Texas is a state that doesn't have an Income Tax, rather it assigns Property and Sales Taxes to pay it's bills.
As a homeowner, you can actually CHOOSE your tax rate! If you earn $100,000 annually, and pay $5000 a year for property taxes, you have just "chosen" a 5% tax rate! A couple making 6-figures would be more comfortable paying 5% annually in property taxes, but a single person or a family with an income of $60,000 a year, may not always want to effectively pay 8%. The latter would be better off choosing a community where the tax rates allowed them to pay much less. Many communities in developing areas like Pearland, Texas (an area I specialize in), have widely-varying propety taxes and homeowner association dues. Sometimes, a person can literally go across the street and save 30% on their annual homeowner property tax bill! When looking at homeownership, it pays to consider the fees above principal and interest that factor into the true price of your home. Talking at length with a knowledgeable agent can help you choose a home that has taxes and fees most comfortable for you! I am happy to share my expertise as a licensed agent--please feel free to contact me at 713.402.8571 if you would like my help!
Bonita Gillis's Blog
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3311 Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581
Phone: (281) 485-1400 Fax: (713) 341-0917
Owning Real Estate in the Houston area is not just about finding the property--but dozens of details in-between! I am an expert in numerous facets of homeownership, and can counsel my clients to make home-selection choices which best compliment their personal lifestyle preferences.
Starting over in a new area is exciting and potentially overwhelming. It is of upmost importance when making the move to MOVE SMART for today's market! Buyer's need to consider that this home may be theirs for a minimum of 7 to 10 years, especially if buying in an area where new construction's are plentiful. When planning your next home, think first and foremost LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! The home itself can always be improved or changed, but the community is one factor that is hard to influence. Always choose the most reasonable commute possible to avoid being "Time-Poor". In Houston, traffic adds considerably to one's time on the road and consequently, stress. Keep your location close to main arteries, and plan around known present and future commutes, as much as possible. When you hire a conscientious agent like myself, I will be sure to assist you to plan for your Lifestyle, as well as your housing desires. Please feel free to call or email me anytime to set up a courtesy homebuying consultation at 713.402.8571. All my best, Bonita
Here we go again, another buyer stumped by an apartment complex who states the written notice wasn't tendered properly. Never mind the client knew exactly what date and time the notice was provided-- without a signature or some type of written confirmation, the landlord or property staff can assess charges if they say there wasn't proper notice. Since the tenant is the one who stands to lose, it is wise to protect yourself. Always, always, ask for a signature and date on a copy of your notice--regardless. This way, you as a renter are assured that no undue fees can be charged you or applied to your credit reports, and you can move without any added consequence!
Somehow, first-time homebuyers and those who haven't purchased in decades still believe home purchasing right now is beyond their reach!
Today's buyers can often buy for less than the price of renting!
Borrowers with a satisfactory credit history (usually 640 and no late payments within past 12 mos.), can often borrow having just 3.5% of the purchase price and a small amount for closing costs (depending on your escrows needed).
Many homebuyers are pleasantly surprised to see their mortgage amount is lower than what they have been paying to live in crowded apartments or old, inefficient rentals. They wonder why they have been shelling out for someone else's property over many years, when they could easily have become an owner themselves. When purchased thoughtfully and according to your needs, a home can provide a true sanctuary retreat you love calling your own!
Today's interest rates are making homeownship dreams a reality for many! Call me today to find out how to get started in finding a home of Your own!
Bonita Gillis, REALTOR @ Realty Associates 713.402.8571 cell
Today's buyers can often buy for less than the price of renting!
Borrowers with a satisfactory credit history (usually 640 and no late payments within past 12 mos.), can often borrow having just 3.5% of the purchase price and a small amount for closing costs (depending on your escrows needed).
Many homebuyers are pleasantly surprised to see their mortgage amount is lower than what they have been paying to live in crowded apartments or old, inefficient rentals. They wonder why they have been shelling out for someone else's property over many years, when they could easily have become an owner themselves. When purchased thoughtfully and according to your needs, a home can provide a true sanctuary retreat you love calling your own!
Today's interest rates are making homeownship dreams a reality for many! Call me today to find out how to get started in finding a home of Your own!
Bonita Gillis, REALTOR @ Realty Associates 713.402.8571 cell
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7 Home Owners Insurance Tips
The new year is a good time to take stock of your home owners insurance coverage. Read
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Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Essential Heating System Maintenance
Published: September 24, 2009
Getting your home's heating system professionally serviced every year will keep it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.
Who does the job?
The simplest way to get the work done is to hire your fuel company to do it. Oil companies and gas utilities usually provide this service, or you can hire the contractor who installed the equipment. Also, some plumbers handle heating systems.
What is involved?
The technician will clean soot and corrosion out of the combustion chamber where the fuel is burned, and check it for leaks or damage. He'll inspect the flue pipe for open seams, clogs, or corrosion that could cause carbon monoxide to backdraft into the house. He'll replace the filters on oil and forced-air systems. Finally, he'll test the exhaust from your cleaned machine and use the information to adjust the burner for maximum efficiency.
How much will it cost?
You'll pay between $100 and $180 for the service, depending largely on whether you have a gas system, which is easier to maintain, or oil, which requires a fair amount of soot removal. Usually the cost is covered by an annual maintenance contract that also provides 24-hour emergency service. While the technician is there, he should also service your water heater, assuming it has a separate oil or gas burner.
