Property Tax Appeal:
Do it Yourself. Do it Right.

Last updated on

DIY vs Agent Appeals in Cook County: Who Actually Wins?

By Harsha N Hegde

Cook County homeowners often assume that hiring an appeal agent leads to better outcomes. Agents claim they “know the system.” Homeowners think professionals must be more effective. When you look at actual appeal data from 2020–2025, the truth is blunt:

Homeowners consistently outperform agents on success rates. Every single year. At both the Assessor and the Board of Review.

Below is what the data actually shows.

Or Click here to view our tabulated data.

DIY homeowners win more often than agents every year, with success rates that are roughly two to three times higher. Agents do secure higher median reductions, but that advantage is nowhere close to compensating for their lower win rates and their fees!

Assessor appeal outcomes

  • Homeowners appeal less, but they win more often.
  • DIY success rates are dramatically higher every year.
  • The median reductions they earn are closer to agent outcomes than most people would expect.

Board of Review appeal outcomes

Click the BOR tab in the embedded spreadsheet above to view BOR data.

  • Agents file roughly two to three times more appeals than homeowners.
  • Homeowners still win more often in every year.
  • Median dollar reductions are closer than at the Assessor stage, but DIY remains more efficient per appeal filed.

Volume versus precision

Across both Assessor and BOR:

  • Agents clearly operate a volume game. They file appeals for large numbers of properties every year, including marginal cases.
  • DIY homeowners are selective. They tend to appeal when the assessment looks clearly off.

That shows up directly in the metrics:

  • Higher DIY success rates every year.
  • Only modestly higher median reductions for agents, despite much larger volumes.
  • Better overall outcome per appeal for homeowners.

The usual claim that “agents get better results” is not supported by this data. What the numbers actually say is:

  • Agents dominate the volume.
  • DIY homeowners dominate the efficiency and win rates.

How Square Deal helps homeowners

DIY homeowners in Cook County already beat agents on success rate, at both the Assessor and the Board of Review.

Square Deal gives homeowners research-grade comparable sales, clear evidence, and structured analysis so they can present a stronger case and push for reductions that match fair market value.

DIY already wins. Square Deal helps those wins go further.

About the Author

Harsha N Hegde is the founder of squaredeal.tax, a DIY platform that helps homeowners protest unfair property tax assessments. He has helped thousands of homeowners save money using comps-based evidence and practical guidance.

Related Posts

Have questions? Use the comments section below to ask. We respond to all questions!

Disclaimer

Articles presented here are for general information and education only. It is provided as a courtesy to the general public. SQD Taxtech LLC does not warrant that it is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are those of the authors or persons quoted as of the date of the article with no obligation to update or notify of inaccuracy or change. This article may not be reproduced, distributed or further published by any person without the written consent of SQD Taxtech LLC. Please cite source when quoting.

SQD Taxtech LLC, its managed affiliates and subsidiaries, as a matter of policy, do not give tax, accounting, regulatory or legal advice. Rules in the areas of law, tax, and accounting are subject to change and open to varying interpretations. You should consult with your other advisors on the tax, accounting and legal implications of actions you may take based on any strategies presented, taking into account your own particular circumstances.