Archive for July, 2010
How Do I Better My Chances To Win A Texas Property Tax Protest?
July 29th, 2010 Categories: Austin Real Estate News
The first step to protesting property taxes is to file a written protest before the deadline (generally May 31 or 30 days after the appraisal district mailed a notice of appraised value).
Once the written protest is filed, the property owner will have the opportunity to go before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB is a group of citizens appointed by the appraisal district;s board of directors who are authorized to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the appraisal district. the ARB listens to evidence from both the property owner/taxpayer and the county then ultimately determines whether the appraisal district has acted properly.
Be organized, stick to relevant facts, and keep your presentation simple and straightforward during the ARB hearing. The ARB is required to base it’s decisions on evidence. Evidence the ARB may consider persuasive includes the following:
*Defects not mentioned in the district’s survey (cracked foundation, inadequate plumbing, etc…) - take photos and or get supporting statements from builders, contractors, appraisers, or even Realtors (like yours truly)
*Incorrect measurements (lot size, square footage, etc…) - locate deed recorded surveys, or blue prints and take photos to prove inaccuracy.
*Comparison properties - is there a big difference between the appraised value of your home and the others like it in your area? If yes, legitimate comparison sales may demonstrate that your property was not treated equally. (Once again contacting a local Realtor like Jeremy K. Frost could help in this process)
*Hire professionals - a property owner may consider hiring an independent appraiser or even an attorney if the amount in question is significant.
The ARB will provide at least 15 days notice of the hearing date. (most hearings are done May - August). The taxpayer will also receive a copy of ARB procedures and “Texas Property Taxes : Taxpayers rights and Responsibilities” which will explain the hearing process in more detail. Check out the detailed information published by the Texas Comptroller’s Office to learn more about protesting property taxes.
As your local real estate expert I am always happy to help friends and neighbors within the community. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Thanks!
Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
512.636.2746
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Keep The Ants Out Of Your Pants!!!
July 28th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
Hello Readers,
People seemed to really enjoy my staying bug free tips. I thought we would stick with the theme and give you some great tips for keeping the ants away.
INSIDE:
*Clean spilled food/beverages immediatley
* Take the trash out ast often as possible
* Rinse out jars/ containers before throwing them away.
* Pick up / store food nightly
OUTSIDE:
* Seal doors and windows tightly.
* Keep gutters clean to prevent moisture.
* Trim trees and shrubs that are touching your house.
This Blog was brought to you by: Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
“For ALL your real estate needs”
512.636.2746
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Cheap Ways To Stay Bug-Free
July 26th, 2010 Categories: Dripping Springs Area News
Sure, spending time outdoors is great – except for all the bugs. But experts say you can stay bug free – without spending a fortune – if you…
Get out the clippers.
Keep tree branches cut back from your deck and patio, and minimize ants. Also, pull up any weeds nearby. Mosquitoes use them as rest stops.
Give flowers a shower.
Soaking them thoroughly with a garden hose before a picnic or party to mimic a rain shower. Pollinating insects like bees don’t like wet conditions and will stay away until plants dry out. That’s usually about two hours.
Blow bugs away… with a fan.
The air current from a fan will deter flying and biting insects because they aren’t strong enough to fly against the wind it makes. It’ll also blow away any trace of your scent, so they can’t find you.
Keep flies away with basil.
Flies hate basil, so if you keep a plant on your patio, they’ll stay clear.
Wipe down tables with vinegar.
Its a great disinfectant that bugs back away from, so they’ll stay away from your patio table. Outdoors, the odor will fade so it won’t bother guests.
Plant the natural pesticide.
Beautiful chrysanthemums. Their leaves contain the same chemical, pyrethin, found in most pesticides. Just having them in your garden will send bugs packing.
This Blog was brought to you by: Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
“For ALL your real estate needs”
512.636.2746
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Making Your Kitchen Spacious!
July 26th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
Whatever its size, it’s easy to make your kitchen look more spacious…
Paint walls and cabinets with similar colours
For a seamless look, check out new paints that work on any cabinet surface.
Clear out unnecessary items
Clutter can make a room feel tight.
Hang ‘em up!
Use a pot rack to keep things like utensils handy, so counters remain clear.
Double your view.
Cover your backsplash with mirrored tiles to make the room look bigger and brighter.
See through.
Add depth to the room by replacing solid cabinet doors with glass panels.
Get comfortable.
Add a seating area– now you have a real live in kitchen.
This Blog was brought to you by: Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
“For ALL your real estate needs”
512.636.2746
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Make That Stove SHINE!!!
