Yvonne Grayson

Starting Sept. 1, individuals seeking to apply for a homestead exemption in Texas will need to comply with a new application process.

In order to receive a homestead exemption for property tax purposes, applicants must now provide a copy of their Texas driver’s license or Texas state-issued identification card and a copy of their vehicle registration receipt with their application for a homestead exemption.

Moreover, the addresses shown on each of the documents must be the same as the address for which the homestead exemption is sought, according to Harris County Chief Appraiser Jim Robinson.

Those who do not own a vehicle will be required to submit a notarized affidavit certifying that fact OR a copy of a current bill received from a utility company. The address on the utility bill must be the same as the address on the application for a homestead exemption.

The new requirement that takes effect on Sept 1 is required for any one of the several ways property owners can qualify for a residential property homestead. These include the following:

• General residential exemption
• Over-65 exemption
• Disability exemption
• 100% disabled veterans exemption
• Extension of exemption for a surviving spouse
• Exemption for manufactured (mobile) home

Each of the programs cited above have additional requirements for qualification. However, the common standard is that all such applicants must provide the additional documentation as noted before regarding driver’s license, Texas issued identification card, motor vehicle registration, and utility billing receipt.

For those seeking homestead exemption status on a manufactured home, the applicant must also provide documentation as noted below:

• Statement of ownership and location issued by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• A copy of the purchase contract or payment receipt that the applicant is the purchaser of the manufactured home, OR, a sworn affidavit that:

a. The applicant is the owner of the manufactured home

b. The seller of the manufactured home did not provide the applicant with a purchase contract, and

c. The applicant could not locate the seller after making a good faith effort

In order to avoid confusion, the modified homestead exemption form and the referenced affidavits will be posted on the effective date of the new legislation (Sept. 1) on the website of the Harris County Appraisal District at www.hcad.org.

Source:Houston Community Newspapers

StarTex Title Pearland is pleased to offer MCE classes for real estate professionals. It is our hope that we can provide a fun environment conducive to learning more about the issues that effect the real estate profession the most!

MCE Classes

September 14 - Legal Update & Ethics (6hr MCE)

• 9:00 -4:00
• Lunch from 12:00 -1:00 provided by Churchill Morgage & Bob Ware
• Educational Partners include Exacta Texas Surveyors, Inc and Cutco.
• Cost: $15 per class or $30 for both

September 15 - Complete Financial Workshop Management Part I (3hr MCE)

• 10:00 - 1:00 (Breakfast provided at 8:30 by Bryan & Bryan Inspections)
• Presenter Cyndi Barnett - Certified Financial Planner & Tax Specialist
• Educational Partners include Reine Ray with SWBC, Ard Law Firm, Star Creek Construction, and Joe Cook & Assoc.
• Cost: $20

September 28 - Complete Financial Workshop Management Part I (3hr MCE)

• 10:00 - 1:00 (Breakfast provided at 8:30 by Bryan & Bryan Inspections)
• Presenter Cyndi Barnett - Certified Financial Planner & Tax Specialist
• Educational Partners include Reine Ray with SWBC, Ard Law Firm, Star Creek Construction, and Joe Cook & Assoc.
• Cost: $20

Fill out the form below to register!

Contact forms powered by 123ContactForm.com | Report abuse

"You get what you think about, whether you want it or not. Commit to thinking about what you want, rather than how impossible or difficult that dream may seem."

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Being in Balance

Lets start off this brand new week thinking about our goals - what we want - whether it be business or personal. Lets commit to thinking on those things and then set off to attain them! Who's with me??

The Pearland Neighborhood Center’s 12thAnnual Ball, “City of Dreams”, will be held on Saturday, August 20th at Golfcrest Country Club. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, drinks, live music entertainment, dancing, and the chance to bid on incredible items at our silent and live auctions. StarTex Title Pearland has been nominated as a Business of the Year at this year’s Ball and we have agreed to help raise funds for the Center.

Every dollar raised by each business counts as one vote toward their campaign. We’ve been hosting parties and golf tournaments, writing letters, raffling items, etc. to raise “votes.”

The Pearland Neighborhood Center is an integral part of our community. During the 2010 holiday season, the PNC sponsored over 360 families and provided them with food baskets, clothing and Christmas presents. They distributed 55 senior Christmas food baskets and hosted a "Share Your Holiday's" Food Drive in partnership with Channel 13 and local schools where they collected over 41,000 pounds of food.

The PNC also offers the following programs and services (at no charge) to those in need, who meet the requirements: Information & Referral Services, Food/Bread/Baby Pantry, Baby and Children's Clothing, Medical & Prescription Assistance, School Clothing & Supply Vouchers, Continuing Education & GED Scholarships, Senior Employment Program, ESL and SSL classes, Utility & Emergency Assistance, Disaster Relief, and Basic Living Skills & Job Training Classes. They assist individuals with their resumes and job applications, and they offer free tax return preparation and financial stability courses.

We’re asking our friends and family to join the fun and support a great cause. Special categories of sponsorship are available and tables can be purchased. Dollars raised from the purchase of silent and live auction items also go to help the business of your choice raise votes.

Never neglect your past client database!

The more you keep in touch with your past clients, the easier your job will become. You never know when they may know someone who needs a Realtor. Keeping in touch with past clients can be as easy as sending a postcard.Don't have a big budget? Then send an e-newsletter! The important thing is to stay in contact with your past clients so that when they need a Realtor, they know to contact you!