Real Estate Housing Reports for Austin and Houston

Find out what’s happening in today’s real estate market in Austin, Texas or Houston, Texas online with our HOUSING TRENDS NEWSLETTER – January 2012. 

Did you know that buying is cheaper than renting in 74 percent of the nation’s largest cities…read more

What’s your home’s value….find out

Did you know that December 2011′s existing home sales showed an uptrend according to the National Association of Realtors®…read more

Visit the Texas Capital Properties website to view our current listings, search the Houston MLS, search the Austin MLS, plus much more!

 

Like Us on Facebook for a Chance to Win a $50 Best Buy Giftcard

Texas Capital Properties is giving away a $50 Best Buy Gift Card to one lucky Facebook fan! 

 

Be one of the first 500 fans to “Like” our Facebook page and you’re automatically entered to win.  Winner to be drawn at random once we reach 500 fans.  We have over 300 likes and getting closer to the goal!

 

Texas Capital Properties is your online source for Austin and Houston real estate in Texas. 

 

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $50 BEST BUY GIFT CARD

Owner Financed Homes in Austin and Houston

Are you looking for a home in Austin, TX or Houston, TX but have been unable to qualify for traditional bank financing? You’re not alone.   You may want to consider alternative options. 

Owner Financing, also called Seller Financing, is an effective way to sell real estate property when conventional financing is difficult to obtain.  Advantages for buyers include: Easy Qualification, Little or No Loan Costs, and Quick Closing.

Now you can search all available owner financed homes in Austin, TX or Houston, TX  here.  Visit our Owner Financing page for more information!

New Texas HOA Laws Effective January 2012

Millions of Texas homeowners live in areas with homeowner associations.  HOAs have had a lot of power in the past, including the ability to foreclose on the homes of owners who failed to pay their association assessments. 

With the new laws that took effect January 1, 2012, one is aimed at how HOAs manage their communities with foreclosure threats.  Homeowners that are working towards paying their HOA dues, late fees or payments will  now have 3 to 18 months to resolve their debts before the HOA can pursue further action.

HOA’s will now also be required to obtain a court order before pursuing foreclosure on a property. The new law also grants homeowners the right to contact their HOA directly about their debts even if the HOA has secured an attorney or representative.

The new law also could be beneficial to lenders who would no longer require HOAs to commit in writing and would have an opportunity to cure delinquent association liens before going to foreclosure.

Texas Homestead Exemption

If you purchased your home last year, don’t forget to apply for your Homestead Exemption.  It will save you money by removing part of your home’s value from taxation.  To qualify, you must own your home as of January 1 and you must use your home as your primary residence as of January 1.

A state law that took effect on September 1, 2011 has changed proof of residency requirements for homeowners applying for the property tax homestead exemption.  A home buyer must update their address on their driver’s license, and with the tax assessor/collector in their area in order to be able to provide the required documentation for the homestead exemption.

Homestead Exemption 2012 Requirements

Your Homestead Exemption will NOT be allowed unless all the required documents show the same homestead address. ALL THREE DOCUMENTS MUST HAVE THE SAME ADDRESS.

• APPLICATION FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
• Copy of DRIVER’S LICENSE or IDENTIFICATION CARD from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the address MUST MATCH the homestead address.
• Copy of Vehicle Registration Receipt. The address MUST MATCH the homestead address. Once the change of address is processed by the tax collector’s office, homeowners can get a copy of their registration receipt either from the tax office or from the department of motor vehicles.
• If you do not own a vehicle, you must complete the Non-Ownership of Motor Vehicle Adavit (found on the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption), sign it before a Notary Public, and attach a copy of a utility bill showing the homestead address.

Homestead Exemption Form for Travis County

Homestead Exemption Form for Williamson County

Homestead Exemption Form for Harris County

You can also visit the Texas Comptroller’s website for more information and frequently asked questions regarding all homestead exemptions.