Taxes?

[dwilke]

Originally Posted by Mom2Feebs

Not just a few property tax breaks, a big one! I hope that you get to that point as well! It will be worth it. Over 65 exemption is a huge chunk and those who get it more than deserve it. My mom was on a fixed income and paid $600 a year once she hit 65. Unfortunately, she didn't make it but two years past that age.

Mom2Feebs, I'm so sorry your Mom passed away. Yep, we work our whole lives with retirement as a goal, and all we can do is hope that we will have some time left to enjoy this thing called 'retirement'.

I'm really not complaining too much. I'm so happy to be here with my family, and out of the cold and snowy weather of Wyoming. I'll make it, God willing.

[Rubeni]

[SIZE=3]I live and sell homes in California but now I’m planning to relocate to Houston.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I knew TX property tax was much higher but you have to do the math and look at the entire picture. Southern CA average home price is about 525K compared to apprx 145k in Houston, that amount of money can buy you about the same single family house in both areas (or actually a new one in some Houston areas)[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]FYI this is how I ran my numbers; worst case scenario mortgage rate 7.5 % principal and interest, 3.4 % property tax for TX and 1.25% for CA, for insurance I simply doubled the premium for TX. The same house will cost you $4,258 per month in California compared to $1,539 in Houston. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Now considering there is no state income tax in Texas this will put some of that property tax money back in your pocket and don’t forget you can still claim back property taxes from your federal income tax!![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]So Texas property tax is three times as much compared to other states like California but the difference in home prices is almost four times cheaper and that makes a world of difference in your mortgage payment.[/SIZE]

[mschneller]

I am from New Orleans, and the taxes here are high, but when I compare the school system here to what we had in southeast Louisiana there is no comparision. The school system here is remarkable. I have lived here in Katy for a year. The tax rate here is $3.79 total, which is high, but I think very worth it.

[texasdreamin]

If a person builds a home and pays cash for the build...how does the appraisal district find out how big it is (Sq') and what it has on it, such as porch, garage, etc. How do they put a value on it?

[Mom2Feebs]

They come out and evaluate, and will also run comps in the area.

[texasdreamin]

Thanks. I find it so disheartening that the AD's jack up the appraisals to make up for the lowering of the school taxes. It just seems so wrong.