There were more than a few home buyers who got frustrated and decided to put off their home search last Spring. Experiencing that frenzied market myself with multiple offers, overbids and cash buyers, I can completely understand why a buyer would want to take a break. It was emotionally draining, especially if you weren’t successful. […]
FHA Announces Fee Increases – Buy Before 2013 and Save
Mortgage insurance is required on all FHA insured home loans and is one of the most popular loan programs for Austin home buyers. FHA requires two mortgage insurance premiums, upfront mortgage insurance equal to 1.75% of the total loan amount (this portion can be financed) and annual mortgage insurance added to your monthly payment. How […]
Private Schools – Viable Alternative to Expensive Real Estate
The Austin Independent School District reports 5% of the approximately 91,000 students eligible to attend have opted for private or charter schools. Parents, looking for an alternative to the government run schools, are gravitating to schools whose emphasis is on the classical skills of math, grammar, rhetoric, logic and reading comprehension. Parents Looking for Alternative […]
New Homestead Exemption Requirements
Effective September 1, 2011, House Bill 252 changed the proof of residency requirements for those filing for a homestead exemption in Austin. The law only affects NEW applicants for the following exemptions: General Homestead Exemption Over-65 Exemption Disability Exemption Disabled Veteran’s Exemption Extended Exemption for Homeowner’s Surviving Spouse Manufactured (Mobile) Home Exemption New Proof of […]