Your Personal Board of Directors: Why Calibrated Advice Matters
Market Perspective Your Personal Board of Directors: Why Calibrated Advice Matters Adam Stanley • Broker Associate, Public Board Director, Investor in Good The smartest decision-makers don’t go it alone — they build a trusted inner circle. But the difference between good and great advice isn’t who’s on your board. It’s understanding the lens each member […]
The Great Real Estate Consolidation: What 12 Months of Mega-Deals Mean for You
Search Search Market Perspectives Blog Market Perspective Brokerage Consolidation in Real Estate: What 12 Months of Mega-Deals Mean for You Market Perspective • Adam Timothy Group Brokerage consolidation in real estate has accelerated faster in the last twelve months than at any point in the industry’s history. Compass swallowed Anywhere. Rocket bought Redfin. Compass and […]
The First Two Weeks of Your Austin Listing: Why They Matter Most
Search Search Market Perspectives Blog Market Perspective The First Two Weeks of Your Austin Listing: Why They Matter Most Market Perspective • Adam Timothy Group Even in a slower Austin market — where the average home now takes 82 to 85 days to sell — the first two weeks of your listing are still your […]
Does Your Open Garage Count as Impervious Cover?
If you’re buying, selling, or adding on to a home in Austin, impervious cover limits are one of the most consequential — and misunderstood — zoning rules you’ll face. And open-air garages, carports, and porte-cochères are frequently the culprit behind unexpected compliance headaches.
Most people assume that if a structure doesn’t have four walls, it doesn’t count toward their lot’s impervious cover total. Unfortunately, that assumption is wrong — and it can derail a renovation permit, kill an ADU addition, or complicate a real estate transaction at the worst possible moment. Here’s what every Austin homeowner and buyer needs to know.
The Zillow-Compass Battle Is Over. Our Clients Were Never Fighting It.
Zillow and Compass reached a resolution this week. Compass dropped its lawsuit. Zillow agreed to stop penalizing agents who market listings on Compass.com and Redfin.com before syndicating everywhere else. The industry took notice. Most buyers and sellers didn’t — and honestly, they shouldn’t have had to.
Texas Disclosure Forms: What Both Sides Need to Know
In every Texas residential real estate transaction, the law requires sellers to complete several disclosure documents before a sale can close. For buyers, these forms are a window into the property’s history and condition. For sellers, they’re a legal obligation — and an opportunity to build trust with prospective buyers by being upfront about what they know.
Tax Exemptions for Homeowners in Texas
As a homeowner in Texas, you may be eligible for various tax exemptions that can help reduce your property tax burden. These exemptions are designed to provide financial relief to homeowners and encourage home ownership. Here are some of the tax exemptions available to homeowners in Texas:
Homestead Exemption
The Homestead Exemption is one of the most common and significant tax exemptions available to homeowners in Texas. It offers a reduction in the taxable value of your primary residence, thereby lowering your property taxes. To qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must use the property as your primary residence as of January 1st of the tax year.
Over-65 Exemption
If you are 65 years or older, you may be eligible for the Over-65 Exemption. This exemption provides additional tax relief by reducing the taxable value of your property. To qualify, you must be at least 65 years old as of January 1st of the tax year and meet certain income and residency requirements.
Disabled Person Exemption
The Disabled Person Exemption is available to homeowners with disabilities. It offers a reduction in the taxable value of your property if you have a qualifying disability. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria and provide documentation of your disability.
Veterans Exemptions
There are several tax exemptions available to veterans in Texas, including the Disabled Veterans Exemption, the Veterans Exemption, and the Surviving Spouse Exemption. These exemptions provide various levels of tax relief based on your military service and disability status.
Other Exemptions
In addition to the exemptions mentioned above, there are other exemptions available for specific situations, such as the Religious Organization Exemption, the Charitable Organization Exemption, and the Historical Exemption. These exemptions are designed to provide tax relief to certain types of properties or organizations.
It is important to note that each exemption has specific eligibility requirements and application processes. To take advantage of these tax exemptions, you will need to file the appropriate forms with your local appraisal district. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional or contact your local appraisal district for detailed information and guidance on the available exemptions.
By understanding and utilizing the tax exemptions available to homeowners in Texas, you can potentially save a significant amount on your property taxes and make home ownership more affordable.
