Category Archives: Homeowners
Changing Tax Laws Affect Homestead Exemptions
Effective September 1, 2011, in order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide the appraisal district with a copy of either your Texas driver’s license or Texas ID Card. The address on your driver’s license or state ID card must match the physical address of the residence for which you are applying. This address must also be the same as the address on your vehicle registration. Attach a copy of your vehicle registration receipt to your homestead application.
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Battle of the Boxes: PODS vs. Packrat
When you’re building a new home and at the same time selling your current home, you’re privy to a lot of unique circumstances, some of which are more pleasant than others. One of those decidedly unpleasant circumstances is coordinating your …
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Texas Bans Private Transfer Fees
The Texas House of Representatives and Senate have overwhelmingly voted for a bill that would ban private transfer fees on real estate. The legislation bans new private transfer fees that are written into neighborhood deed restrictions typically at a rate …
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Is a Short Sale Right For Me?
Short Sales are all the buzz in the real estate world right now, but whether they’re right for a given homeowner is another question altogether. It’s important that you understand the benefits, the pitfalls and the legal and tax implications …
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Katy Area Home Price Reductions
How do you know when it’s time to lower your asking price for your home? There are several indicators that you should pay attention to, but here’s a good rule of thumb: If your home has been on the market for at least a week and you’ve had no or very few showings, it’s an indicator that your home is overpriced.
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Fannie Mae Announces New Deed for Lease Program
Fannie Mae (FMN/NYSE) is implementing the Deed for LeaseTM Program under which qualifying homeowners facing foreclosure will be able to remain in their homes by signing a lease in connection with the voluntary transfer of the property deed back to the lender.
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School Finance Mess is Nothing New
The Texas Supreme Court’s decision really has nothing to do with the sweeping tax changes that are on the way. They merely brought to light a growing problem that the Texas Legislation has been working on for some time.
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