Property Tax Assessment Appeal Services

Sometimes, as a property owner, you get an unwanted surprise in the mail telling you your taxes are going up, and sometimes it may seem as though your assessment is too high.

Often, matters like this can be resolved with a phone call.

However, if you've already contacted your local assessor or taxing authority and still believe your property has been overvalued, an independent property tax appeal appraisal can provide objective market evidence to support your case.

That's where we come in.

Master Appraisal Services provides professional assessment appeal appraisals for homeowners and property owners throughout Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, San Tan Valley, and surrounding Arizona communities.

Think Your Property Assessment Is Too High?

An independent appraisal can help you understand whether the assessed value is supported by the market and provide professional documentation for an appeal.

Call Master Appraisal Services to discuss your property tax assessment appeal.

When Should You Consider a Property Tax Appeal Appraisal?

Not every increase in assessed value means an assessment is incorrect. But if the value assigned to your property appears inconsistent with its condition, characteristics, or comparable properties in the area, it may be worth taking a closer look. A professional appraisal may be helpful when:

Your assessed value increased substantially
You believe the assessor used incorrect property information
Your home's condition is not reflected in the assessment
Similar nearby properties appear to be valued differently
Significant property characteristics were overlooked
You need independent evidence to support an appeal
Your appeal process requires professional valuation documentation

What Does an Assessment Appeal Appraisal Provide?

An assessment appeal appraisal provides an independent opinion of your property's market value using recognized appraisal methods and relevant market data. The finished appraisal gives you professional, third-party valuation evidence that may be used as part of your property tax assessment appeal.

Depending on the assignment, the appraiser may review:

Property size, condition, and features
Recent comparable sales
Neighborhood and local market trends
Property records and available assessment information
Adjustments for differences between comparable properties
Any factual discrepancies that may influence value

Why An Independent Appraisal Can Strengthen Your Appeal

Property tax appeals are more persuasive when they are supported by objective market evidence rather than personal opinion alone. An independent appraiser evaluates the property using relevant sales data, property characteristics, and accepted valuation methods to develop a well-supported opinion of market value.

That professional analysis can help you better understand whether your assessment is reasonable and provide credible documentation if you choose to challenge it.

Local Experience Matters

Assessment procedures and local property markets can vary from one jurisdiction to another. Master Appraisal Services brings decades of Phoenix-area appraisal experience to property tax appeal assignments throughout Gilbert, Scottsdale, Mesa, San Tan Valley, Phoenix, and surrounding communities.

Local market knowledge is especially important when selecting comparable properties, analyzing neighborhood trends, and determining whether the assessed value appears consistent with current market evidence.

Meet Your Appraiser - Steve Leavitt

home appraisal inspection in Chandler Arizonal

Steve Leavitt, owner of Master Appraisal Services, has over 30 years of experience appraising residential properties across Maricopa County. He is FHA-approved and frequently handles complex, luxury, and legal appraisal assignments referred by other professionals.

✔ 30+ Years Local Experience
✔ Arizona Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
✔ Extensive Phoenix-area Market Knowledge
✔ Clear, Defensible Appraisal Reports
✔ Professional Testimony When Appropriate

Appraisal Testimony for Assessment Appeal Hearings

Home assessment appeals involve a formal hearing where the property owner may need to present evidence supporting a different opinion of value. When appropriate and arranged as part of the assignment, Master Appraisal Services can provide professional appraisal testimony regarding the valuation analysis and supporting market data.

Having the appraiser who prepared or reviewed the valuation available to explain the methodology, comparable sales, and conclusions can help make the appraisal evidence easier for the hearing officer or review board to understand.

What an Appraisal Cannot Guarantee

A professional appraisal can provide credible evidence for an assessment appeal, but it does not guarantee that the taxing authority will reduce your assessment or property taxes. Appeal outcomes depend on local procedures, deadlines, evidence requirements, and the decision of the reviewing authority.

Before ordering an appraisal, it is a good idea to confirm your appeal deadline and any specific documentation requirements with the appropriate local assessor or taxing authority.

FAQs About Property Tax Assessment Appeals

Can an appraisal help me appeal my property tax assessment?

Yes. An independent appraisal can provide professional market-value evidence to support a property tax assessment appeal. The appraisal analyzes the property, comparable sales, and relevant market conditions to develop an objective opinion of value.

What if I think the assessor used incorrect information about my property?

Incorrect property details such as square footage, condition, room count, or other characteristics can affect valuation. A professional appraisal evaluates the property independently and may help identify factual differences that are relevant to your appeal.

Does an appraisal guarantee that my property taxes will be lowered?

No. An appraisal provides independent valuation evidence, but the final decision is made by the appropriate taxing authority or review board. Appeal outcomes depend on local procedures, deadlines, and the evidence presented.

When should I order an appraisal for an assessment appeal?

It is best to begin early enough to allow time for the appraisal to be completed before your appeal deadline. Before scheduling, confirm the filing deadline and any valuation-date or documentation requirements with your local taxing authority.

Can an appraiser testify at a property tax appeal hearing?

In some cases, yes. When arranged as part of the assignment, an appraiser may be able to provide professional testimony explaining the valuation methodology, comparable sales, and market evidence used to support the appraisal.

Schedule Property Tax Assessment Appeal Appraisal

If you believe your property has been overvalued, you don't have to rely on guesswork. Master Appraisal Services can provide an independent, professional appraisal to help you understand your property's market value and support your assessment appeal.

Call today to discuss your property, appeal deadline, and appraisal needs.