Stupid Spoon Game!

Had to laugh... This was 4 years ago...just acting silly & having fun! What things have you done to create a good laugh???

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 3

39 tips for every homeowner: Week 3

From paint color to property tax, Houston homeownership is all in the details. When you’re deliberating over those details, make sure you’re familiar with state and local regulations.

Know your Houston neighborhood rules.

16. Will a change in exterior color, siding or roof style require special approval from your city or homeowners association?

17. Does the neighborhood have restrictions on the type or height of a fence?

18. Are there any rules on the number or type of vehicles, such as campers and boats that can be parked at a property?

19. Are there restrictions on the types of business you can run out of your home?

20. Are particular types of animals, sizes or breeds prohibited in the neighborhood?

21. Can sheds or outbuildings be built on your property?

Learn your state’s tax rules. It might save you some cash, like in these examples:

22. South Carolina: Soon after closing, new homeowners should head to the county assessor’s office to apply for the discounted 4 percent property tax for permanent occupants. If not, their tax bill comes out at 6 percent, which can be a large difference.

23. Maryland: First-time homeowners are exempt from state transfer taxes, which are usually split 50-50 between the seller and the buyer.

24. Texas: Seek a homestead tax exemption. Homeowners could end up saving as much as 20 percent on their property tax each year if they file for it.

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA

  

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 4

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 4

Just like anything in life, Houston homeownership has its do’s and don’ts. We cover those, and more, in today’s installment.

25. DON’T touch your retirement savings. Never put yourself in a situation where you have to dip into your retirement assets to buy, maintain or improve your house. That’s a good indication you've stretched yourself too thin. Try to have an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses to avoid this.

26. DO re-evaluate personal documents. Major life changes such as a Houston home purchase are great reasons to review and possibly update your life insurance and important estate planning documents.

27. DO consider a home warranty.  If you didn't negotiate one at closing, buy one. Many policies cover problems with appliances, heating or cooling systems, and interior plumbing. You pay a small cost annually, which is so much less than if you had to pay $3,000 to replace a furnace.

28. DON’T expect a major tax refund.  Most people believe they will have a significant tax refund the year they buy a house. That’s not always true, especially if you purchase your house in the second half of the year and only have a partial year’s worth of deductions.  

29. Ask the listing agent for past utility costs. This way, you won’t be surprised by how much it may cost each month for electricity, gas and water.

Maintain the exterior

30. Appearances matter. Curb appeal helps maintain property values. Take pride in your new investment.

31. Watch the heat. It can cause foundation problems. Consider placing a soaker hose 12 to 18 inches from the home’s outer edge during spells of extremely high temperatures.

32. Water rules. In many southern cities, homeowners can be fined for watering their lawn on the wrong days of the week.

33. Meet the landscaper. The lawn care vendor knows the yard. Ask sellers for contact information and fees.

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA.

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 2

39 tips for every homeowner: Week 2

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Buying a Houston home is a big step, and there is so much to cover. Here are some simple things that could slip through the cracks if you’re not careful.

9. Always have your locks re-keyed immediately.

10. Stay updated on Houston schools.  Call the school district and find out if there will be any boundary changes regarding schools, especially in new neighborhoods.,

11. Understand your homeowners insurance coverage.  A lot of times when people buy a house, they don’t understand all of the liability limits. Really look at your policy again and see if there are any changes that need to be made. I’ve talked to a lot of people who have a 1 percent deductible but didn’t really think about what that means. One percent of a $400,000 home is a lot of money for most people. 

Quiz your home inspector about maintaining your new investment.

12. What do I need to prepare and protect the home against freezing weather?

13. How do I properly maintain drainage and moisture around the home to prevent foundation issues?

14. How often do I need to have the HVAC system serviced to keep it in proper working order?

15. Which items would you repair or replace if you were buying the home?

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA.

39 Tips for Every Homeowner: Week 1

39 Tips for Every Homeowner: Week 1

Preparation and care can make the difference between costly headaches and home sweet home. Here are 39 tips to help you enjoy your big investment. Today, tips 1-8.

Get to know your home’s systems...

A lot of things make a Houston house a home. Understand the systems in your home and how they operate.

1. Change air filters for improved cooling and heating efficiency.
2. Find the water shut-off valves to help protect against damage from leaks.
3. Ask how your sprinkler system operates to reduce water waste.
4. Know the location of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
5. Understand how your kitchen appliances work.
6. Locate all the smoke detectors and change the batteries regularly.
7. Familiarize yourself with the alarm system keypad and contact the monitoring company.
8. Learn where your gas meter is and who provides your service.

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 
At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA.