buyers still on the hunt, making summer an ideal time for those sticking around town. This week, I’m showcasing five of the most interesting new listings. Additionally, I have updates on homes that are Still on My List. Although there haven’t been any price reductions this time, keep scrolling to discover new contracts and finalized sales.
YOUR DIY PROPERTY TAX PROTEST
You’ve dutifully sent in your property tax protest paperwork by the May 15 deadline—what comes next?
The term “Tax Protest” might sound like you’re gearing up for a march, but it’s actually about challenging the assessed market value of your property as of January 1, 2024. Since altering the tax rate isn’t within your power, your best bet for lowering your taxes is to decrease the market value. Sure, you could hire a firm to handle this—expect to fork over 25-50% of the tax savings they snag for you—or you could roll up your sleeves and tackle it yourself. According to the Harris County Appraisal District, in 2021, do-it-yourself protests had an 82% success rate, compared to just 53% for those using an agent.
Ready to dive in? Here are some top strategies to help you succeed in lowering your market valuation:
- Access Your Evidence: Start by getting your “I-file” from HCAD to review the evidence they used to set your Market Valuation. This file includes “comps” or comparable properties that match yours in size, layout, and condition.
- Find Better Comps: Don’t just rely on HCAD’s data. Use their advanced search function to hunt down your own comps, or even better, have a real estate friend generate a Competitive Market Analysis for you.
- Present Your Case: Arm yourself with “evidence,” like photos and repair estimates, that can justify a lower valuation. Whether it’s aging windows, wood decay, or unsettling cracks in the foundation, every little bit helps in making your case.
Navigating the world of property tax protests may seem challenging, but with the right information and some diligent effort, you can build a strong case for reducing your assessed value.
Have a great week, and,
Let’s look at houses or talk about selling yours!
Becky Davis
—
Information About Brokerage Services
TREC Consumer Protection Notice
Becky Davis
Compass Realty
832-628-8221
*Note: For purposes of BBBB, the “Heights” is defined as the area between I-10 and Loop 610 N and between Shepherd and I-45).
The Week’s Featured Properties
735 Dorothy: $530,000
- Park Place in the Heights
- 3-story c. 2015 by David Weekly Homes
- 3/3/1, 1919 sq ft on 1745 sq ft lot
- Gated community
- Well-maintained 1-owner home
- Living area on 2nd floor
- Primary suite & 1 secondary bedroom on 3rd floor
- Additional secondary bedroom on 1st floor
- Fenced patio area with cement tiles
- Community POOL
- Driveway access to 2-car attached garage
- Zoned to Love Elementary
If you are looking for lock-and-leave convenience and having your primary bedroom on the 3rd floor doesn’t hurt your knees, homes in this gated community benefit from their location across from the Hike and Bike Trail, Lawrence Park, and the new M-K-T development.
******
932 Rutland: $875,000
- Houston Heights
- Craftsman, c. 2001 by Ostlind Thomas
- 3/2/1, 2142 sq ft on a 4356 sq ft lot
- Renovated kitchen and baths
- Semi-open downstairs floorplan
- All bedrooms up
- Covered back porch, backyard with artificial turf, and brick patio
- Alley access to a detached combo garage/carport
- Additional front parking pad
- Zoned to Harvard Elementary
Lovely curb appeal. An interesting feature is the combination of the garage and carport. This unique setup includes a two-car garage accessed from an alley; one side is a fully enclosed one-car garage, while the other side is a carport securely closed off from the alley with a garage door. The carport provides additional covered space for gatherings!
******
922 Woodland: $1,090,000
- Woodson Place
- Pediment bungalow, c. 1940
- 3/2, 2155 sq ft on a 7500 sq ft lot
- Kitchen and baths remodeled in 2013
- New wide-plank white oak flooring in living areas and secondary bedrooms
- Primary suite with loft and double closets
- Open flex space for an additional sitting area or playroom
- Side porch with sliding screen curtains, pergola, and a POOL
- Converted garage (approx 400 sq ft, loft, full bath & kitchenette)
- Gated driveway for secure parking
- Curbed street
- Zoned to Travis Elementary
The primary suite is a unique area featuring vaulted ceilings and a loft with an old Chicago brick-style wall. Currently set up as an office, previous owners have used the loft for their bed, keeping the downstairs portion of the suite as a private living area.
******
718 E 9th St: $1,195,000
- Houston Heights
- Craftsman, c. 1920
- 3/2, 2364 sq ft on a 6250 sq ft lot
- Expanded/Renovated
- Formal living and dining rooms
- Open-concept kitchen and den
- Primary suite with large closet and dressing area
- Deck, grassy backyard, play set conveys with house
- Driveway access to a 1-car attached garage
- Front parking pad
- Zoned to Harvard Elementary
Strollable location: no more than 5 blocks between you and some of the Heights’ best restaurants.
******
1012 Bayland: $1,625,000
- Woodland Heights
- Craftsman, c. 1920
- 4/3, 3664 sq ft on a 5000 sq ft lot
- Renovated/expanded in 2023
- Wide-plank white oak engineered flooring
- Island kitchen with tons of cabinets and counter space
- Office or 4th bedroom on the first floor
- Large open game room
- Guest quarters (300 sf, 1 bedroom, full bath)
- Large covered porch with summer kitchen, turfed backyard area
- Gated driveway access to 1-car attached garage with extended carport
- Curbed street
- Zoned to Travis Elementary
Before the renovation, this was a one-story Craftsman home. The sellers expanded the house by extending it back to the garage and adding a second floor, thereby gaining an additional 2,500 square feet.
******
This Week’s Price Reductions & Status Updates
NO PRICE REDUCTIONS TO REPORT
OPTION PENDING
4018 Norhill: $675,000
- Norhill Historic District
- Craftsman bungalow c. 1930
- 2/2, 1107 sq ft on a 5000 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $675,000
- Days on Market: 4
******
OPTION PENDING
609 Aurora: $775,000
- Sunset Heights
- Craftsman bungalow, c. 1920
- 2/2, 1711 sq ft on a 6000 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $775,000
- Days on Market: 3
******
OPTION PENDING
702 E 8th 1/2 St: $999,900
- Houston Heights
- Craftsman bungalow, c. 1920
- 3/2, 1978 sq ft on a 6250 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $999,900
- Days on Market: 4
******
OPTION PENDING
802 Redan: $1,475,000
- Woodland Heights Annex
- Craftsman, c. 1925
- 4/3/1, 3060 sq ft on a 6250 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $1,475,000
- Days on Market: 4
******
OPTION PENDING
602 E 9th St: $1,595,000
- Houston Heights
- Greek Revival, c. 1993 by Creole Construction
- 4/3/1, 3103 sq ft on a 6250 sq ft lot
- Original List Price: $1,595,000
- Days on Market: 3
Going, Going, Gone!
SOLD
1009 W 13th St: $1,375,000
- Houston Heights Annex
- Contemporary/Modern, c. 2023 by Zeppelin Realty, LLC
- 4/3/1, 3560 sq ft on a 6250 sq ft lot
- Price at the Time of Contract: $1,399,000
- List to Sell Ratio: 98%
- Original List Price: $1,450,000
- Days on Market: 265
- Title Paid By: Seller
******
But wait, there’s more…
This is just the latest and greatest; however, there are still lots more on my list that you can check out here:
Social Cookies
Social Cookies are used to enable you to share pages and content you find interesting throughout the website through third-party social networking or other websites (including, potentially for advertising purposes related to social networking).