The KEY to Understanding Property Taxes. or "Property Taxes for Non-Experts"  (Sorry, copyright issues with the "Dummies" one) The key to understanding Property Taxes and Exemptions is "taking them apart" and putting them back together again. For our purposes, we will cover the following: Tax Rates How they are assessed Exemptions       1. Homestead       2. Over 65       3. AG (Agricultural) How to save money by applying for the appropriate exemptions. Time frames to apply Tax Rates Inside and Outside the city limits Live Examples Now, stay awake--  it's not so bad.  I am a musician, not great at math and I get it, so stay with me. You could save some hard earned cash. TAX RATES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS: Basically, in Walker County, the tax rate within the city limits is 2.3... 02/08/2011

A Huntsville, Texas Valentine Date Idea Worth Mentioning! For the ♥ love of your life ♥, here's a romantic date idea for the Saturday before Valentine's Day. It will be a great surprise, they won’t be expecting it EARLY! Huntsville Community Theatre presentsPutting on the GlitzA fundraiser event which includes:   6-7 PM    Pre show wine and cheese reception7:30 PM   Love Letters by A.R. GurneyFollowing the performance there will be coffee and dessert.The cost is only $25.00Call (936) 291-7933 for your reservation! View Larger Map1212 Avenue M, Huntsville, TX 77340 02/07/2011

Texas: Walker County: Huntsville:  I am so grateful and proud to be a Texas REALTOR Life is cool.  Life is what happens while we are waiting for the perfect time to do what we have always wanted to do. I am the happiest girl in the world. I get to wake up  (Ooops, wrong "Smiley" Cued up---here it is!)  every day  and do what I have wanted to do since I was 9 years old, be a Realtor.  I LOVE being a Realtor.  I love the way every day is different, I love interacting with people, I love helping people find solutions, I love that I am paid much better than I was paid as a teacher, or anything else I have done "for a living." I Love that I control my destiny.  I Love that attitude truly impacts my "altitude." I love that I must continually learn about new changes, regulations, issues.  I lo... 02/05/2011

This is old news... but for those of you who have not been paying attention, here is a quick look at the new clubhouse at Elkins Lake subdivision in Huntsville, Texas. For more information about Elkins Lake Recreation Corporation, check out their fan page on facebook or visit their Word Press Blog! 01/23/2011

I'm so happy to welcome Anna DeMoss to Active Rain.  Anna has all those wonderful qualities necessary for a good appraiser.  She cares deeply about doing an honest, accurate, thorough appraisal in a timely manner. Anna is someone I go to to discuss the ins and outs of the appraisal business here in Huntsville, Texas where I work as an appraser. I know Anna will be a welcome addition to the Active Rain community and I'm sure we'll see some great blogs and information from her.  Welcome, Anna!!  It's a great day in the Rain!!   01/17/2011

01/16/2011

This is Pop (aka Thomas May). When I arrive at Ella Smither, Pop is almost always by the front door... reading the newspaper. Then, when I leave, he always tells me to "be careful out there... traffic's bad... not worried about you... it's those others."  Pop was the life of the New Year's Eve party this afternoon! He blew his horn, popped his confetti and just seized the moment. That's one of the things that I love most about him. He just takes one day at a time and makes the best of whatever it gives him. Thanks, Pop! You're still teaching us great lessons! I would do well to learn this one! ♥ Happy New Year from Pop at Ella Smither in Huntsville, Texas! 12/31/2010

Hillcrest Ford ~ Huntsville, Texas   NAME THAT CAR!!! This is a 2011 Ford Fiesta in Lime Squeeze. A big THANK YOU to Paul Spivey at Hillcrest Ford in Huntsville, Texas for helping us with the purchase of this car. Paul is over internet sales and I have to tell you.... Internet is the way to go. We did it all over the web or on the phone. I came to the dealership when we were ready to sign. WOW! Its never been that easy!! Thanks again, Paul!! I have a friend who had one of these a long time ago, same color, and called it Kermit. CUTE! But not me! So... I am seeking your help in naming this car!! Get your creative juices flowing and then come back and leave a comment with your best name.  THANKS! I appreciate your help!! (My Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Magnets should look GREAT o... 12/30/2010

