The Texas economy and the strength of this region still inspires me. DFW was rated #3 Market to Watch in 2023 by the National Association of Realtors based on the robust activity of the past several years.
I’m asked daily about my thoughts on the future housing market or what spending is beneficial to improve a home’s value. Hopefully, this newsletter will be encouraging and insightful as you embark on your real estate journey!
Home Ownership
You may have received your property taxes letter from the county stating your home’s new assessed value, and you may be shocked to see that your value has skyrocketed once again this year. Given the strong market conditions that – except for 3-4 months at the end of 2022 – have have remained very strong in our area, this should come as no surprise. We are seeing upwards of 15-20% increases in some areas. Still, there should be a few things to look into:
- Confirm that your Homestead Exemption, and any other tax exemption you may qualify for, is in place and applied. If you had applied for it and it’s not reflected, contact the tax assessor’s office immediately. Your homestead exemption, among other benefits, ensures your home’s taxable value is capped at 10% max. so you don’t pay taxes on more than a 10% increase in value. This will also have a compounding effect year over year, so don’t skip this important step in saving you valuable tax monies! If you have not filed it yet, be sure to do so by 4/30 (or check if an extension is granted) and if previous years can be pulled in if you’ve owned the home for longer.
- Ask for the evidence packet – these are the comparable properties the county assessors used to arrive at your home’s assessed value. See if these homes truly compare to yours, or if you have grounds for a protest.
- Look for homes in your neighborhood similar to yours and check on their valuation. If yours is unusually high, this may also be a valid comparable to bring yours down.
- Ask your favorite Realtor (yours truly!) to pull comps and see if enough can be found that are lower than your assessed value to warrant submitting as evidence for your tax protest. While this is harder to find right now, it may still be possible. Reach out to me to help you with this!
Your home’s assessed value is not the same as an appraisal value (though they like to term it “appraised value” on the documents they send out). No appraiser is coming to your home and truly appraising your home with all its features, upgrades, etc. It is an opinion of value based on the market indicators. In turn, it has no bearing on the true market value of your home, should you decide to sell it. It is for taxation purposes only, so keeping it low only benefits you.
On the flip side of these frustrating taxation increases, should you be considering selling your home, know that the market is hungry for more home inventory and your increase in value will be reflected in your profits right now. Learn more about what your home’s worth with an INSTANT VALUATION, or contact me directly to provide you with a customized complimentary comparative market analysis, so you can plan the best strategy for a successful sale of your home.
Home Buying
While saving for a down payment and closing costs is advisable (don’t quit that effort just yet!), there are several options that allow a buyer to potentially buy a home with little to no money down:
- USDA Loans – offered in eligible rural and suburb areas for single family, primary residences. Qualifying borrowers can benefit from a no money down option with this type of loan.
- VA Loans – offered by the Department of Veteran affairs to veterans and their spouses on primary residences. Qualifying borrowers can benefit from a 0% down payment with no PMI with this type of loan.
- Down Payment Assistance Programs – Even if you don’t qualify for a zero money down loan option, there are down payment assistance programs that can cover your down payment and possibly some of your closing costs as well. There are several programs including down payment grants, assistance programs offered by the state (grants, loans, credits), and other specialized down payment programs that are offered based on specific census tracts/neighborhoods.
- FHA Loans – offers a low 3.5% down payment option. There are also options to receive a gift, or seller concessions that can cover some of the closing costs.
- Home Possible & HomeReady Mortgages – designed primarily for low-income borrowers, these programs come with a 3% down payment. Borrowers must meet certain income and credit criteria to qualify.
- Conventional Loans – offer down payment options as low as 3% on single-family homes to qualifying borrowers.
I'm here to help
Knowledge is power, and speaking with a qualified and expert lender is the best way to find a solution tailored for your particular financial situation. If you are considering purchasing a home in the near future, do not depend on online research alone. Contact me and I will connect you with some of the best and most helpful lenders in the industry. Together, we will either find a loan option that fits you or put together a plan to get you to homeownership the fastest and best way possible.
Featured Property
1112 Houston Way, Lewisville, TX 75077
3 Beds | 2.1 Baths | 1,709 SqFt | 2022 build | $430,000
Luxury townhome completed in 2022! Inside is impressive, featuring a wonderful open-flowing floor plan. Massive living room with hardwood floors open to the eat-in breakfast nook.
Kitchen with pristine white shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances including electric cooktop, large island, chevron tiled backsplash, and black granite countertops for a beautiful modern contrast!
1st floor half bath is ideal for guests. Sprawling upstairs primary retreat is very generously sized and features an ensuite spa bathroom w dual sinks, separate shower, and huge walk in closet.
Upstairs also offers a large game room perfect for entertaining along with two guest bedrooms, both nicely sized.
Sherien Joyner
REALTOR®, GRI, Certified New Construction Specialist
(214) 244-2421
1001 E. Hebron Pkwy, Ste. 118-133, Carrollton, TX 75010
