It's that time again. As the end of the year approaches, once again we have our "yearly chance" to use the Homestead Exemption as a closing technique. Actually... it is much more than simply a closing technique... it is just one more great reason for a "sitting on the fence" buyer to get off that fence... and get themselves a home.
The Homestead Exemption is something that many people who are renting homes or apartments may not be aware of. The net effect of the Homestead Exemption is sort of a "discount" on a property owner's real estate taxes... but it's only for a person's "homestead"... which is the home they own, and that they are living in.
A general explanation of how it works is as follows: Certain entities that "tax" an owners home real estate dwelling will "exempt" a portion of the home's taxable value from property taxes. For example, if that taxing entity is a local ISD or Independent School District, it may "exempt" a portion of the value of that home from being taxed. If that home is worth $140,000, and the portion of its value exempted is $20,000... it's like getting a 14% tax discount on that portion of a homeowner's yearly tax bill due the local ISD.
Sometimes the amount may be small, sometimes it may be larger, but nonetheless, it is a money-saving feature of home ownership that can very easily be taken advantage of. The only "catch" is, that in Texas, a homeowner will only qualify if they actually OWN the property as of January First of the taxable year in question. That means... if a buyer closes on their home this year on December 28, 2008... they are "in title"... or they "own" that property as of January 1, 2009, and are eligible for a tax break for the ENTIRE year of 2009. IF you miss it by even a day, and perhaps close on your home on January 2, 2009, you are not eligible for the Homestead Exemption until January 1, 2010.
Texas as a state is one that very much encourages Individual Home Ownership. People who own their homes are more likely to take part in local area activities. They are more likely to vote, and more likely to run for offices like school boards, city council positions, mayors of their city, and even state-wide positions. This is something that is Good For Texas, and it's something that's Good For You.
So... if you are sitting on the fence, wondering if buying a home in the next few months is a good idea, here is just one more reason why it is to your advantage to own your own home.
If you are ready to go from "Just Looking" to "Let's Get Serious"... call the New Home Hotline at (817) 929-3400 to start your very own personalized search for your new home. And remember... if you close on it by Dec 30, 2008... you will have your Homestead Exemption activly saving you tax dollars... for the entire 2009 year !
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