Texas Property Tax Tips
Posts by jkutner
Whither Texas Home Values 1st Q 2010?
Mortgage rates — at or below 5% — are at their lowest level since the middle of the last century. But If the Fed’s program to keep rates artificially low ends March 31 and the home buyers’ tax credit ends April 30, values in the first quarter of 2010 could be artificially inflated.
Home owners who protest their valuations in 2010 need to be aware of the fleeting nature of some comparable sales statistics.
Property Taxes and Sales Taxes — There’s a Connection
Sales tax collections — the revenues that fuel local municipalities’ operations — fell statewide 11.4% in November, from $310 million to $274.5 million, according to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office. The effect on property owners is a likely increase in their tax rates.
An owner’s main recourse is to seek a lower taxable value through protesting his or her property’s assessment.
Your Right to Protest Your Texas Property Taxes
Texans have the unrestricted right to protest their property taxes once every year in May. But the season for property tax protests doesn’t end then. And it’s not limited to this year; you can go back five years . . .
How to Hire a Texas Property Tax Consultant
A recent study showed 22% of homeowners who represent themselves get reductions compared to 80% when represented by a consultant; their average reduction was 3% compared to 8% when represented. We’ll show you how to maximize your savings.
Housing Tax Credit Effect on Your Texas Property Tax Protest
If you intend to protest the appraisal value of your home this year it will be important to determine whether the comparable sales you use or those which the appraisal district uses come from first time home buyers (before November 30) or relocators (before April 30) because. . .
Homebuyers’ Tax Credit Effect on the Market
When the extended home buyers’ tax credit expires again in April the housing market will have to stand on its own. Some observers wonder whether it can.
DFW Apartment Market 3rd Q 2009
More than 11% of DFW rental apartment units were vacant at 12/31/2009, the highest level in twenty years. And rental rates in 2009 were down 2.6% from 2008.
The outlook does not look bright for occupancy or rental rates because
Financing: when less is more
“Mortgage interest is deductible, so reach for the stars.” But trouble with maxing out your mortgage is two fold:
Houston Homes Sales November 2009
November was the third consecutive month that Houston home sales increased year over year, up 33% from November 2008 according to Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) data, but the presence of the increase may be more significant than its size. It was attributable in part to the lingering effects of Hurricane Ike in 2008 and the impending expiration . . .
A Penny Saved Can Be Worth Three Cents
A property tax reduction this year could survive for two or more years because
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