May 3rd, 2011 10:43 AM

By Shonda Novak

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Published: 8:04 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011

Hays County homeowners on average can expect to see only slight increases in appraised values as the Hays Central Appraisal District mails appraisal notices this week.

The average home value in Hays County increased less than 1 percent, to $163,701, for 2011, Chief Appraiser David Valle said in a statement.

The average home value in the Hays school district also increased less than 1 percent, to $132,272, Valle said.

"Most properties did not change in value, thanks to a dull real estate market and a foreclosure market that are keeping values flat," Valle said. "There are pockets of strength, including the multifamily market, which is a bit stronger this year."

Areas in the county where average values are up less than 1 percent include the San Marcos school district, with an average of $119,520; the Dripping Springs school district, with an average of $268,620; and the city of Buda, where the average value is $159,841 .

Two areas will see increases of about 1 percent: the Wimberley school district, with home values averaging $195,513, and the city of San Marcos, where the average is $120,252.

The average home value in Kyle was flat at $127,480, Valle said.

The values are averages, so appraisals will vary depending on the neighborhood, Valle said.

Tax bills will also depend on what taxing units do in setting this year's rates.

The impact on the budgets of local governments and school districts won't be clear until final, certified numbers come out around July 25, he said.

Hays County's total preliminary market value is about $14.58 billion this year, up 2.68 percent from 2010, Valle said. Commercial and industrial property increased 4.5 percent, to $1.39 billion.

Residential multifamily property increased about 8 percent, to $560 million.

Average home appraisals changed only slightly in the region's three other largest counties.

In Travis County, Chief Appraiser Patrick Brown said Monday that, based on preliminary figures, the average home value rose 1.2 percent, to $276,161 . In Williamson County, the average value rose less than 1 percent, to $187,088.

Preliminary figures for Bastrop County put the average home market value at $118,153, down less than 1 percent.

snovak@statesman.com; 445-3856

How to protest

Property owners have until May 31 to file a notice of protest if they think their appraisals are too high.

The notices may be filed in person or by mail at the appraisal district office. The filing triggers an informal hearing process.

If no agreement is reached then, the owner may appeal to the local appraisal review board.

Some homeowners in Travis and Williamson counties have the option of using an online protest system. The appraisal notice will include the details for people who are eligible.

Type the characters you see in this picture, click "Submit" when finished.

		This helps us prevent automated programs from creating bogus contacts and adding them to your contacts database.