July 24th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
One of the most dreaded cleaning chores is the mainstay of every kitchen – the stove. Here are some easy environmentally friendly ways to keep your stove shining with less effort.
This blog was brought you you by: |
Bubble away burnt-on bits. Coat stuck-on grime with a paste of baking soda and water and pour 1/4 cup white vinegar over it – the mix will bubble up and loosen the dirt, so all you do is wipe.Grease-proof your stove… With tea. Brew a strong cup (3 tea bags). When tea is warm to the touch, use it to wipe down the stovetop. Tea’s tannins will soak up grime. Make it sparkle with citrus. Restore your burners’ brilliance! Food bits on a glass stovetop. |
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How to get the most out of your AC
July 24th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
Heres how to keep the AC on the lowest setting and still be comfy, even on the hottest days…
These summer tips were brought to you by: Mr. Move Up |
Trying the shrubbery trick. Landscaping to shade your entire home from the sun is a great way to keep it cool for less. The best use of your landscaping dollars is to plant a few inexpensive shrubs to shield the air conditioning unit. This trick will actually boost the unit’s efficiency bill and save you money. Cleaning house at this time. Swapping your light source. Cracking an attic window. |
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Incredible Deal in the Polo Club!
July 23rd, 2010 Categories: Dripping Springs Real Estate News
400 Pemberton Way
Beautiful Southwest Style home in the Polo Club!!
4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths; Surrounded by Courtyards
3905 Sq. Ft. per Tax Records Built in 1998
NOW Offered at $499,900
- almost $100,000 below the tax appraisal!
This spectacular custom-built home has so many special touches, and at its current asking price, a buffer would be well within reason. Come take a look!
Contact Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
512.636.2746
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Austin Texas Dating Capital of the World!
July 12th, 2010 Categories: Austin Area News
Hooking that hottie is hard enough without the odds stacked against you, so the city researchers at Sperling’s BestPlaces have identified “America’s Best Cities for Dating.”
The study is based on criteria that includes percentage of singles ages 18-24, population density, and dating venues per capita such as concerts, coffee shops, bars, bowling alleys, etc., and includes 80 metro areas in America. This survey was sponsored by AXE Deodorant Bodyspray, which specializes in the dating game, to find out which city is revered as the D.C. (Dating Capital) of the U.S…
Yee haw! Austin, Texas, tops the list of best cities to play the dating game. Is the city you call home the place to find that special someone?
Best Cities For Dating…
- Austin, TX
- Colorado Springs, CO
- San Diego, CA
- Raleigh/Durham, NC
- Seattle, WA
- Charleston, SC
- Norfolk, VA
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Springfield, MA
- Honolulu, HI
Interesting Facts from the Top Ten…
“Large cities that everyone associates with socializing, like Los Angeles and Miami, did not rank particularly high, scoring lower in categories like coffee shops per capita and flowers bought as gifts,” said Bert Sperling, president of Sperling’s BestPlaces.
“But cities like Austin (No. 1), Colorado Springs (No. 2) and Ann Arbor (No. 8 ) were not a complete surprise - they are heavy-populated college towns and it’s easy for young singles to get together.”
- Austin, TX
Taking home the grand prize, Austin scores relatively high in everything, from frequency of dating partners to the number of establishments to meet people. Austin also has the highest percentage of 18-24-year-olds and knows how to have fun as they spent more money out socializing than any other area. Austin residents also had the highest expenditures on alcohol purchased away from home.
This blog was brought to you by Jeremy K. Frost ~ REALTOR
For All your Dating Capital real estate needs!
512.636.2746
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Highpointe of Dripping Springs
July 9th, 2010 Categories: Dripping Springs Area News
Are you or someone you know thinking of moving to Highpointe of Dripping Springs?
If you have questions about Highpointe of Dripping Springs look no further www.LiveInHighpointe.com has all the answers!
Everything you want to know about this amazing community!
*Current Pricing
*Current Home Inventory
*Floor plan availability
*Neighborhood Restrictions
*Amenities Information
CHECK OUT WWW.LIVEINHIGHPOINTE.COM
or call Jeremy K. Frost ~ RESIDENT REALTOR
512-636-2746
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Free Austin Home Search
July 7th, 2010 Categories: Austin Real Estate News
Looking for property in or around Austin?
Have properties that match your needs perfectly e-mailed directly to you.
Complete property profiles with pictures, virtual tours, mapping system, and so much more.
Visit www.FreeAutomatedHomeSearch.com now!!!
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