Homestead Exemption
The House You Own And Call Home
The Texas Comptroller website defines homestead as a separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land, as long as the individual living in the home owns it. A homestead can include up to 20 acres, if the land is owned by the homeowner and used for a purpose related to the residential use of the homestead. Homestead exemptions can be submitted between the dates of January 1st and April 30th every year.
Many homeowners do not realize that the homestead exemption is free, and the application can be easily filled out. For more information on a homestead exemption in the state of Texas, I highly recommend you visit the comptrollers website. Texas Comptroller
Some homeowners who temporarily move away, can still be eligible for their homestead exemption. Other tax exemptions such as those for individuals over the age of 65 and disabled individuals are available too.
You can also visit the resources page on my website for more information and links. Resources
Age Is But A Number
How Long Will Your Home Last?
According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders and Bank Of America Equity, your toilet is committed to a lifetime relationship with you and your home.
The photograph included in this blog post, is a part-by-part guideline to the life expectancy of the many parts of a house. Kitchen cabinets, toilets, windows and wood or stone flooring are in it for the long haul. While certain components of a house, such as a kitchen sink, electric sockets and a microwave oven are built to last a short term, I think you’ll be surprised to find that many will last for decades.
Take a look and let me know your thoughts. Comment below on what surprised you the most.
San Antonio Population Growth
Fastest Growing Large City in America!
San Antonio, Texas…home of the Alamo, NBA Spurs, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and good food!
According to the linked article, “…“San Antonio, Texas, tops the list with the largest population gain with an increase of over 24,200 people – an average of 66 people per day between 2016 and 2017.”
If you’ve lived in San Antonio long enough, like me, you know that the city has gone through a growth spurt. In the beginning there were cattle drives, and now we have highway after highway. San Antonio might be the seventh largest city in the country, but it’s now the fastest growing city with a sizzling hot real estate market. Read more about our city’s growth: Census Bureau Article
If you’re interested in learning more about our history of cattle trails, click on this link: San Antonio Express News
Country Living
This Is Texas Ya’ll
What usually prompts you to think? For me, it’s almost every little random act, object, event or song. Most recently, it’s been nature.
This past weekend, I spent a lot of time in the Hill Country. My client is retiring to Texas from the east coast, and is interested in country living. From one property to the other, I fell more in love with the country side. Although, deep down I’m a city girl. I was born in one of the most populated cities (Tehran) on Earth and lived in another (Los Angeles) for a decade. Traffic is something I enjoy, because it gives me time to think, make phone calls, and honk the horn for no reason. When standing in the middle of an overly crowded grocery store fighting for the best turkey the week of Thanksgiving, I feel alive!
I sound sarcastic, I know. Perhaps the main reason I love city life, is because I love people. Nature, is something else I love.
Let us revisit the title of this post, Country Living. Immediately, I think about serenity, peace, space, and freedom. I also think about ownership. Twenty, thirty, or hundreds of acres all to myself. Who wouldn’t want to own land? You’re probably thinking, what to do with all that acreage? Let me give you some ideas: build your dream home, farm, raise crops, hike, meditate, entertain, and sit back and enjoy the view! When Bluebonnet season roles around paint or take photographs. During planting season, dig up the dirt and toss in the seeds. If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy a lot of time reading and writing. During Autumn, watch the foliage and changing of colors on trees and plants. Raise a family, breathe in the fresh air, and make memories.
Urban vs. Rural
When it comes to residential lot sizes, there is no comparison between rural and urban living. Traditional suburban neighborhoods in metropolitan areas offer homes with less than an acre of land. Often times even less than half an acre. Figures vary for each city. If you’re interested in looking at the details and reports, let’s set aside some time to meet. San Antonio’s population is on the rise, almost 1.5 million residents to date. Add in Boerne, Schertz, New Braunfels and other surrounding areas which are so closely connected and we’re living in one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the country. Whether you fancy rural or urban living, I am here and committed to help with all your real estate needs and questions.
