Each color shows how your 2026 appraised value compares, on a
per-square-foot basis, with the median of 5 similar homes
(same neighborhood, same HCAD grade, within ±15% square
footage and ±10 years of age). Per-sqft is how HCAD's own
mass-appraisal model is built, so the gap is measured in the same
units the district uses internally.
Strong case — more than 7% over the per-sqft median. Under Tex. Tax Code §41.43(b)(3), the ARB is required to lower your appraisal to that median if your comps hold up.
Marginal case — 2–7% over. A reduction is possible, but the ARB panel may push back on individual comp choices.
Weak case — within the noise band (between 5% under and 2% over the median). Filing is unlikely to reduce the appraisal in either direction.
No case — more than 5% under the median. §41.43(b)(3) only reduces appraisals above the median; yours is already below, so this ground has nothing to give. Under SB 2 of 2019 (Tex. Tax Code §41.47(c)) the ARB cannot raise your appraisal during a protest without your specific consent — but other grounds (homestead cap, condition, damage) may still apply.
Review by hand — fewer than 5 neighbors matched the filters. Usually an unusually old, new, large, or atypically-graded home. No automatic case — review comps by hand if it matters to you.
how comps are chosen
For each parcel, the tool searches HCAD for homes that match four filters — same neighborhood code, same grade, living area within ±15%, year built within ±10. The 5 geographically closest matches become your comps. “No comps” means fewer than 5 properties cleared all four filters.
What the badges mean
Orange ring (up >10%) — a homesteaded home
where HCAD's 2026 appraisal jumped more than 10% over 2025.
That triggers a possible homestead-cap claim under
Tex. Tax Code §23.23,
separate from the per-sqft test and often worth thousands in
taxable-value reduction. The report shows both grounds when
both apply.
methods differ
The per-sqft test and the raw-dollar test land in different
buckets (one says file, the other says skip). Read the report's
methodology note before deciding.
Indicator, not a guarantee.
See the Playbook for how to use
this site, file an appeal, and track your protest.
No legal advice.