How to file for Homestead Exemption
What is Homestead Exemption?
Homestead Exemption removes part of your home’s value from taxation, lowering your taxes. For instance, if your home is appraised at $100,000 and you qualify for a $20,000 exemption, you would pay taxes as if your home was only worth $80,000.
When to apply?
Regular Residential Homestead Exemption applications should be filed between January 1 and April 30.
Here are some helpful resources about how to apply for homestead exemption for those of you who live in the Greater Houston Area…
Filing Homestead Exemption in Brazoria County
Brazoria County Appraisal District Information
Brazoria County Homestead Exemption Information
Download the Brazoria County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing for Homestead Exemption in Chambers County
Chambers County Appraisal District Information
Chambers County Homestead Exemption Form Submission Information
Fill out the Chambers County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing Homestead Exemption in Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Appraisal District Information
Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption Information
Download the Fort Bend County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing for Homestead Exemption in Galveston County
Galveston County Appraisal District Information
Download the Galveston County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing Homestead Exemption in Harris County
Harris County residents can now file Homestead Exemption through a mobile app for iPhone and Android:
Click here to learn more about the Harris County app.
Harris County Appraisal District Information
Harris County Property Tax Exemption for Homeowners Info
Download the Harris County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing for Homestead Exemption in Liberty County
Liberty County Appraisal District Information
Fill out the Liberty County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing Homestead Exemption in Montgomery County
Montgomery County Appraisal District Information
Montgomery County Homestead Exemption Information
Download the Montgomery County Homestead Exemption Form
Filing for Homestead Exemption in Waller County
Waller County Appraisal District Information
Property Tax Exemptions for Homeowners in Waller County
Download the Waller County Homestead Exemption Form
Other Resources:
Homestead Exemption FAQs (resource from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts)
Still have questions? We’d be happy to help! Email or call us today:
Info@TheLokenGroup.com
281-861-4624
Giving Back This Holiday Season: Angel Tree 2018
Holiday Safety and Security Tips
The holidays keep many of us preoccupied with last-minute shopping, festive parties, and traveling, which can make us vulnerable to robbers. Prevent yourself from becoming an easy target with these tips from security expert and award-winning author Roger Eckstine.
1. How can I avoid my packages being stolen?
Package theft is an increasingly prevalent issue, especially around the holidays. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can prevent your packages from being stolen from your front door or porch. The most obvious solution is to ensure that you are home when your package is being delivered, which you can monitor through the online tracking service offered by most couriers. Another alternative is to have the package delivered to your office or place of work. Thirdly, you can choose to have your package delivered to a locker or access point – which are typically located in safe, convenient locations such as a convenience store – or to the nearest UPS facility.
2. What can I do to reduce the risk of being robbed?
Jugging, a term commonly used by law enforcement, is used to describe the stalking of potential victims as a prelude to burglary or robbery. This form of robbery is reported to be on the rise in the Houston area, which is why it is critical to be properly informed on what to do should you find yourself in this situation. Jugging occurs when a criminal will stake out a bank or popular place of shopping with big-ticket items and lie in wait until the victim loads the car and drives away. They will then follow them to their next stop. If that stop is a place like a restaurant or the dry cleaners, they will smash and grab, meaning they will break into the car and steal the merchandise while the victim is otherwise occupied. In the worst-case scenario, the criminal may follow you home, which can lead to a driveway robbery, carjacking, or home invasion. The best thing you can do to stay safe is to be aware. Watch your rear-view mirror, keep your money or purchases hidden (never leave them in the car), and always stay alert.
3. How can I know when I’m being followed by a car and what can I do about it?
If you think you’re being followed into your neighborhood, make a circle and see if they continue to follow you. If you are being followed, continue driving – don’t stop – and don’t confront. While you’re driving you can call 911.
