Financial Tips

Why Do Property Taxes Go Up?  

November 20, 2024

Property taxes are an unavoidable part of owning a home and it would be wonderful if we had a set amount of taxes when we bought our home that never changed. It would certainly make budgeting much easier. Sadly, our property taxes in Texas go up almost every year. How much they go up varies…

Read More

Understanding the Recent Property Tax Rate Increase in Harris County

November 13, 2024

Property taxes are a difficult but necessary part of being a homeowner. While property taxes are a costly expense, those taxes go into supporting and maintaining the infrastructure of local communities. When a county increases taxes, there are rules to follow and limits to the increases that can occur. However, like the situation we just…

Read More

Cómo detener la ejecución hipotecaria de impuestos sobre la propiedad

October 21, 2024

Los impuestos representan una carga significativa para las familias, especialmente con la inflación y el aumento de los costos en todo el país. Esa carga puede volverse abrumadora cuando se ha caído atrás y se enfrenta la posibilidad real de una ejecución hipotecaria de impuestos sobre la propiedad. Afortunadamente, hay una multitud de formas de…

Read More
A Guide to Understanding the July 1st Property Tax Penalty in Texas Header Image

A Guide to Understanding the July 1st Property Tax Penalty in Texas

June 25, 2024

In Texas, missing the January 31st deadline can lead to penalties, culminating in a significant financial hit on July 1st. In this blog, we’ll provide the details of this penalty, the reasons why it’s crucial to avoid it, and practical tips to ensure you stay ahead of your financials. What is the July 1st Property…

Read More

Your Guide to Property Tax Loans and Credit Scores

May 13, 2024

When considering a loan, most people are rightly concerned about their credit score. Defaulted payments or frequent credit checks can negatively impact your credit rating. However, property tax loans don’t normally show up on your credit report. Some property tax lenders, like Johnson & Starr, offer property tax loans to help you get your finances…

Read More
Property Tax Image

4 Myths about Texas Property Tax Loans

May 8, 2024

Texas property tax loans are often misunderstood. As a trusted property tax lender, Johnson & Starr aims to provide you with the right knowledge to help you determine what is true and what is not. In this blog, we’ll debunk the four most common misconceptions about property tax loans and give you a better understanding…

Read More
Harris-County-Header-Image

Understanding Harris County Property Taxes: Essential Tips for Homeowners

March 18, 2024

Harris County property owners should know the basics of property taxes to ensure effective financial and property management. This guide will help explain how property taxes are determined, important tax dates, and some essential tips for property tax delinquency. How Is Harris County Property Tax Determined? The Harris Central Appraisal District establishes taxable values and…

Read More

6 Tips to Save Money this Holiday Season

December 14, 2023

It can be easy to overspend during the holiday season without even realizing it. From purchasing gifts, hosting parties, decorating, travel, holiday activities, and more, you could be turning a joyful holiday season into a few months of financial stress. However, it is possible to have a happy holiday season without breaking the bank. To…

Read More

Real Estate Taxes Vs. Property Taxes in Texas. What’s the Difference? 

August 9, 2023

If you own property in Texas, you are probably familiar with real estate taxes, or as some may refer to as property taxes. These two terms are often used interchangeably, however, they have different meanings and are not the same in certain situations. This is especially important for Texans when it comes time to pay…

Read More

3 Resources for Low Income Texans that Need Help Paying Mortgage Payments or Property Taxes

June 12, 2023

June is National Homeownership Month and is recognized for the impact homeownership has on people’s lives and local communities. In honor of this month, Johnson & Starr wants to remind Texans that there are various resources available for low-income Texans who need help paying their mortgage payments and property taxes. Keep reading to learn more…

Read More