Comment below and tell me, urban or rural?
I’m including a few links for your review.
Housing Market Update
Strong Market, Weak Inventory?
Many things in life are based on an opinion, even facts. Data and reports area crucial in realizing the reality, and what is happening all around us. According to the attached article from this past weekend in the San Antonio Express News, we’re running out of homes in San Antonio!
In always keeping my glass half-full, I like to believe there’s an ideal home for everyone, if you’re motivated enough to actually look. This past weekend, I met a new client, viewed just over a dozen properties, found one he likes, and we’re now under contract. He’ll be resting in his new home in a few weeks, and you can too.
I love a sweet challenge, and working with buyer’s is something I take pride and enjoyment in. Drop a pin, anywhere on the map of San Antonio, and we can start a new search.
Click the link: San Antonio Express News Article
Committed to help,
JJ
Santa To A Senior
Giving Back To Our Community
Last week we hosted our annual “Santa To A Senior” day. We gathered as a family, and delivered gifts, Christmas carols, conversation, hugs, and love to the members of the Living Days Adult Daycare Center. The photo that’s included in this post is of myself with Santa Claus and my new friend, Edward. His smile warmed my heart and soul. Edward, was the last person to visit with Santa that day. He waited patiently as dozens of people chatted with Santa before him, and I was reminded that the beauties of life are attained with patience…just like Edwards smile.
Below is a passage from Deepak Chopra. His words about compassion are a reminder that we are all one:
I will see a stranger today through the eyes of compassion…
I will remind myself that this stranger has parents and people who love her, just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger has moments of joy, just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger has moments of anguish and suffering, just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger will one day grow old, just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger will go through the cycles of illness and recovery, just like me.
I will remind myself that this stranger will one day die, just like me.
Through the eyes of compassion, I will know this stranger, not as a stranger anymore, but as a living soul, just like me.
-Deepak Chopra
Let It Snow
Happy Holidays and New Year To All
Thursday, December 7, 2017 , It snowed in San Antonio, Texas and throughout other parts of the country.
For some cities, it was an ordinary day and the beginning to Winter.
In San Antonio, and across Southern Texas, it was a miracle!
We’ve experienced ice, sleet, hail, and light snow throughout the years, but Thursday was a magical sight as the snow landed on the ground.
Everyone stayed up late, taking pictures, building snowmen, making snow angels, and taking in the clean, frosty air.
My family and I moved to San Antonio in 1984, and in 1985 the city took in thirteen inches of snow.
I was seven then, and this time around in 2017 finally old enough to drive in the snow!
Take a look at pictures from 1985 from MySA.com: SA Snow Storm Of 1985
Sometimes the little things like drops of snow, remind us how beautiful and fun life is. The holiday season is a time we celebrate, but it’s
also a time to reflect, give back, and lend a helping hand. No other time of year speaks to “no place like home” as the month of December.
I want to take a moment to wish everyone, especially those reading this blog, a very merry Christmas and holiday season.
I’m here and committed to help with your real estate needs. Please don’t hesitate to contact me, even if it’s just a question you need answered.
And, if you’re beginning your search for a new home, let me be your guide.
Warm Wishes To All.
-Mojgan JJ Panah
Market Perspective
Market Perspective
Home ownership rates continue to climb across the States.
Americans still choose to buy vs. rent…including millennials!
Some good questions to ask and consider:
- Do you know if you’re eligible for a home loan?
- Do you know your credit score?
- Are you paying too much for rent?
- Are you happy with your current home?
- When is the last time you spoke to a mortgage loan officer or realtor?
Take a look at the attached article, and comment below with your questions.
Architecture Guide
Residential Style Guide
This article comes in handy when explaining the different home styles to a client.
It’s a quick, easy read outlining over thirty architecture types, and giving fun facts about each.
I love the French Provincial and Creole homes–mostly found in the South and New Orleans.
Click on the link , and comment below with your favorites.
Creole Building In French Quarter