4. What can I do to make my house less vulnerable to break-ins?
The most common type of break-in is having your door kicked in. In fact, an estimated 70% of home invaders enter through a door (as opposed to a window), which includes front doors, patio doors, and even garage doors. A good way to combat this is by installing two doors and having one of the doors pull outward (i.e. high impact storm doors).
5. Are motion-activated lights effective for home security?
Motion-activated lights are an extremely valuable addition to your home security because they can deter potential robbers and stalkers. However, you must pay attention to how they’re adjusted, and be sure to avoid any blind spots!
Houston Holiday Event Guide
98th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
Hermann Square at City Hall
901 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 832-393-0868
Attractions: Music · Santa · Fireworks · Tree Lighting · & Family fun!
November 30th 6:00-8:00PM / Admission is free & open to the public!
Holiday on 19th Street
300 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
Enjoy free in-store cocktails, roaming carolers, and real snow as the shops on historic 19th Street open their doors for a special Friday evening of shopping and holiday cheer.
Friday, December 7th 6:00-10:00 PM / Free to attend
Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens
One Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554
Phone: 409-744-4673
Attractions: Ice Land · Festival of Lights · Holiday 3D Films · Rudolph 4D · Ice Skating · Arctic Slide · Train Rides · Photos with Santa Plus Live Entertainment, Great Food, Group Rates, Free Parking, Hotel Packages and More!
Open Daily November 17 – January 6
Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Dr.
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 713-533-6500
Attractions: The star attraction at Zoo Lights is well…the lights! The animals will be enjoying a full night’s slumber. There will also be a number of options for food and drinks. The BBQ Food Truck will serve up delicious smoked meats and roasted corn. You can even find quick snacks at carts and kiosks including make your own s’mores, hot chocolate, and craft beer. Santa will be available for photos on select nights during Zoo Lights and a professional photographer will be with him.
Open November 17 – January 13
German Christmas Market in Tomball
Old Town Tomball / Near the Historical Train Depot Plaza
201 S Elm
Tomball, TX 77375
Phone: 281-379-6844
Attractions: 4 Music Stages · 200+ Street Vendors · Ethnic & Festival Food · Beer & Wine · Petting Zoo · Street Performers · Souvenirs · Arts & Crafts · Antiques · Heritage Center
Open December 7th 6-10PM, December 8th 10AM-10PM, & December 9th 10AM-6PM
The Nutcracker presented by The Houston Ballet
Wortham Theater Center
501 Texas St.
Houston, TX 77002
November 23rd – December 29th / Tickets starting at $30 / Call 713-227-2787 or visit houstonballet.org
Lights in the Heights
Woodland Heights Neighborhood
Houston, TX 77009
Bask in the Christmas spirit and take in the beautifully decorated homes of the Woodland Heights while enjoying holiday musical performers on front porches.
Saturday, December 8th 6:00-9:00 PM / Free to attend
Wishing you every happiness this holiday season,
Your friends at The Loken Group
How Rising Interest Rates Will Affect Homebuyers
What do interest rates really mean for homebuyers? And how, specifically, do rising interest rates affect your ability to buy a home? If you’re a homebuyer keeping a close eye on today’s rising interest rates, these questions have probably crossed your mind. After all, buying a home is an important decision and interest rates plays a huge factor in determining what your mortgage payments will be. We sat down with Kelly Rogers, Market Leader at Movement Mortgage and one of the leading mortgage lending professionals in the Houston area, to discuss her predictions on how rising interest rates will affect buying power, as well as possible solutions that will help you as a homebuyer.
1. How do interest rates effect how much home I can buy?
Interest rates play a huge role in home affordability. When interest rates are low, home ownership is more affordable. If you don’t have to spend that much money on interest, you may be able to take on a larger loan. Conversely, higher interest rates increase the long-term cost of owning a house. For example, in a rising rate market such as the one we are in right now, the difference between 4.5% and 5.5% could reduce your buying power by about 10-20%.
