Many counties allow only weeks after assessment notices go out. By the time owners find help, the deadline has passed.
Appraiser play · Property tax appeals
Property tax appeal outreach: reach over-assessed owners before the deadline.
Every year, some homeowners are assessed above what their home would sell for, and few know how to prove it. Spur finds homes where the assessment looks high compared with recent sales, and mails owners a clear, timely offer for an independent appraisal they can use in their appeal.
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USPSFirst-Class
Thomas Brennan1418 Oakmont DrGlenview, IL 60025Scan to request an appraisal
Thomas B. requested an appraisal · 40 min ago
AI-written for this owner · Mailed in 2 days
Assessedvalue compared with recent sales
Deadlinetimed mail when notices go out
Flat feenever contingent on the result
The problem
Over-assessed owners don't know where to start.
Review boards respond to recent comparable sales and documented condition. A homeowner's complaint isn't enough.
Tax appeal firms mail heavily. Appraisers who don't reach owners directly miss work they're well qualified for.
How it works
From list to mailbox in one workflow.
Five steps from assessment data to appeal-ready appraisals.
app.usespur.com
See it in Spur
An over-assessment list in Spur
Sample Glenview homes where the assessment looks high compared with recent sales. Names are partly masked.
Glenview, ILOwner-occupiedAssessment above recent salesNotice mailed this month
- Thomas B.1418 Oakmont DrAssessed $512KComps ~$470K+14% YoY
- Diane & Sal R.2209 Sunset Ridge RdAssessed $688KBought $640K in 2026
- Hal K.903 Pfingsten RdAssessed $455KComps ~$420KOriginal kitchen
- Leah P.1712 Glenview RdAssessed $598K+18% YoY
- Victor & Ana M.445 Greenwood RdAssessed $530KComps ~$495KBusy street
AI draft for Thomas B. · 1418 Oakmont Dr
Dear Mr. Brennan,
I'm Ray Kowalski, a certified residential appraiser in Glenview. Your 2027 assessment for 1418 Oakmont Drive reflects a market value of about $512,000, which is higher than what similar homes nearby have recently sold for.
If you believe your assessment is too high, you have the right to appeal, and an independent appraisal is one of the strongest forms of evidence. I can inspect your home, analyze recent comparable sales, and deliver a report you can submit with your appeal. My fee is a flat $425, and it doesn't depend on the outcome. I can't promise a reduction; I'll report the value the evidence supports.
Appeal deadlines in Cook County are short. Scan the code to request an appraisal, or call me with questions.
Ray Kowalski · Certified Residential Appraiser · Lic. #0000000 · (847) 555-0179
Sample data for illustration. Your results depend on your market and filters.
Playbook
How appraisers help with property tax appeals
Property taxes are based on assessed values, and assessments are estimates made for thousands of properties at once. Some homes end up assessed above what they'd sell for, especially after a market slowdown, when a home has condition issues the assessor didn't see, or when a recent sale came in below the assessment. Homeowners can usually appeal, and an independent appraisal is one of the strongest pieces of evidence.
Timing is everything. Most jurisdictions give owners a limited window to appeal after assessment notices are mailed, sometimes only 30 to 60 days. Know your counties' calendars, mail as notices arrive, and send a reminder before the deadline.
Build your list from the data. Look for owner-occupied homes where the assessed value is high relative to recent comparable sales, homes purchased recently for less than their new assessment, and homes with unusually large year-over-year increases. Homes on busy streets or with dated interiors may also be over-assessed.
Keep it ethical. USPAP prohibits fees contingent on reporting a predetermined result or a value that favors the client, so charge a flat fee and say clearly that you can't promise a reduction. Your job is to report the value the evidence supports. Some homeowners will learn their assessment is fair, and that honest answer protects your reputation.
Be clear about your role. Appraisers provide valuation evidence and may testify at review board hearings. Some states license property tax consultants who file appeals on owners' behalf, and many appraisers partner with them. Check your state's rules before you offer to file.
Tax appeal work is seasonal, which makes it a good complement to lender work. A well-timed campaign each year can fill a slow quarter and build a base of homeowners who remember you.
Make the report easy to use. Review boards are busy, so a clear summary of the comparable sales, adjustments, and condition issues helps the homeowner present the case.
3×return on a year of Spur Team from five appraisals
A few appeal appraisals cover the year.
- Spur Team: $588/yr billed annually
- 600 homeowners × 1 postcard = 600 at $1.09 = $654
- Five appeal appraisals at $425 = $2,125, about 3× your subscription, plus repeat clients
Example math. Response depends on the assessment year and your county's calendar. Run your own numbers →
One tool, not four
Spur vs. the usual tax appeal marketing
What you needThe usual waySpur
Homes assessed above recent salesWaiting for owners to find you✓ Built in
Owner contact infoSeparate lookups✓ Built in
Letter with their assessment and deadlineGeneric flyer✓ Built in
Appraisal requests by QRPhone tag✓ Built in
Yearly campaign timed to noticesRemembering each season✓ Built in
FAQ
Property tax appeal questions
Does an appraisal help with a property tax appeal?
Often, yes. An independent appraisal backed by recent comparable sales is one of the strongest forms of evidence review boards consider.
How do I find over-assessed homes?
Compare assessed values with recent nearby sales, and look for recent purchases below the new assessment and large year-over-year increases. Spur filters for these in one search.
Can I charge a contingency fee for tax appeal appraisals?
No. USPAP prohibits fees contingent on reporting a predetermined result or a value that favors the client. Charge a flat fee.
When should I mail tax appeal letters?
As assessment notices go out, with a reminder before the appeal deadline. Windows are often only a few weeks.
Can appraisers file the appeal for the homeowner?
It depends on the state. Some states license property tax consultants to file appeals. Many appraisers provide the valuation and partner with consultants or attorneys.
Keep exploring
Related plays and guides
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Help over-assessed owners before the window closes.
Find homes assessed above recent sales in your county and mail your first appeal letter as notices go out.
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