Real County Appraisal District

If you believe the Real County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. With a small county population of just 2,821, Real County operates a relatively accessible appraisal process — but the rules and deadlines are firm, and missing them forfeits your right to challenge your appraisal for that year.

Know Your Deadline

Your protest must be filed by May 15 or within 30 days of the date your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. Do not wait until you receive a tax bill — by then, the protest window has long closed. Review your notice as soon as it arrives and act immediately if you disagree with the assessed value.

How to File

Real County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, so protests must be submitted by mail or in person. Contact the district directly to confirm the required protest form and submission instructions:

• Phone: 830-232-6248
• Website: http://www.realcad.org
• Interim Chief Appraiser: Lori Fetterman

When submitting your protest, clearly state that you are contesting the appraised value and include your property's account number from your notice.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you bring. Useful documentation includes recent comparable sales of similar properties in the area, a recent independent appraisal, photographs showing property condition issues, repair estimates for structural or functional problems, and any factual errors in the appraisal district's property records (incorrect square footage, lot size, or property characteristics).

The Hearing Process

After filing, you will receive a scheduled hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that hears property owner disputes. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written determination following the hearing.

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you may pursue further appeal through binding arbitration or district court, depending on your property's value and your circumstances. For most residential owners in Real County, the ARB hearing is the critical opportunity to make your case.

1. What is the deadline to protest my property value in Real County?

The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice, whichever falls later. If your notice arrives late in the season, the 30-day window protects you — but you must track the mailing date carefully. Missing this deadline means you cannot challenge your appraised value until the following tax year.

2. How do I file a protest with the Real County Appraisal District?

Because the Real County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the district office. Contact the office at 830-232-6248 or visit http://www.realcad.org to confirm current submission procedures and obtain the correct protest form. Interim Chief Appraiser Lori Fetterman oversees the appraisal process, and district staff can answer procedural questions.

3. What homestead exemptions are available to Real County property owners?

Real County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against your school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a rating between 10% and 100% qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To receive any of these exemptions, you must apply with the Real County Appraisal District — they are not applied automatically.

4. Does Real County offer an agricultural exemption, and how does it affect property taxes?

Real County recognizes agricultural and open-space land under the 1-d-1 productivity valuation. Rather than taxing land based on its market value, a 1-d-1 designation allows qualifying agricultural land to be taxed on its productive capacity — typically resulting in a significantly lower assessed value. Given Real County's rural character and land use patterns, this designation is particularly relevant for landowners using acreage for ranching, farming, or wildlife management. Contact the Real County Appraisal District at 830-232-6248 to learn about eligibility requirements and the application process.

Filing a property tax protest in Real County requires preparation and attention to detail, especially since the district does not offer electronic submission. Here are practical steps to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Start with the appraisal notice. The moment your notice arrives, note the mailing date and calculate your 30-day window. Compare the appraised value against what you believe the property is actually worth in the current market.

Call before you mail. Because filing procedures can change, contact the Real County Appraisal District at 830-232-6248 before submitting anything. Confirm the correct form, the mailing address, and whether in-person drop-off is available. Interim Chief Appraiser Lori Fetterman's office can clarify current requirements. You can also check http://www.realcad.org for any posted updates.

Send your protest with proof of delivery. Since there is no online portal to generate a confirmation, mail your protest via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep a copy of everything you submit, including the envelope and postmark.

Gather comparable sales data. Research recent sales of similar properties in Real County — ideally within the past 12 months and as close in size, condition, and location as possible. County deed records and the appraisal district's own sales data are useful starting points.

Document any property condition issues. If your property has deferred maintenance, structural concerns, or functional limitations that affect its market value, photograph these thoroughly and obtain written repair estimates when possible.

Review your exemptions. Before your hearing, confirm that all exemptions you qualify for — including the General Residence Homestead, Over-65, or Disabled Veteran exemptions — are already reflected in your notice. If any are missing, address that with the appraisal district separately from your value protest.

Arriving at your ARB hearing organized and evidence-ready is the single most effective thing you can do to support your case.