Brooke Funeral Services ~ Huntsville, Texas When it comes to death, most people do not want to discuss it. But... the fact is, we all have to face it some time or another. I would like to introduce you to a family owned and operated business that considers taking care of your family a ministry and not a job. Timothy and Karen Dixon are the owners of Brooke Funeral Services. They are located just outside the city limits off beautiful FM 980 near Huntsville. You enter the grounds and pass through a beautifully kept cemetery, gazebo, a statue of Jesus and end up at the chapel that seats around 180 people. You do not have to use their cemetery to use their services. They can help you with any cemetery! There is a service to fit every budget. From $995 for a direct cremation all the way to a... 12/28/2010

Texas : Walker County : Huntsville Real Estate : Home Values Trend : Relocate to Huntsville TX Texas is consistently in the top  "moving destinations." Atlas Van Lines Contact Me for a FREE RELOCATION PACKAGE! Check out this Migration Report --Notice TEXAS is Blue on the map. (Just a color --  No Political implications)  The Blue states have had and continue to have the most influx of people.  Texas ROCKS !! As a result of the migration shown in the statistics above, and the relative stability of the economy and job market in TX, the Huntsville / Conroe / Lake Conroe area, sales have been steady and values have been stable. Sometimes a picture paints a thousand words   The graph below (WAY below) clearly shows strong performance for Huntsville / Walker County and Conroe / NW and NE Mont... 12/26/2010

Many Miles of Mistletoe....                                                                  Reflections on Christmas morn Many miles of mistletoe linking open wounds and happy reunions       mortality mirrors fathomless depths of hungry souls, longing for absolution   Thanks be to Reason--                 to sharing unhampered by vanity                        to redefining sacrifice                                        to breaking simple bread together No roasted suckling pigs with lifeless jowls dripping with sweet nectar,                  but a simple meal with a timeless theme love, acceptance and charity                     at times interrupted by                                       uncomfortable laughter  ....whirling in the winds of decided coincidence  while taking a stroll ... 12/25/2010

Another Beautiful Sunset in Elkins Lake! You know, I love my Keller Williams Office Spaces in Huntsville and Conroe, but there's something about working from my home office every now and then.  Home-Made Coffee,  tea with fresh herbs from my herb garden.       YUMMM... And the Elkins Lake Sunsets from our porches--they sure are Pretty! Pretty Relaxing too!  Now, don't get me wrong, I am not relaxed all that often.  But a few days from Christmas, taking time to "decompress" a little is a GOOD thing! And how could this view NOT have a somewhat sedating effect?! SO, Trying to NOT lose your mind in all of the Holiday Hustle Bustle???? Here's a "Self Diagnostic" to see just how you are doing with that endeavor. 1. Have you taken time to appreciate beauty today?  2. Have you stopped for JUST ... 12/21/2010

A NEW Superintendent for Huntsville ISD......or at least an Interim Superintendent, Huntsville ISD,You have SCORED Big! Dr. Steve Johnson has been named Interim Superintendent for Huntsville TX Independent School District.  He has experience, he's brilliant, he's a gentleman, his wife is precious and Dr an Mrs Johnson are clients.... How about that! Steve and Mary Ellen Johnson started their search..well before they moved. You see, they didn't HAVE to move to Huntsville TX, they WANTED to move to Huntsville TX! Just like me and my husband!  I had decided to take a job as a "Choral Director" in another city.  Then, out of the blue, I got a call to interview in Huntsville.  We came to Huntsville we drove into Elkins Lake- --We fell in LOVE with Huntsville. Steve and Mary Ellen Johnson did... 12/18/2010

Okay,  it's Saturday night.  And.....I just toured the Christmas display at the Bellagio! I haven't had the opportunity to go to Vegas to see any of the attractions, but I have heard ALL about Vegas from my husband who has been there many times.   Not sure why I have never been--  Well, I enjoyed the heck out of my tour of the Bellagio.  It is Amazing!  The deer are my favorite part.  Check it out.  I can't believe the scale of the display! But, I "reckon" that's Vegas... And VB, you are the quintessential "Vegas-ite."     Okay, VB, what is the BEST restaurant??  Bobby Flay's, Emeril's, Mario Batali's, Wolfgang Puck's???????????????/  I want to go and enjoy the perfect meal with the perfect red wine. Mari is "Vegas-Dreaming!" Thanks again VB!  It was a FUN tour!         12/18/2010

