About Vanguard Property Tax Appeals
A decade of expertise. A commitment to personalized service. And a simple promise: no savings, no fee.
Patrick Melton
For more than a decade, Patrick Melton has been one of Texas's most accomplished property tax consultants, helping high-end residential and investment property owners across the DFW metroplex save thousands in annual property taxes.
Before founding Vanguard Property Tax Appeals, Patrick spent seven years building one of Texas's largest property tax consulting firms. He walked away from that to create something better: a client-centric firm where every property owner gets the dedicated, hands-on attention of an experienced team.
His philosophy is straightforward: understand each client's unique situation, apply institutional-grade appraisal methodology, and deliver results.
Today Patrick leads the Vanguard team of property tax consultants and client support staff. Our team handles every account from filing through final settlement, and Patrick sets the strategy on each one.
How Vanguard Challenges Your Assessment
We use the same appraisal techniques employed by appraisal districts and know exactly where to find the gaps in their methodology.
Market Value Analysis
We research recent sales of genuinely comparable properties in your neighborhood to demonstrate that your assessed value exceeds true market value.
Unequal Appraisal Argument
Under Texas Tax Code ยง41.43, we prove that your property is taxed at a higher percentage of value than similar properties in the same district.
ARB Hearing Representation
If informal negotiations don't achieve the right result, our team represents you before the Appraisal Review Board. You never need to appear.
Informal Negotiations & Formal ARB Hearings
After filing your protest, most appraisal districts first schedule an informal review, a negotiation between Vanguard and an appraisal district appraiser. If a fair value is reached, no further action is needed.
If negotiations stall, your case advances to a formal ARB hearing, a courtroom-style setting where a three-member panel reviews evidence from both sides and issues a binding order.
If the ARB ruling is still unsatisfactory, Vanguard can advise on binding arbitration, a SOAH appeal, or judicial appeal in district court.
Informal Hearing
Direct negotiation with the appraisal district appraiser. Fast, efficient, and often results in a meaningful reduction without a full hearing.
Formal ARB Hearing
Vanguard presents your evidence before a three-member ARB panel. We prepare and argue every aspect of the case. You're not required to attend.
Further Appeals
Binding arbitration, SOAH appeals, or district court options are available for properties where further challenge makes financial sense.
"The result of a client-first approach is simple: Results."
Vanguard was built on the belief that every Texas property owner deserves expert representation, not just those with the resources to hire a full legal team. Our contingency model levels the playing field.
Results-Driven
Our fee structure aligns our interests perfectly with yours. We win when you win.
Personally Attentive
Our team is always available to answer questions and explain the process.
Proactive & Automatic
Enrolled clients are protested every year without lifting a finger. Never miss a deadline again.
Let's Talk About Your Property
Call our team today or sign up online for a free property assessment. There's no obligation and no upfront cost.