Ashley Cox, Keller Williams Realty

So you plugged through the holidays, attended the parties and potlucks, maxed out whatever budget you had and managed to survive into 2012. You had business to tend to, goals to set, new people to meet and places to go. And, now, it's mid-February, and you find that you are still in a funk.

I know that whenever I am in a funk, I feel disengaged and frustrated with the general day to day. Too little sun and I become lethargic. And indulging on a 'funk' day to hold a pity party for one may not do the trick. So if you find yourself in a similar situation, unmotivated and locked in place, try seeking out a healthy outlet to release a little.

• Get Moving - It may seem like the last thing you want to do, but getting out of a doomsicle requires being a little active. Go for a walk, a jog, do some good stretching or work on your cardio (you know you've been putting it off). Deep breathing triggered by these opens up your mind to some better energy.
• Do some Good - Volunteering or doing other random acts of kindness will take the focus off of you and you humdrum attitude. Make someone else feel special for a moment and you'll be surprised how quickly their happiness transmits back to you! Go to a food shelter, clean out your closet for a hefty donation, deliver cookies to a fire station, hug a tree... whatever works.
• Mix it up - Go get a new set of colorful bed sheets, indulge in a good novel or make a trip to the bowling alley for a night of fun. Getting out of a rut can mean forcing yourself to venture outside of your comfort zone, which is okay.

With our ever-changing economy and turmoil in the market, even the most positive and inspired people can get a little down. Try greeting and engaging everyone with a smile on your face, and know that interrupting the pattern you may have created for yourself will open your mind and your business to some fresh thinking.

Time is creeping up and it's less than a week from the big day... the day that, though most of us try to avoid, sucks us into a desire to swoon our sweet with chocolates, doilies and cheesy sentiments.

If you haven't made any arrangements for you and the special someone, it may not be too late. Feel free to check these restaurants for their open reservation times - and if you aren't able to land a time on Tuesday, February 14th, try for later in the week! Romance doesn't have to end at the stroke of midnight, fellas.

Al Biernat's - 4217 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219 (214) 219-2201

Steakhouse ~ The influential and the famous flock to this brewing scene for the steaks and the seafood.

Craft Dallas - 2440 Victory Park Lane #100, Dallas, Texas 75219 (214) 397-4111

Contemporary ~ Like its siblings, the Dallas Craft features mix-and-match family-style servings of straight forward food.

The Grape - 2808 Greenville Avenue - Dallas, Texas 75206 (214) 828-1981

American ~ Unpretentious European-style bistro featuring classic dishes and noteworthy wines.

The Grill on the Alley - 13270 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75240 (214) 459-1601

American ~ Stylish restaurant serving up classic American dishes.

Nana - 2201 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207 (214) 761-7470

Contemporary ~ Chef Anthony Bombaci offers sophisticated dining at this Dallas landmark high above the Hilton Anatole.

Pyramid Restaurant & Bar - 1717 North Akard Street, Dallas, Texas 75201 (214) 720-5249

Modern American ~ The Fairmont Dallas' restaurant presents its modern design and cuisine with style.

If you are looking to wine and dine, there are plenty of spots in East Dallas to take your love for a nice evening out. If you aren't the fancy type, consider a movie and laid back 'date night' of grocery finds made into a cute picnic. It's the thought that counts...

Understand Common Law Marriage in the State of Texas, and how it impacts real estate transactions...

Most people have a misconception and don't fully understand what “common law marriage” is. Many simply think that if two people live together for a while (6 months to a year), there is a common law marriage.

Texas recognizes the validity of informal marriage including unions entered into within the state as well as those entered into in other states that recognize common law marriages. The law has long been that two people who wish to be married do not need to have a ceremonial marriage.

Once established, being in a common law marriage has the same legal effect as being in a marriage where you had a license and ceremony, with regard to community property.

There are three parts to a common law marriage here in the lonestar state. In Texas, those that wish to establish a common law marriage must (1) agree to be married, (2) cohabit, and (3) represent to others that they are married. Additionally, there is a form that can be signed and documented with the county clerk to establish the legality of the union.

Also, know that a verified common law marriage is only divisible by divorce decree, especially when there are debts or custody issues involved.

With relationships taking a different appearance since the latter years of our last century, it is important to understand the impact unions have on real estate in the State of Texas. If you are in a common law union, you can expect that a Title Company (and some lenders) will err on the side of caution when transfer of real property takes place.

As a new property owner, you are required to pay property taxes on real estate. It is taxed each year by a variety of jurisdictions including the county, city and school district. As a 2011 home buyer, you need to notify the taxing authorities of your ownership so that the tax rolls will reflect the change. You may do this by contacting the appropriate tax appraisal district in your county, listed below.

Your property is assigned a single appraised value, which is sent to all taxing jurisdictions. The jurisdiction then applies the tax rate, as set by its governing body, to the appraised value.

To receive your exemption(s), you must own the property and be living in the property as of January 1st. Your application must be applied for on or before April 30, 2012 to receive the tax benefits for this year. This is a FREE service.

Remember, tax statements are generally mailed in October of each year. The taxes are payable on or after October 31, however, you may elect to pay them as late as January 31 without penalty. Taxes become delinquent February 1 and on this date penalties and interest do accrue. If you receive a Tax Statement and your mortgage company is escrowing funds for taxes from your monthly payments, forward the statement to your mortgage company so they can pay the taxes.

On January 1, 2012, value, ownership, legal description of the property and exemption status of the taxpayer is determined. Several forms of tax relief are available which may reduce the taxable value of your property. Applying for exemptions is the taxpayer’s responsibility. Find out more information by visiting your taxing distrcit below:

Collin County Appraisal District - www.collincad.org
Dallas County Appraisal District - www.dallascad.org
Denton County Appraisal District - www.dentoncad.com
Rockwall County Appraisal District - www.rockwallcad.com
Tarrant County Appraisal District - www.tad.org
Rockwall County Appraisal District - www.rockwallcad.org

Remembering our Veterans on this very special Veteran's Day!

Past, present and future... Thank you for your service.