AppealDesk vs O'Connor & Associates: Which Is Right for You?
Last updated: February 13, 2026
Quick Verdict
AppealDesk is the better choice for transparent, flat-fee pricing and instant results. O'Connor is better if you want an established firm with 50+ years of experience and 100,000+ clients handling everything for you.
Best for budget-conscious DIY
AppealDesk — Homeowners who want transparent pricing and to keep 100% of their savings
Best for hands-off service
O'Connor & Associates — Homeowners who value working with the most established firm in the industry
Rob Hartley·Updated February 13, 2026Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AppealDesk | O'Connor & Associates |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $49 flat fee | Percentage of savings (not publicly listed) |
| Pricing model | Pay once, keep 100% of savings | Contingency — no savings, no fee |
| Coverage | All 50 states, 3,100+ counties | 40+ states |
| Service type | DIY with professional evidence packet | Full-service (they handle everything) |
| What you receive | Evidence packet, filing guide, cover letter | They handle filing and hearing for you |
| Turnaround | Instant (minutes after purchase) | Weeks to months (full process) |
| Track record | Launched 2026 | Since 1974 — 50+ years, 100K+ clients |
| Assessment ratio analysis | Included | Not available as a customer-facing tool |
| Who does the filing | You (with step-by-step instructions) | They file for you |
| Technology | AI-powered comparable sales analysis | In-house appraisal and data teams |
Pricing & Total Cost
AppealDesk charges a flat $49 regardless of your savings. O'Connor uses percentage-based contingency pricing, though specific rates aren't prominently listed on their website. With contingency pricing, your cost scales with your savings — a $3,000 annual reduction at a typical 30% rate would cost $900. With AppealDesk, you'd pay $49 and keep $2,951. O'Connor's contingency model does protect you from paying if they don't achieve savings, which can be appealing if you're uncertain about your case. However, for homeowners who are confident they're overassessed — which AppealDesk's free pre-purchase analysis can confirm — the flat fee is significantly cheaper.
Coverage & Availability
Both services offer broad geographic coverage. O'Connor operates in over 40 states with a strong presence in major metro areas. AppealDesk covers all 50 states and over 3,100 counties, including rural and suburban areas that larger firms sometimes deprioritize. O'Connor has particular depth in Texas, where they've operated for decades. If you're in a major metro like Harris County, TX or Cook County, IL, both services will cover you. If you're in a smaller county or a state that O'Connor doesn't serve, AppealDesk is the option that works regardless of location.
What You Actually Receive
With O'Connor, you're hiring a firm to manage the entire process. You sign up, they do the research, file the appeal, attend hearings, and negotiate with the assessor. You receive the outcome — a reduced assessment (or no change). With AppealDesk, you receive a complete evidence packet with comparable sales analysis, an assessment ratio verification, a county-specific filing guide, and a professional cover letter. You handle the filing yourself, but with detailed instructions. The key difference is transparency: AppealDesk shows you the evidence and teaches you why your assessment is wrong. O'Connor handles it behind the scenes.
The Filing Experience
O'Connor provides a true hands-off experience. You authorize them to act on your behalf and they manage the entire process, including attending hearings. This is a significant convenience, especially if your county requires in-person hearing attendance. With AppealDesk, you file your own appeal — typically a 10-15 minute process using the county-specific filing guide. If your county requires a hearing, you attend it yourself, armed with the evidence packet and talking-point scripts. For homeowners comfortable with basic paperwork, the 15-minute filing saves hundreds in fees. For those who want zero involvement, O'Connor eliminates all effort.
Success Rates & Track Record
O'Connor has the longest track record in the industry: 50+ years, 100,000+ clients, and $190 million saved for clients in 2024 alone. These numbers reflect decades of experience and deep relationships with assessor offices and appeal boards. AppealDesk is newer but uses AI-powered analysis to generate evidence that matches or exceeds what traditional firms produce. Success rates depend heavily on your county — in jurisdictions with inaccurate assessments, virtually any well-prepared appeal succeeds. In well-assessed counties, even experienced firms have lower success rates. The evidence quality matters more than the brand name.
Who Should Choose O'Connor Instead
Choose O'Connor if you value working with the most established name in the property tax appeal industry. Their 50+ years of experience means they've seen every county quirk, every assessor argument, and every hearing board personality. They're especially strong in Texas, where their roots run deepest. If you have a complex case — commercial property, multi-parcel disputes, or a multi-year correction — O'Connor's in-house appraisal team brings expertise that a DIY evidence packet can't match. They're also the right choice if you want someone to attend the hearing on your behalf.
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O'Connor & Associates — Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- +Over 50 years in business (founded 1974) — the longest track record in the industry
- +Served 100,000+ clients with $190 million saved in 2024 alone
- +Coverage in 40+ states — broader than most full-service competitors
- +Deep appraisal expertise with in-house teams that understand local markets
Weaknesses
- –Percentage-based fee structure without publicly disclosed rates makes total cost unpredictable
- –Large firm experience — some homeowners report less personalized communication
- –Process can take weeks to months compared to instant evidence generation
- –No educational materials about assessment ratios or the appeal process
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Frequently Asked Questions
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