Quick Low-Cost Tips: Granite

Install Granite Tile Instead of a Slab

Everyone is hot for granite kitchen countertops, but that can be a $3,000-5,000+ upgrade depending on the type and square footage coverage. Instead, home owners can put in 12-inch granite tiles for about $300 in materials and get a very high impact for little money. Granite slab is always a higher grade addition, but when home prices in your community are lower and/or you won't see the return on investment, a granite tile alternative can provide a low cost upgrade to your home.

Is Your Tax Appraisal A Fair Assessment?

How to File a Tax Appraisal Protest

1. Your protest must be filed in writing
• The appraisal district has protest forms available but you don't need to use one. A notice of protest is sufficient if it identifies the owner, the property that is the subject of the protest and indicates that you are dissatisfied with a decision of the appraisal district. In some cases, online protests are even accepted such as in Williamson County.
2. Protests must be filed before May 31st
• File your protest before May 31st or no later than 30 days after the notice of appraised value, whichever date is later.
3. Support you protest
• Be prepared to support your protest with documentation, such as your closing statement, a copy of your purchase contract, other appraisals, comparable sales list, and engineer's reports.
4. An Appraisal Review Board decides if your protest is valid
• Appraisal Review Board (ARB): A group of citizens, appointed by the appraisal district's board of directors, authorized to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the appraisal district.

To find out more information about protesting your tax appraisal visit:

Hays County: www.hayscad.com

Travis County: www.traviscad.org

Williamson County: www.wcad.org