A booming real estate market sounds great, but for taxpayers, it’s a problem, especially for those who live in the lowest income neighborhoods.
While the average Bexar County home appraisal jumped by just 9 percent, some rose much more. The Harlandale School District saw a 27.9 percent increase. Those living in San Antonio ISD and Edgewood ISD didn’t fall far behind, with a 19.5 percent and 14.3 percent increase, respectively.
Bexar County's chief appraiser, Michael Amezquita, says that redevelopment of San Antonio’s urban core is the reason for the spike.
“The modernization of San Pedro creek,” Amezquita noted. “That area tends to be younger families moving into the area, and they are used to paying the prices that are being offered.”
But that doesn't always mean you should be paying more.
You can appeal those high taxes by filing a petition with the Bexar County Appraisal District by a new May 15 deadline.
“Just because your property has grown in value doesn't mean your paycheck has,” Amezquita said.
He is encouraging people to challenge their appraisals. Amezquita says that if you think you have a case, filing is easy.
Madeleine Miller is a homeowner and realtor. She went through the process of filing on Wednesday.
“So just looking at what I was given, it was $20,000 more than what I know we had just purchased our home for in 2016,” said Miller, who added that she will end up saving almost $1,000 in taxes. “That makes a big difference when it comes to my mortgage payment.”
Both Amezquita and Miller agree: There's a misconception when it comes to property values.
“A lot of people are unaware their homes are not what the appraisal price is saying,” Miller said. “They just say to themselves, ‘I'm just going to let the taxes go up, and my home will be worth more,’ and that’s not true.”
If you live in District 7, you can attend a Property Tax Appeal Workshop on May 14. For more information, click here.