To find comparable sales for your property tax protest, look for 3 to 5 homes similar to yours that sold within the last 3 to 6 months in your neighborhood. Comparable sales should be within a half-mile to one mile of your property and have similar square footage, bedroom and bathroom count, lot size, and condition. Sales prices below your assessed value are what you want.
Where to Find Comparable Sales
You can find comparable sales through several free sources. The Bexar County Appraisal District website allows you to search property records and see recent sales. Real estate websites like Zillow and Redfin also show sold listings. If you have a real estate agent, they can pull a comprehensive market analysis for you. The Bexar County clerk's office maintains public records of all property sales. Your mortgage lender may also be able to help.
Criteria for a Good Comparable
A good comparable should meet these criteria. Sold within the last 3 to 6 months. Located within a half-mile to one mile of your property. Similar square footage, within 10 to 20 percent of your home's size. Same number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Similar lot size. Similar age and construction type. Similar condition and upgrades. Avoid using foreclosures, short sales, or distressed sales as comps because they may sell below market value for reasons unrelated to your property.
How Many Comparables Do You Need?
You should aim for 3 to 5 comparable sales. If you have fewer than 3, your case is weaker. If you have more than 5, choose the 5 strongest comparables that are most similar to your home. The BCAD appraiser will use their own comps as well, so having a strong set of your own creates a credible counterargument. Present the comps in a simple table showing address, sale date, sale price, square footage, bedrooms, and any adjustments.