Financial Tips
A Guide to Understanding the July 1st Property Tax Penalty in Texas
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…
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Your Guide to Property Tax Loans and Credit Scores
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…
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4 Myths about Texas Property Tax Loans
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…
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Understanding Harris County Property Taxes: Essential Tips for Homeowners
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…
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6 Tips to Save Money this Holiday Season
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…
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Real Estate Taxes Vs. Property Taxes in Texas. What’s the Difference?
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…
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3 Resources for Low Income Texans that Need Help Paying Mortgage Payments or Property Taxes
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…
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Why a Property Tax Loan with No Payments for a Year May Be a Bad Idea
For many Texas homeowners, being delinquent on Texas property taxes can be an overwhelming and stressful situation and can often lead to impulsive decision-making. If you are in a hurry to pay off your delinquent property taxes and decide to use a licensed lender, you may be tempted to choose the first property tax lender…
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What is Escrow and Why Aren’t My Texas Property Taxes Included in My Mortgage?
If you are delinquent on your Texas property taxes and struggling to pay off your property tax bill in one lump sum payment, you might be looking for ways to avoid this from occurring in the future. Like many Texans, you might find it challenging when you are hit with a sizable bill at once,…
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4 Investment Tips for Texas Homeowners
As a Texas homeowner, the start of the new year can be the perfect time to invest your money for the future. No matter your age or income level, by taking steps to invest your money, you can improve your finances and protect your home from emergencies or unexpected expenses. Keep reading to learn 4…
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