2. Are interest rates expected to increase?
Interest rates are expected to continue increasing. In fact, the Federal Reserve have announced that they expect to raise interest rates one more time this year, as well as 3 more times in 2019, which could make a big difference in what you could afford a year from now as compared to what you could afford today.
3. Do you think interest rates will decrease?
No – interest rates have been artificially low for a long time. We can likely expect to level out at 6%, meaning that we can afford less house than we could 1 or 2 years ago. That being said, we can afford more house today than we can next year.
4. What is the solution for higher interest rates?
Luckily, there are several solutions that will help buyers be able to afford their housing. Lenders will start to offer buy downs on the interest rates, which is a great solution and common practice in the mortgage industry, while some people will start to lean towards adjustable rate mortgages. The interest rate on an adjustable rate mortgage might change monthly, every six months, or annually, depending on the terms of the mortgage. There are also other creative solutions that your lender can provide to you, which is why it’s critical to consult with a good lender that will provide those solutions to you.
2018 Angel Tree
The holiday season is upon us and unfortunately, there are many families who have found themselves in difficult circumstances this year. TLG Gives is making a difference in the community with its 2018 Angel Tree initiative. The program supports local families, friends and past clients of The Loken Group who are experiencing hardship.
The Loken Group’s Angel Tree program was launched in 2016 by its founder and president, Karina Loken. “The purpose of creating TLG Gives was to uplift those in the community who needed extra support through difficult times. The program exemplifies the commitment that TLG Gives has made to the community,” said Loken. The TLG Gives committee are in the process of nominating several deserving families in the Greater Houston area for the program. Team members will shop and deliver gifts and meals for these families just in time for the holidays.
Start a Christmas tradition with your family of giving back to others. Help contribute to Angel Tree 2018 by submitting your donations to TLG Gives PayPal account. Monday, December 16th is the last day to make contributions.
Holiday Lighting Professionals Guide
Many of us know just how hectic the holidays can be. Now so more than ever, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the time and energy to put up your outdoor Christmas lights. To help out, we’ve compiled a list of holiday lighting professionals in the greater Houston area who can assist with your custom design and installation. Make the process easy and hassle-free with these trusted lighting professionals!
Fireman’s Custom Christmas Lights
22223 Greengate Drive
Spring, TX 77389
Phone: 281-862-0500
Service Area: All Areas
Aguiluz Landscaping
6009 Hertford Street
Houston, TX 77048
Phone: 832-602-9146
Service Area: Houston, Pasadena, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, League City, Stafford, Missouri City, Bellaire, Humble, Alief
Garrett’s Christmas Light Installation Services
3124 FM 646 North Road
Sante Fe, TX 77510
Phone: 832-221-9269
Service Area: League City, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Webster, Kemah, Dickinson, Seabrook, and Santa Fe
Mik Solutions
1607 Tucumcari Drive
Houston, TX 77090
Phone: 713-494-4005
Service Area: All Areas
Middle Earth Outdoor Services
16202 Walnut Springs Lane
Magnolia, TX 77355
Phone: 713-492-4576
Service Area: Spring, Cypress, Tomball, Conroe, Montgomery, Waller, Magnolia, Houston, Hockley
Bright Lights Houston
9572 Kempwood Dr
Houston, TX 77080
Phone: 281-764-8153
Service Area: All Areas
Houston Light
Phone: 832-726-1669
Service Area: All Areas
Happy decorating!
Your friends at The Loken Group
Christmas Tree Farms in the Greater Houston Area
52 Carmel Ct. Montgomery, TX 77356
52 CARMEL CT. MONTGOMERY, TX 77356
Listing Price: $299,900
This home is distinguished by plantation shutters, a tray ceiling and built-ins in the spacious living area, and lots of windows to let in ample natural lighting.
The formal dining room is the perfect place for hosting holiday parties or formal gatherings among family and friends.
Take cooking to new heights in the beautiful island kitchen, which includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast area.
