If you’re a Texas homeowner, you’ve likely noticed an uptick in the number of marketing mailers, postcards, and letters arriving in your mailbox—especially around property tax season. This surge isn’t your imagination. In recent years, the Texas real estate market has seen impressive growth and rising property values. Out-of-town firms have caught on to this trend and are now blanketing homeowners with promotional material, hoping to cash in on the market’s momentum. Unfortunately, many of these companies make sweeping promises without following through, and some are even violating Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) rules in the process.
Why the Increase in Mailers?
The Texas property market is hotter than ever, with many areas experiencing steady value increases. That increase in property values translates to higher property tax bills, so there’s a lot of business for consultants who promise to reduce those taxes. Out-of-state or out-of-town companies see an opportunity: they send mass mailers to solicit homeowners, hoping that sheer volume will land them new clients. However, many of these mailers make extensive assurances about drastically lowering your taxes without first doing research on your specific property. This is not only misleading; it’s potentially against TDLR regulations, which require honesty and transparency in property tax consulting.
Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True
Have you received mailers claiming, “Guaranteed Savings!” or “Lower Your Taxes by 50%!”? While it’s natural to be intrigued by bold statements, beware of any firm that makes grand promises before laying eyes on your property’s details. Every property is unique, and there are numerous factors that come into play when challenging a property tax assessment. Location, property condition, market trends, and comparable sales all influence the outcome of a hearing. If a consultant promises a specific reduction without having done thorough research, that’s a red flag.
Know the TDLR Rules
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation sets guidelines to protect homeowners from unethical consulting practices. Consultants must not guarantee outcomes they can’t verify. They should conduct proper research to determine if your property has been assessed fairly. In short: if a company is telling you they can deliver a specific reduction without examining your property first, they may be violating TDLR rules. Protect yourself by asking questions about their process, their methods, and how they arrive at the numbers they promise.
Watch Out for Over-Inflated Reviews
Online reviews can be helpful but keep a sharp eye out for red flags. Do the reviews look like they all appeared within a very short timeframe? Are the testimonials vague or overly effusive, with little detail of how the process worked? Real, trustworthy feedback tends to come in over time and includes details about the customer’s experience. While there are certainly great companies with positive reviews, sudden spikes in glowing testimonials could be the result of a paid or incentivized campaign rather than a genuine track record.
Finding a Consultant Who Truly Cares
With competition in property tax consulting increasing rapidly, it can be tricky to separate credible professionals from quick-profit opportunists. Here are a few tips:
Verify Credentials: Make sure the consultant or firm is licensed and in good standing with the TDLR.
Seek Experience: Ask how long they’ve been in the business, and request examples of similar properties they’ve handled successfully.
Evaluate Responsiveness: A reliable consultant should be available to answer your questions and explain how they’ll approach your case.
Look for Local Knowledge: A firm that genuinely understands your local market and its nuances are far more likely to bring you credible results than an out-of-town outfit.
Personal Connection: Ask who will handle your property, so you can form a trusting relationship with the person doing the work.
At Alamo Ad Valorem, we pride ourselves on taking the time to fully understand each property before crafting a plan. We want to help homeowners reduce their taxes in a meaningful, sustainable way—one that aligns with TDLR guidelines and best practices. Our number one priority is to protect homeowners from paying more than their fair share of property taxes. We stay on top of local market trends and remain by your side through every step, from research to hearings. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed, confident, and appreciated throughout the process.
Don’t let flashy mailers and empty promises sway you into making a hasty decision. When it comes to protecting your property investment, thorough research and a consultant you can trust makes all the difference. If you’re looking for a true partner in navigating the complexities of the Texas property tax system, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We truly care about easing the burden of rising property taxes so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your home.