Texas Homestead Protections

The Texas Homestead Law was created to prevent most creditors from taking a person’s home to satisfy a debt or lien. The law does NOT include the holders of liens for mortgages, taxes, or home improvement loans.

HOW DO YOU DECLARE A HOMESTEAD?

When you purchase a new home, it is important to contact your appraisal district in the county where you reside to ask for the necessary forms for declaring a homestead. Thanks to a recent change in the law, homeowners are now eligible for this exemption from the date that they obtain ownership of their new property. It is necessary to provide your driver’s license or valid state-issued ID and a copy of your vehicle registration receipt. The address on these documents is required to match the address of the homestead. If you don’t own a vehicle, you must submit a notarized affidavit and provide a current utility bill instead.

WHAT IS A PRETEND SALE AND LEASE OF A HOMESTEAD?

Any sale of a homestead property that is less than the appraised fair market value in which the buyer of the property implements a lease of said property to the seller. The lease payments typically exceed fair rental value of property. It is considered to be a loan with all payments made from the seller to the buyer in excess of the sales price with interest, subject of the usury statute as found in Article 5069.01 Et Seq. This type of transaction is considered a dishonest trade practice and is disfavored in the state of Texas. An exception to this rule applies if the sale of the family homestead is to a parent, step-parent, child, step-child, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, grandparent, or grandchild of an adult family member. Title insurance is NOT available on the sale and leaseback of a homestead property.

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WHAT IS HOMESTEAD ABANDONMENT?

If the claimant of a homestead is married, the homestead cannot be abandoned without the permission of the claimant’s spouse. When the parties purchase a new home, the old homestead will be considered abandoned. (A new homestead must be acquired in order for the former homestead to be deemed abandoned.)

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A HOMESTEAD?

Houses, condos, townhouses, or permanently installed mobile homes are all considered homesteads.

Rural Homestead

A rural homestead is not more than 100 acres for a single individual (not otherwise entitled to a homestead) and is not more than 200 acres for a family. The land can be in more than one parcel with improvements thereon. A homestead is to be considered rural if, at the time of designation, the property is not served by 22-municipal utilities and Police/fire protection.

Urban Homestead

An urban homestead cannot be more than 10 acres of land, whether it is a family’s home or the home of a single adult individual (not otherwise entitled to a homestead). The land can be in one or more contiguous lots with improvements thereon.

The website knowyourtaxes.org explains more about property taxes in Texas. Information for your property can be found at wcad.org.

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Landscape Designs and Lawn Care

Offers Enhanced Mowing Services

As yards respond to nature’s wakeup call this spring, it’s important to keep outdoor spaces in top shape. That’s why Landscape Designs and Lawn Care is excited to introduce a new residential customer manager, Imelda Fulfer. With Imelda’s help, the landscape team is able to focus on and enhance their lawn care services and are already transforming yards into lush and healthy green spaces.

Community Engagement

Imelda says she has truly enjoyed engaging with homeowners and being their point of contact since taking over as residential customer manager. “You want good customer service and quality work. Yo`u want to speak to the same person every time, not ‘Let me transfer you.’ It’s always me they are talking to and I take much pride in communicating well with our customers.”

Being based in Jarrell also ensures a fast, personal customer response. “Homeowners can lean on us for their yard services rather than having to wait for someone to complete other projects—however long it takes them to finish—before getting care for their lawn,” says owner Eddie Castro, who was born and raised in Jarrell. “I really appreciate the town Jarrell and what it used to be and the town we are becoming. We understand the unique needs and values of the people here.”

Flexible Services

Whether you need regular lawn care or temporary maintenance, Landscape Designs and Lawn Care services are very flexible. Eddie says, “Maybe you don’t want regular service, but couldn’t get to mowing the lawn all week and you’re planning your child’s birthday party this weekend. Or perhaps you have an injury and aren’t able to mow the yard — we can knock that out for you until you get back on your feet. No contract is needed. We are happy to help when you are in need.”

Imelda also assures customers that the company will stay true to its roots. “We understand customers value consistency and reliability, but they may start to think that since we’re growing, we might forget about them. That’s not what I want. I want to still be present and provide residential mowing services. This company was founded on quality residential services, and I think maintaining that reputation is essential. It’s important to us that people know we truly appreciate them being with us as we continue to grow.”

by Charlotte Kovalchuk