ARB hearing checklist

Bring three copies of a one-page summary, three to five comparable sales, photographs of any defects, and a short rebuttal of the district's evidence. Open with your requested value, walk through the comps, address one likely objection, close with the median price per square foot. Total speaking time: under five minutes.

What to bring

Three printed copies of your evidence packet (you, board, district).
One-page summary on top: parcel, assessor value, requested value, median $/sqft.
Comp table with addresses, sale dates, prices, square footage, $/sqft.
Photos of defects with one-line captions.
Any third-party bids (foundation, roof, drainage) supporting condition deductions.
Notice of appraised value (the district's own number).

The script

"I am protesting the 2026 market value of [address], parcel [id]. The district's value is [X]. My requested value is [Y]."
"I have five comparable sales within 0.5 miles, all closed in the past 12 months. The median price per square foot is [$Z]."
"Applied to my living area of [sqft], that supports a market value of [Y]."
"I have also documented [defect / condition issue] with [photos / bid] totaling [$ amount]."
"For these reasons I respectfully request the board set the value at [Y]."

Do not

Argue tax rates, school spending, or government policy. Boards cannot consider these.
Reference your neighbor's lower bill. Use unequal appraisal evidence instead, properly framed.
Read the packet aloud. The board has it. Summarize and answer questions.

Common questions

How long does an ARB hearing take?

Fifteen to thirty minutes total. The appraiser presents first, then you, then a brief rebuttal each. The board deliberates and rules from the bench in most counties.

Can I appear by phone or video?

Most Texas ARBs allow telephonic or affidavit hearings on request. Florida VABs typically require in-person or scheduled video. Check your county's notice for the specific format and deadline to request it.

What if I cannot attend?

File an affidavit appeal with your evidence packet by the deadline (usually the day before the hearing). Affidavit appeals win less often than in-person but more than no-shows, which are dismissed.

Get a packet that's already board-ready

One-page summary, comp table, and script — pulled for your parcel. Free.

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