New Homeowner Tips
Can You Avoid Paying Property Taxes? Here’s What Happens
What would happen if you stopped paying your property taxes altogether or if there were a way to avoid them entirely? Property taxes play a vital role in funding community infrastructure, especially in Texas where no state income tax exists. So, if you’re wondering if you can avoid paying property taxes in 2025, here’s what…
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How Do You Calculate Your Property Taxes in Texas: A Simple Guide
If you already own your home, how much your property taxes will cost you each year is vital to ensuring financial readiness and avoiding penalties or consequences from delinquent property taxes. What makes property taxes even more confusing is that they can change every year. How do you calculate your property taxes in Texas? Here’s…
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Why Do Property Taxes Go Up?
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…
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I Inherited Delinquent Property Taxes — What Do I Do?
Property taxes can be confusing to anyone, but if you’ve inherited a home that has preexisting delinquent property taxes, the situation can be even more complicated. Who’s responsible for the taxes? What if you are a joint owner of the property? What if the new owner is a minor? Can you sell the home you’ve…
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The Hidden Costs of Homeownership: What New Home Buyers Need to Know
Buying a new home is an exhilarating experience, filled with dreams of decorating, landscaping, and settling into a space that’s uniquely yours. However, the excitement can sometimes overshadow the less glamorous aspects of homeownership – particularly the unexpected expenses that can catch new homeowners off guard. In honor of National Homeownership Month, we pulled together…
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Are Property Taxes Included in Mortgage Payments in Texas?
Texas homebuyers should be aware of all the costs that come with homeownership, especially the cost of property taxes. Texas is known for its high property tax rates, which is why homeowners should properly budget and determine how they will pay for their property taxes at the end of each tax year. Will you pay…
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Inheriting Property in Texas: Everything You Need to Know
In a perfect world, inheriting property from a loved one would be a simple and uncomplicated process, especially during a time of loss. However, that is not always the case. The property you inherit comes with responsibility for what is left behind. This could include a mortgage, maintenance costs, the possibility of overdue property taxes,…
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What to Know About the Texas Property Tax Relief Bill Before Voting in November
After many months of disagreement, Texas lawmakers finally came to a compromise on Thursday, July 13, 2023, when the Texas House passed Senate Bill 2, advancing the property tax relief bill to Governor Greg Abbott for his approval. This compromise includes an increased homestead exemption and will deliver more than $18 billion in property tax…
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5 Counties in Texas with the Highest Property Tax Rate in 2023
From its rich history, booming market, delicious cuisine, and tax-free income – there are many reasons that motivate people to buy a home and settle in Texas. But what many non-Texans don’t know is that property taxes in the Lone Star State can be high! Due to the lack of personal income tax, counties in…
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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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