When is the best time to do the work?
Ideally, have your system tuned up in the fall so it's in top shape for the start of the heating season. Of course, that's when technicians are the busiest, so if you can't do it when you want, do it when you can—as long as your system is serviced once a year. And don't expect your provider to call to remind you that it's time. Even if you subscribe to an annual service plan, you still need to call to make an appointment. Call in the spring or summer to be sure of getting on the schedule in the fall.
A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He's currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs.
Houston's bustling housing market means new communities are always springing up somewhere. Some communities may have only 500 homes, and are often referred to as "pocket" communities. Developer's, however, can build what are referred to as "Master-Planned" communities. These communities can be THOUSANDS OF ACRES and THOUSANDS OF HOMESITES. The implications for the buyer in one of these communities mean choices galore in builders, options, and amenities. But BE THOUGHTFUL before jumping in to such a large development. An essential part of your decision should include your intentions for staying in the area. Competing against active builders to resell your home is going to cost you, the reseller, hard money. So in short, if I have someone looking at such a development, I qualify their potential for relocating prior to the time the development is "built-out". I also ascertain from the builders: how many acres in the particular development; how many homesites; how many sold homesites; and how many years sales have been ongoing? Knowing this information can give a buyer the important projected time of completion for the development. If the buyer is one who may be subject to job transfers, or other plans to move prior to construction completions, it is essential they weigh the very real costs before making that choice. For those who do move every 3 to 5 years or so, I suggest other more appropriate "pocket" communities for this purchase. A healthy housing economy sustains business and consumers alike, and a Great Realtor will see that their homebuyer is making the best housing decision for their long-term economic success!
April 30th! That's the reason for the rush.
Many homebuyers still are unaware that eligible claims are based on a contract not only being submitted, but ACCEPTED by the sellers no later than April 30th. Then a person still has up until June 30th to close on the property purchased.
So if you're wondering why that home you've had an eye on for the last month is now GONE, it is because the better values are disappearing fast.
Eight Thousand Dollars, sent in one big check 12-16 weeks after your closing forms are sent, is a Whole Lot of Motivation. Many buyers are choosing to set aside half of the monies to keep that ever-important 8 month "Emergency Fund" on hand. Some are picking up the refrigerator, washer and dryer and paying it off as soon as the stimulus money arrives to them. A few are even allocating a few thousand dollars to remove those nagging debts once and for all.
Homebuyers also have about a month and a half, on average, to make their first mortgage payment after they move in. So there is a little buffer from the usual apartment or rental due every first of the month.
Find a great, not good, but GREAT realtor to help you siphon thru all the variables out there because they WILL affect your bottom line. Items like property taxes, applicable area insurances, home owners association dues, school choices, access to van pools to save on transportation--all of these are important to have good awareness and choice about. I always encourage my buyers to be extra careful when choosing dwelling insurance providers and also lenders. Some of my buyers have reported saving THOUSANDS annually from just a little saavy price comparisons.
When the right fit for your circumstances, homeownership is a source of comfort, security and satisfaction like few others. And if you need the experience of a full time, full service agent to assist you--Call me! Bonita (713.402.8571)
Many homebuyers still are unaware that eligible claims are based on a contract not only being submitted, but ACCEPTED by the sellers no later than April 30th. Then a person still has up until June 30th to close on the property purchased.
So if you're wondering why that home you've had an eye on for the last month is now GONE, it is because the better values are disappearing fast.
Eight Thousand Dollars, sent in one big check 12-16 weeks after your closing forms are sent, is a Whole Lot of Motivation. Many buyers are choosing to set aside half of the monies to keep that ever-important 8 month "Emergency Fund" on hand. Some are picking up the refrigerator, washer and dryer and paying it off as soon as the stimulus money arrives to them. A few are even allocating a few thousand dollars to remove those nagging debts once and for all.
Homebuyers also have about a month and a half, on average, to make their first mortgage payment after they move in. So there is a little buffer from the usual apartment or rental due every first of the month.
Find a great, not good, but GREAT realtor to help you siphon thru all the variables out there because they WILL affect your bottom line. Items like property taxes, applicable area insurances, home owners association dues, school choices, access to van pools to save on transportation--all of these are important to have good awareness and choice about. I always encourage my buyers to be extra careful when choosing dwelling insurance providers and also lenders. Some of my buyers have reported saving THOUSANDS annually from just a little saavy price comparisons.
When the right fit for your circumstances, homeownership is a source of comfort, security and satisfaction like few others. And if you need the experience of a full time, full service agent to assist you--Call me! Bonita (713.402.8571)
With 2010 comes new opportunities to start fresh--begin again. It's the perfect time to create goals for the short and long-term. And goals written are more likely achieved. For some, it will be simply a change of habits to improve their health and future. Others will do vast overhauls that include a move or job change.
Whatever your decisions, it is the perfect time to commit to Worthwhile Changes. Do yourself and loved ones a favor and improve your world in 2010! And by the way, if your improvements include a change of residence--call or email me! I am already committed to being the best realtor I can be!
New to the Houston Area? As a drought-prone region, home buyers may want to include a sprinkler or soaker system upgrade when purchasing a new construction. In many parts of the country, sprinkler systems are for lawn care. In drought-prone regions like Houston, automatic watering systems can be helpful in preserving the life of a concrete slab foundation. Builder's can usually add a system in a day or two--even if the home is complete!
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