How to Lower Property Taxes & Insurance on Rentals

In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, host Kathy Fetke explores a powerful yet often overlooked strategy for real estate investors: reducing property taxes through formal appeals. Guest Sam Thrash from OwnWell explains how property tax assessments are frequently inaccurate due to mass appraisal methods that overlook unique property characteristics. He emphasizes that property taxes are one of the largest expenses for investors and can be actively managed, not just accepted as a fixed cost. Thrash highlights that over 90% of property owners take no action, missing out on potential savings. The discussion covers state-by-state differences, with Texas offering strong opportunities due to lack of caps, while California’s Prop 13 limits increases but still allows for appeals in certain scenarios. OwnWell offers a no-upfront-cost service that handles the entire appeal process, with an 88% success rate and average savings of $775 per property. The episode concludes with a strong call to action: now, during a market of flat or declining values, is the ideal time to reassess and potentially lower tax burdens to boost cash flow.