Douglas Goff ATX Realtor

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Douglas Goff ATX Realtor Opening doors for your lifestyle. Inside the GAMA way
(Greater Austin Metropolitan Area)

I've been jazzed about real estate ever since purchasing my first property in 1997 to renovate, lease then sell. I've garnered experience as a Loan Officer, Lender, RealtorÂŽ, BrokerÂŽ, Rehabber, Landlord, Painter, Drywaller, Carpenter, Roofer and Demolition. After 30 years of travel; I finally found my "home" in Austin on April 1st, 2011.

Did you know that two homes in the same Austin neighborhood can have very different price futures — based on something m...
04/14/2026

Did you know that two homes in the same Austin neighborhood can have very different price futures — based on something most buyers never even think to check?

It comes down to water and infrastructure. 💧

When I'm working with buyers and investors in the Greater Austin area, one of the first things I look at is whether a property sits in a MUD, PID, or PUD. Here's what those mean in plain English:

MUD = Municipal Utility District
The developer built the water and sewer infrastructure using bonds — and homeowners pay those back over time through property taxes. Great for newer communities, just know your full tax picture going in.

PUD = Planned Unit Development
A thoughtfully designed community with shared amenities and efficient infrastructure. These tend to age well and attract strong buyer demand.

PID = Public Improvement District
Similar idea — improvements like roads and utilities are financed and repaid through annual assessments. Often means a lower purchase price upfront, but it's important to calculate your true cost of ownership.

With Austin's growth showing no signs of slowing down — and water supply becoming a real long-term conversation in Texas — understanding these structures isn't just "nice to know." It's a smart part of any buying or investing decision.

The right property in the right infrastructure zone can be a genuinely great long-term asset. The wrong one? A hidden cost you didn't see coming.

If you're exploring a move or an investment in the Austin metro, I'm happy to walk you through what the numbers actually look like for any property you're considering. No pressure — just good information.

Comment below or send me a message to get started. 👇

— Douglas Goff | Opening doors for your lifestyle

🏡 Don’t Overpay on Property Taxes in 2026: How to Contest Your Value in TexasIf you own property in Texas—especially her...
04/13/2026

🏡 Don’t Overpay on Property Taxes in 2026: How to Contest Your Value in Texas

If you own property in Texas—especially here in the Greater Austin Metropolitan Area—this is one of the most important (and most overlooked) opportunities to put money back in your pocket every single year.

Property values have moved fast over the past few years. But here’s the truth most homeowners don’t realize:

👉 Your county’s assessed value is NOT final.
👉 You have the right to challenge it—and many homeowners win.

Let’s break it down.

📅 Key Deadline You Need to Know

In most Texas counties, including Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD):

Protest Deadline: May 15
(or 30 days after your notice of appraised value is delivered—whichever is later)

Miss this deadline, and you typically lose your ability to protest for the year.

📈 Why You Should Consider Protesting

Even in a strong market, assessed values can be:

Based on broad data—not your specific home
Inflated compared to actual comparable sales
Ignoring condition issues, needed repairs, or location nuances

💡 Translation:
You could be paying taxes on a value that’s higher than what your home would actually sell for.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Protest Your Property Value
1. Review Your Notice of Appraised Value

You’ll receive this from your county appraisal district (mail or online).

Check:

Market value
Assessed value
Any exemptions (homestead, over-65, etc.)
2. Gather Your Evidence

This is where most people either win—or leave money on the table.

Strong evidence includes:

Recent comparable sales (within 6–12 months)
Photos of needed repairs or deferred maintenance
Contractor estimates
Independent broker opinions

👉 This is where having a real estate professional helps—you want comps that reflect true market reality, not inflated listings.

3. File Your Protest

You can file:

Online (fastest)
By mail
In person

With Travis Central Appraisal District, the online portal is straightforward and allows you to track everything digitally.

4. Prepare for Your Hearing

There are typically two stages:

Informal Review (often resolved here)
Formal Hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB)

Bring:

Your comps
Photos
Repair estimates
A clear, concise argument
5. Negotiate or Present Your Case

Most successful protests come down to:

✔ Clear data
✔ Simple presentation
✔ Confidence in your numbers

If your evidence is solid, adjustments are common.

💰 What’s the Potential Savings?

Even a modest reduction can mean:

Hundreds to thousands saved annually
Compounded savings year after year

And remember—this isn’t a one-time opportunity.
You can protest every year.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the May 15 deadline
Using active listings instead of sold comps
Not adjusting for condition differences
Overcomplicating your argument

Keep it simple. Keep it factual.

🤝 Final Thought

This is one of the few times each year where you can directly influence your cost of ownership—without renovating, refinancing, or moving.

If your value feels off, it probably is worth a second look.

📲 Need Help Pulling Comps or Building Your Case?

That’s what I do.

I’ll help you:

Identify the strongest comparable sales
Position your argument effectively
Make sure you’re not leaving money on the table

I’m Douglas Goff
Celebrate Austin Realty
Opening doors for your lifestyle

👉 Reach out anytime—I’m here when you need me.

Address

Austin, TX

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

+15122843930

Website

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