Changes to Homestead Exemptions

Due to a recent change in our Property Code, Texas homeowners now may be required to reapply for their homestead tax exemption every five years. This is a departure from the old rule, which treated the homestead exemption as a one-time filling - once granted, it stayed in place until the property was sold. But the amended Code now requires appraisal districts to review exemptions periodically - and allows the chief appraiser to require a new application to confirm that a homeowner is still entitled to a given exemption. This includes the homestead exemption. Not everyone will need to reapply - but many homeowners will. If you get a letter from the appraisal district, don't ignore it. If you have any questions, call the district office (and be nice to the person on the other end of the phone). Make sure to respond with the required information within the stated deadline. In the vast majority of cases, the appraisal district will continue the exemption with no issue. But if you ignore the letter, you will lose your homestead exemption - which means your tax bill is going to go up significantly.  Here is some information on the homestead tax exemption and the appraisal districts:

Welcome to Let's Grow Podcast with Matthew Soto

Welcome to the Let's Grow Podcast, where we explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship with some of the most successful and inspiring business leaders in our communities. We dive into their stories, their strategies, and their lessons learned, uncovering the secrets to their success and the obstacles they overcame along the way. Join us as we learn from the best and discover what it takes to grow a business and thrive as an entrepreneur. Today our host, Matthew Soto the Team Leader of Let's Grow Realty Group and Founder of Let's Grow Networks, walks us through a little bit of his journey and what to expect from this podcast. Get ready and Let's Grow Together.

Why Your House Didn't Sell in the 2023 Market

haga clic aquí para leer en espanol The 2023 housing market was a challenging one for sellers. While home prices remained high, inventory increased and mortgage rates rose, making it more difficult for buyers to afford homes. As a result, many homes sat on the market for longer periods of time, and some didn't sell at all. If your house didn't sell in the 2023 market, there are a few possible reasons why. Here are some of the most common: 1. You overpriced your home. This is the most common reason why homes don't sell. When you set the price of your home too high, you scare away potential buyers. Buyers are smart, and they know what other homes in their area are selling for. If your home is priced significantly above similar homes, buyers will assume that there's something wrong with it. Working with an experienced real estate agent who truly understands your city, community and surrounding areas can make all the difference.  Recently (Sept 2023) Let’s Grow Realty Group listed a home in Richardson, Texas, priced at $479,000.  We had an offer in 4 days.  Not only was the property priced correctly for the area market, but we also cleaned, staged, and appropriately marketed the property to potential buyers. You need a full service agent with a team who will really work your listing. 2. Your home wasn't in good condition. Buyers want to move into a home that's in good condition. If your home needs a lot of repairs or updates, buyers will be less likely to be interested. Even if you can't afford to make all of the necessary repairs, you should at least make sure that your home is clean and tidy.  3. Your home didn't appeal to a wide range of buyers. When you're selling your home, it's important to think about what buyers are looking for. If your home has unique features or is in a less desirable location, it may be more difficult to sell. Consider making some changes to your home to make it more appealing to a wider range of buyers. For example, you could paint the walls neutral colors, declutter your space, or add some landscaping. 4. You didn't market your home effectively. In today's market, it's more important than ever to market your home effectively. This means using a variety of marketing channels, such as online listings, social media, and print advertising. You should also hire a professional photographer to take high-quality photos of your home. 5. You didn't work with a good real estate agent. A good real estate agent can be invaluable when selling your home. They can help you price your home correctly, market it effectively, and negotiate with buyers. Last year Let’s Grow Realty Group negotiated an average savings amount of $8-12k per transaction against repairs for sellers and list price for buyers.  If you're serious about selling your home, it's worth working with a qualified agent. If your house didn't sell in the 2023 market, don't despair. There are still things you can do to increase your chances of selling in the future. Here are a few tips: Get a comparative market analysis (CMA). This will help you determine the fair market value of your home. Make any necessary repairs or updates. This will make your home more appealing to buyers. Declutter and stage your home. This will help buyers see the potential of your home. Market your home effectively. Use a variety of marketing channels and hire a professional photographer. Work with a good real estate agent. They can help you price your home correctly, market it effectively, and negotiate with buyers. Additional tips for selling your home in a challenging market Be patient. It may take longer to sell your home in a challenging market, so be prepared to wait. Be flexible. Be willing to negotiate on price and other terms. Be open to feedback. Ask your real estate agent for feedback on your home and how you can make it more appealing to buyers. Don't give up. Selling your home can be a challenge, but it is possible. Keep working with your real estate agent and don't give up. Selling your home in a challenging market can be difficult, but it is possible. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of selling your home and getting the best possible price.  Contact us at Let’s Grow Realty Group, we are a full service real estate group with a team of experienced real estate professionals ready to work for you.