Shock and awe were the first two reactions Buda resident Joshua Sosa had when he received his 2017 home appraisal notice in the mail this month.

Sosa, who has been living in his home in the Huntington Estates subdivision since 2014, saw his appraisal rise by $26,000 from last year’s value.

“How in the hell do they appraise my home and add $26,000 when I haven’t done anything to it or declared anything or added equity?” Sosa asked. “I was very surprised and caught off ...