SMITH COUNTY--Smith County's Appraisal District recently mailed about 40,000 appraisal notices. Property owners can expect a notice if their property value has increased by one-thousand dollars as of January.

Smith County's Chief Appraiser, Michael Barnett, says new construction and a growing city are some of the reasons property values have increased so much this year.

"Texas is very unique in that we've shown this phenomenal growth in our real estate base and that's the great story that Texas is enjoying right now," says Barnett.

Homeowner and realtor, Jonathan Wolf was surprised by his appraisal notice.

"I just got my (notice) on Friday and I've just been sitting here going...it just seems so wrong. I can't wait to go protest and see where they got this number," says Wolf.

However, Barnett says property owners who are concerned should first ask how much homes in their neighborhood are selling for.

"They are trying to get more money out of the land owners...If you bought your house today, there's no way you could see this sort of increase in the next two years," says Wolf.

Barnett says concern from homeowners is not uncommon.

"The only complication in this process is there's so much speculation about where the market is going," says Barnett.

However, Wolf says companies like Remax have more listings than ever before, because homes are not being sold near the appraised value. Wolf says that's one reason why he plans to protest his appraised value.

Barnett says the Appraisal District is happy to talk to those who are questioning their notice. However, to address concerns about your notice, you have 30 days to file an inquiry with the Appraisal District. If the problem is not resolved, you can file a formal protest.

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