Enjoy peace and tranquility in the elegant master suite with a walk-in closet, dual vanities, garden tub, and separate shower.
The backyard is ideal for outdoor entertaining and leisure with a covered patio and plenty of room for your dream swimming pool or other recreational activities.
Gracefully situated on a golf course, this home offers sensational views of the scenic pond and rolling green terrain.
About the Area
Ideally located along 12.5 miles of Lake Conroe shoreline, the 1,400-acre master-planned community of Bentwater is Houston’s premier waterfront and golf community. Perfectly positioned between the 22,000-acre Lake Conroe and the 160,000-acre Sam Houston National Forest, Bentwater offers a lifestyle that is both relaxed and vibrant. Residents have access to a wealth of amenities, including a 24-hour manned gated entrance, Country Club offering 54-holes of championship golf, Yacht Club, Marina, swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and more. Commuters will appreciate the community’s proximity to major roadways, such as I-45 and TX 105, as well as several major employment centers. Enjoy an easy drive to popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations, including The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Waterway Square, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
About the Neighborhood
Area Schools
This home is zoned to Montgomery Independent School District – Montgomery Intermediate School (7.2 miles from property), Montgomery Junior High School (9.6 miles from property), and Montgomery High School (9.6 miles from property).
What’s Your Home Worth?
See the recently sold homes near you, and find out how your home compares. Get trusted advice about local market conditions from experts in the industry.
Understanding Your HVAC System
Keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter isn’t always as easy as it sounds. As a homeowner, it is critical that you understand the key roles your HVAC system plays in the air quality and overall balance of your home, as well as how you can get the most out of your system. We met with Jared Hatfield of Douglas Mechanical to cover the basics of HVAC, including everything from purchasing a brand new system to improving the amount of dust and dirt in your home.
1. How long does an average heating and air conditioning system last?
Due to the fact that the Greater Houston area is a little more humid than your typical climate, the average heating and air conditioning system will usually about 8-12 years.
2. What is one thing that I can do in my home to increase energy efficiency?
The most effective strategy for improving household energy efficiency is often times upgrading or replacing your system. Despite the fact that many people believe this to be the most costly solution, the average homeowner is overpaying on their energy bills by an estimated 25-50%.
3. How can I reduce the amount of dust and dirt in my home?
To reduce dust in your home, clean or replace the filters in your central heating and cooling system every 1 to 3 months. A standard air filter will only filter about 25-50% of your total household dust, which is typically a mixture of animal dander, carpet fluff, clothing fibers, and dirt that gets tracked indoors. To help prevent dust from accumulating, it is recommended that you use high-quality paper or pleated fabric filters that are disposable.
4. How do I eliminate hot and cold spots in my home?
Hot and cold spots are relatively common and can be an issue in many homes. This problem usually stems from poor duct work design and layout, which can lead to not only inconsistent temperatures in your space, but also stuffy air, lingering odors, more wear and tear to your equipment, and even mold growth in your ducts from excess humidity. Therefore, it is essential to involve knowledgeable HVAC professionals early in your renovation process to ensure that your duct layout is correct for the design and usage of your space.
Thanks to generous donations and the help of countless volunteers, TLG Gives made a lasting impact in the community with its 2018 Angel Tree program. Angel Tree supports local families, friends, and past clients of The Loken Group who experienced hardship around the holidays.
The Loken Group’s Angel Tree program was launched in 2016 by its founder and president, Karina Loken. “The purpose of creating TLG Gives was to uplift those in the community who needed extra support through difficult times. The program exemplifies the commitment that TLG Gives has made to the community,” said Loken.
This year, The Loken Group nominated 6 deserving families in the local Houston area for the program. In total, TLG Gives raised over $10,000 from both team and outside donations that went towards providing these families with everything from toys and clothes to a holiday meal. Learn more about this year’s incredible families and their stories below.