Power of Gratitude--Is it Bull Hockey, Real or like "Hockey the sport" -- irrelevant??  What do you think? This is all about you....My Clients.   Above All, YOU are who the reason that I do what I do. (Here are Just a few of my FABULOUS Clients)    Danke schön! to my associates.  They are always there to help when needed.Merci beaucoup to Google ! I looked up topics like the best cell phone for Realtors even before I was licensed so that I would be ready to rock.  I use Google EVERY Day.I have heard that "gratitude" is the most powerful sentiment, even more powerful than love. I believe it, because without gratitude, no love can exist, because love cannot be recognized without gratitude.  So--Power of Gratitude--Is it Bull Hockey, Real or like Hockey the sport--irrelevant??  In other wo... 12/16/2010

What My Husband Will and Will Not ...Allow Me To DoBy: Mari Zuvich MontgomeryLife is great when you have freedom. Freedom to speak, freedom to act, freedom to try new things. As I drove through a drive through to pick up some lunch, a soldier  in service to our great country crossed the parking lot.I instinctively opened my window and shouted, "Thanks for your service to us," he turned around, removed his cap, tipped his head, smiled broadly and said, "your welcome, mam."We live in a truly great country.  On a daily basis, it really helps to think about and appreciate all those freedoms.In some of our households, however, those freedoms may or may not hold true. I have a dear friend who lives across the country from me now who was married to a man who methodically took her freedoms away... 12/16/2010

Huntsville Lions Club Christmas Parade was a great success. Folks lined up along the streets as the Huntsville Hornet Band marched ahead of the wonderful floats! There were semi's turned into floats, classic cars, little mini cars driven by the Shriners.... even a tractor and a 4 wheeler -- This is East TEXAS!! ☺ The county emergency responders were well represented with fire trucks from Huntsville, Riverside and New Waverly; the Sheriff's department; Walker County Citizens on Patrol; and C.E.R.T.S  If you missed this year's Huntsville Lions Club Christmas Parade, you really missed a good one! This is just a small sample of this years parade, ENJOY!!    Make plans to attend next year's parade. Its always the first Saturday in December. Better yet, why not enter a float and join the fun!... 12/09/2010

Stay tuned for more. I have to get to bed because I have to leave EARLY for RainCamp Houston TOMORROW!! Sweet Dreams!! 12/05/2010

Texas : Walker County : Huntsville : Winterize your outdoor pipes--Complete "How To"-What You'll Need, Where to Find it and a Video Showing you How Be Safe-Not Sorry! It's that time of year---frost on the pumpkin means freezing temperatures at night.  Even here in East Texas, it gets pretty cold.  Take measures now to be sure you won't have an issue with freezing pipes during this Holiday Season. This weekend as you are going to the stores to pick up holiday decorations and gifts, be sure to stop by Lowes, Home Depot or your local Hardware store to pick up some pipe insulators for your outside plumbing fixtures.  The Holiday Season is MUCH more fun without broken pipes! Foam pipe insulator: Faucet Insulated Cover: And, here's a BRIEF instructional Video, complete with outdoor chimes as ... 12/05/2010

 Immigrant Dreams : from Croatia to PA to TX : the Gift of Freedom and a New Life is Born at Ellis Island My Grandfather, born Viecoslaw Zuvic, later Louis Zuvich came through Ellis Island with a dream, like so many.  He not only held a job, but was a supervisor, and never learned English.  Talk about your great communicators.  The tongue of my family is Serbo-Croatian, the "umbrella language" of the former Yugoslavia. Viecoslaw means "forever glorious."  I will never forget because I looked through the Ellis Island manifests for a long time and never found "Louis Zuvich."  Well, it gets more complicated. My surname, "Zuvich" was "Zuvic."  My grandfather added the "H" in hopes that the name would be pronounced properly with a "ch" sound, to compensate for the symbol in Serbo-Croatian, t... 12/04/2010