You can lower the cost of homeownership next month by voting YES for Proposition 1.

Even if you are not yet a homeowner, taking the time to Vote YES for Prop 1 now, can benefit you in the future.

Watch this one-minute video to learn four reasons why statewide Proposition 1 on the November 3, 2015 ballot benefits Texas homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Prop 1 do?

Proposition 1 does four things. First, it lowers property taxes by increasing the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000. Second, it ensures senior Texans and disabled Texans get as much tax relief as possible. Third, it prohibits local governments from repealing or reducing any homestead exemption that may exist. And finally, it ensures real estate transactions will never be subject to a tax.

What is a homestead exemption?

A homestead exemption means that your home isn’t taxed at its full value – instead, a certain amount of your home’s value becomes tax-free. In Texas, the current homestead exemption is $15,000, meaning if your home is valued at $100,000, you only pay taxes on an $85,000 value. Prop 1 would extend that exemption to $25,000, meaning you’d pay taxes on even less of your home’s actual value.

Will this really affect all Texas homeowners?

If the property you’re living in is worth more than $15,000, then this Proposition will ensure you get tax relief. No matter how much your house is worth, Prop 1 will ensure you pay taxes on $25,000 less than that amount.

Will Proposition 1 will mean cuts to public-education funding?

No! Under the provisions of Proposition 1, school districts remain whole. The increased exemption is absorbed by the State of Texas. Prop 1 just provides property tax relief for Texas homeowners – it doesn’t change how funds will be allocated to schools or stipulate how they can set their rates.

How does this help seniors and people with disabilities?

Seniors and people with disabilities often have a fixed income, so this gives them some much-needed tax relief. Prop 1 helps seniors and disabled Texans by ensuring they receive the full benefit of the increased homestead exemption.

Why are property taxes so high?

Texas does not have a state income tax. The property tax is a stable source of revenue for all kinds of core local services, like schools, fire departments, law enforcement, and infrastructure.

What is a real estate transfer tax, and why is banning them a good thing?

A real estate transfer tax is a tax imposed on the sale of a home, which adds another tax to the home selling and buying process.

View a map of Real Estate Transfer Tax Rates in the US

Real estate transfer taxes can potentially lower property values and hurt the housing market. They are also technically a form of double taxation, as the buyer and seller will incur the cost of the tax in addition to the property taxes already on the home. It’s not fair, and banning them from Texas permanently will ensure that burden never touches Texas homeowners.

How many states have a real estate transfer tax?

There are currently 36 states, plus the District of Columbia, that charge some sort of a real estate transfer tax.

When was the last time lawmakers increased the homestead exemption?

In 1997, the Texas Legislature tripled the homestead exemption from $5,000 to $ 15,000.

How will this proposition make homeownership more affordable?

Both existing homeowners and new homeowners will have less of their home’s value taxed, thanks to the increased homestead exemption, and they won’t have to worry about paying an additional tax when selling or buying their home. Prop 1 means more savings for everyone.

Will my property taxes go down if Prop. 1 passes?

Hopefully. Proposition 1 increases the existing homestead exemption for school taxes only.

The true answer to this question lies with local elected officials and your county’s appraisal district. Local governments, like cities, counties, school districts, hospital districts, and others set their own tax rates. Those rates are multiplied by your home’s value (as determined by the appraisal district). At the very least, however, your taxes will not go up as much as they would without Prop 1.

If Proposition 1 passes, when will I see tax relief?

Almost immediately! Thanks to the Texas Legislature’s action, your 2015 tax bill will include the increased homestead exemption.

How much will Prop 1 save me?

Every Texas homeowner will save more than $125 every year! Plus, should you ever decide to sell your home, Prop 1 guarantees that there won’t be a tax on that transaction … and that could be worth thousands of dollars!

For example, in Pennsylvania, consumers must pay a 2% transfer tax on any real estate sale. Here in Texas, where the average sales price is $266,000 (source: The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University – recenter.tamu.edu), that tax would be $5,200—due at the closing table!

Why do we need a constitutional amendment to do this?

First, the amount of homestead exemption is specified in the State Constitution, so that would need an amendment to change. Also, by banning real estate transfer taxes in the State Constitution, it prevents municipal governments from ever implementing them. But most importantly, making it an amendment puts the decision in the hands of the people. You are the one’s who are going to be affected by this change – you should have the final say over whether it happens, not the politicians. With Prop 1, you have the choice to give yourself and other Texas homeowners more tax relief.

Learn more at

http://texansforprop1.com/about/

 League of Women Voters video click>>  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1hkomfDdzg

Rita Nelson
RE/MAX Southwest
(281) 773-6332
ritanelson@remax.net
www.RitaSellsHomes.com