D
Disaster Supply Kit
Here's what you need to have on hand if a hurricane comes our way. Some items will be in short supply in the days before landfall, so it's best to stock up in advance.
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days; Also fill bathtub and other containers; Gator Aid is also good to fend off dehydration
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
—non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
—foods for infants or the elderly
—snack foods
—non-electric can opener
—cooking tools / fuel
—paper plates / plastic utensils
Bedding - Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries / Lantern
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
—insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Gas - Vehicle fuel tanks filled several days before landfall is expected
Pet care items
—proper identification / immunization records / medications
—ample supply of food and water
—a carrier or cage
—muzzle and leash
Bleach (without lemon or any other additives)
Fire extinguisher
Mosquito repellent
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Duct tape
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Texas Property Tax Appeals
Steps to Protesting and Reducing Your Property Value Annually
Step 1. File a Protest
Texas property tax appeals can be filed using the form provided by the appraisal district, or the form available on hcad.org. Otherwise send a short letter to the chief appraiser at the central appraisal district stating that you are protesting your property taxes. You should indicate the basis is both assessed value over market value and equal appraisal. The deadline to file a protest is May 31, or 30 days after notice of your assessed value is mailed to you, whichever is later. Protest annually to minimize your property taxes. Property taxes cap up to 10% per year.
Step 2. Research the Central Appraisal District's Record
Much of the basic information you will need is on the appraisal district's website. Errors in the record are a sound basis for a protest. It is impossible to maintain correct data for every property in the county, so mistakes can be made. An example of an error may be that the exemption noted is incorrect or missed from the exemptions the property may be entitled to. Also note if the value is over market value, or if the value is unequal compared with others in the nearby area. Laurie and Glenda can help you by supplying neighborhood comparables that will assist you in finding the market value of your home.
Step 3. Establish Property Value
Texas appraisal districts typically recognize one of three different approaches to determine market value when granting reductions in property tax assessments. Those approaches are Sales Comparison Approach, Income Approach, and Cost Approach. Take pictures of your home's weaknesses. Also, bring good comparables that show home values in your immediate neighborhood. Glenda and Laurie can help you in this process by compiling those comps that best fit your home. Another good idea is to analyze your comparables against others. For instance, if another home has granite countertops and yours does not, bring a picture of what you have. Bring one copy for yourself and three for the board members if you choose to continue to the board.
Step 4. Journey through the Legal Avenues
· Informal Hearing
After filing a protest or I-File, you will be notified of a date and time to attend a hearing if the protest is not agreed to. This meeting is conducted with a staff appraiser at the Harris County Appraisal District office at 13013 Northwest Freeway. It typically lasts 15 minutes although sometimes you have to wait for the start of the meeting. At its conclusion the appraiser will either indicate he cannot make an adjustment, or he will offer to settle by establishing lower assessment. At that point, you sign the agreement and you are done until next year. In Texas, most residential property tax appeals are resolved at the informal hearing.
· Appraisal Review Board Hearing
This is sometimes called a formal or ARB hearing. Participants include three members of the appraisal review board, a staff appraiser from the appraisal district, a hearing clerk and the property owner. The property owner and the district's appraiser will separately present the evidence to support their opinions of the market value and unequal appraisal for the subject property. Afterward, the board members will announce its conclusion, which is not subject to negotiation. However, their decision can be appealed in a Texas district court if a lawsuit is filed against the county appraisal district to further appeal the property taxes .
· Litigation
While the results of informal hearings are final for the tax year and cannot be appealed through a lawsuit, the results determined at the appraisal review board hearing can be appealed to district court. Before making a decision to do so, the owner should consider the amounts of any potential tax savings, legal costs and expert witness costs. In Texas, most judicial appeals of property tax assessments are successful.
Property Tax Notice of Protest, http://www.hcad.org/pdf/forms/41-44.pdf
Please let Laurie and Glenda help you with all your Real Estate needs. Visit us at LaurieAndGlenda.com.
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