...And other Popular questions answered.
Houston is HUGE! That is why I specialize in the Spring/Woodlands area on the North side of Downtown Houston. Statistically speaking, Texas in the past year has more people "moving in" than "moving out" which has given me the opportunity to work with some AMAZING clients from out of state. I've found that most of these people have the same questions. For those of you that are a little shy or not actively working with an agent, I thought I would answer some very popular questions for you!
- What is a MUD tax? This seems to be the most popular. MUD is just an acronym for Municipal Utility District. These are the lovely people that supply our water for specific areas. Generally by neighborhood.
- Why do the tax rates vary by neighborhood? The taxes rates that tend to vary the most are school districts, MUD and a Drainage Tax. The drainage tax helps to maintain drainage areas to help prevent flooding. If you see a property with a considerably higher tax rate-it might be because of this. However, that doesn't mean the area floods more!
- What schools are good? The Spring area is known for having good schools. Here is a link to give you specific information on schools.
http://www.har.com/indexschoolfinder.cfm
- What is a Master Planned Community? It's an enormous neighborhood separated into different sections, such as The Woodlands. Usually a golf course community with each section having it's own community pool and park. Here is a link for The Woodlands.
- How's the Market Right Now? As opposed to many areas of the nation-GREAT! We are currently at 4.3 months of inventory in the Spring/Woodlands area. (Low Inventory of Homes) If you are considering buying in this area I STRONGLY recommend being set up on a notification system through MLS. Be a well informed buyer! I can do this for you even if you are not ready to go physically look at homes.
- Distance from Specific Locations- Such as a new job. I know we all like Google and MapQuest. However, with so many new construction areas the maps almost need to be changed monthly. I find Yahoo Maps to be the most accurate in the area. Personal opinion of course! Either way, there are many good websites that will tell you how long it will take you to get from here to there.
I always recommend my clients take a day to just drive. Coming from out of state especially can be extremely overwhelming. Take a day or two for you "Sunday Drive" around town. It will most likely make your home search a little easier!
Other Questions on the Area? Feel free to contact me!
I live in a mud district that taxes me each year and have not provided our section any facilities! We have around 25 homes and numerous lots available to build on and we all have water wells and Aerobic systems. The mud has not nor do they intend to provide us any water, sewer or any other facilities such as fire protection. Yet we are taxed each year and they are planning another bond issue that will extend our taxation for many more years.
Are there any laws that we can use to use to stop this injustice?? We are all equipped with water and sewer and just want to stop paying taxes for absoloutly nothing in return!
Hi Bill,
Thank you for the comment. That is quite an unusual situation. Can you tell me what stat/city you live in? Each state has different taxing procedures and it will help me try to put you in the right direction.
Thanks, Stephanie