No Refusal DWI Enforcement

No Refusal DWI Enforcement

As the new year approaches, it is a time of reflection, celebration, and, let’s face it, drinking. Last year Bexar County (and several other neighboring counties) implemented what they call a “No Refusal Weekend” throughout the year, but concentrating around New Year’s Eve. As the number of DWI arrests decreased, and late night cab calls increased, the DA’s office and SAPD figured they were on to something. Earlier this year, the No Refusal program became permanent for the city.

Here’s the No Refusal program in a nutshell:

If you are pulled over by the police and suspected of drunk driving, the standard protocol is to have you take agility tests (think walking a straight line, ABC’s backwards, etc.)and/or a breathalyzer test.

In the past, you may have been able to refuse the breath test. Now, if you try and refuse the breathalyzer, police officers will obtain a warrant for a blood draw, and you will be legally obligated to provide that sample.

Samples will be taken by medical professionals, but the whole process is not without controversy about its constitutionality. All the same, the rule stands, and it is best to be informed, and to avoid drunk driving all together. For your convenience, here is a list of local cab companies that will be available to get you home safely from all of your New Year’s festivities:

  • Yellow Cab (210)222-2222
  • San Antonio Taxis (210)444-2222
  • Towne Car Taxi (210) 826-TAXI (8294)
  • National Cab (210) 434-4444

From all of us at Kimberly Howell Properties, we wish you and yours a very safe, happy and prosperous New Year!

image courtesy of davidsonscott15

Get Your Property Tax Exemptions Here

Property Tax Exemptions

If you have purchased a new home in 2011, first off- Congratulations! The joys of home ownership can be plentiful. While a home is a huge investment, there are ways that you can save yourself a bit of money if you know how. One of the most popular, yet surprisingly under-utilized methods of cutting back on expenses is to make sure you have filed for a property tax exemption.

The most common of these exemptions is the homestead exemption, which may qualify you for up to $15,000 on your school taxes. In order to qualify for this exemption, you must:

  • Own a home as of January 1
  • Use that home as a primary residence
  • Not claim another property as your homestead
  • Complete this form and submit to the Bexar County Appraisal District before April 30

Another popular exemption is the over 65 exemption , which can freeze your school taxes, provided no new improvements are made to your house. To be eligible you must:

  • Be over 65 years old (or turn 65 in the current tax year)
  • Own your residence and use it as your primary home
  • Complete this form and submit to the Bexar County Appraisal District before April 30

If you are 100% disabled and unable to work, you may apply for a disability exemption with a letter from the Social Security Administration and receive up to $10,000 in value exemptions to be applied towards school taxes. (If your home were valued through the appraisal district at $250,000, the school tax rate would only be applied on a value of $240,000). Other exemptions are available in conjunction with the Veterans Affairs office for veterans with at least 10% disability. Exemption benefits will depend on the percentage of disability you have, but they will apply to all tax units (not just school taxes).

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This year the Bexar County Appraisal District has enacted 2 new requirements for the filing of exemptions. When filing, you must now include:

  • A copy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID card
  • A copy of your vehicle registration receipt (if you do not own a vehicle, you will have to sign an affidavit stating that fact, and you may include a utility bill in its place)

Any agencies who may contact you offering to file the documentation on your behalf, for a fee, are fraudulent. Filing of these exemptions is completely FREE!As always, if you have questions, be sure to contact your favorite Real Estate Expert for assistance.

image courtesy of Images_of_Money

KHP Agents Win at PT50 Awards

Kimberly Howell Properties Agents Win at PT50

Congratulations are an order for our office’s winners at this morning’s Platinum Top 50 awards reception. Kimberly Howell and Terri Saari were both named as one of the 50 finalists, And Cynthia Lee received recognition as Newcomer of the Year!

The Platinum Top 50 Awards Program recognizes fifty (50) residential REALTORS® each year based on a combination of sales, education, and community involvement. The goal is to recognize the efforts of the city’s most rounded REALTORS®. They seek to acknowledge agents who have, through their involvement in various non-profit and real estate related organizations, taken an active role in making the San Antonio area a better place to live

This is a first time win for both Terri and Cynthia. Kim Howell has been named a winner for the past 7 consecutive years

KHP’s Cynthia Lee Featured on HGTV House Hunters!

Cynthia Lee Featured on HGTV's House Hunters

We would like to offer a huge shout of congratulations to our very own agent, Cynthia Lee, who will appear on an episode of HGTV’s popular show House Hunters this Thursday, December 8 at 8pm.

Cynthia has been a dynamic force on the San Antonio real estate scene with multi-million dollar production in the past year. She specializes in working with first time home buyers and sellers. Her professionalism, thoroughness, and “Make it Work” attitude are all huge contributors to her successes.

Prior to becoming a licensed Realtor®, Cynthia Lee was a longtime television news anchor and reporter for Fox News in San Antonio. She has previously appeared on another HGTV show, Bang for Your Buck. She is a recent Graduate of the Real Estate Institute, earning her a pristigeous GRI designation, and a proud member of the Howell Group.

Quick Tips to Memorize When it’s Time to Winterize

Winterize

With December temperatures hovering around the 70′s, it’s hard to imagine that this winter will be one for the record books. However, even here in the South, we do manage to get a cold snap or two across our path. (Check out the Local Weather Forecast if you want proof!)

Because deep freezes are so rare here in San Antonio, we often look for advice when it comes time to winterize our properties. Here are a few quick tips for when the temps dip:

Wrap Pipes – Foam insulation, or even thick blankets around exposed pipes can add insulation and prevent freezing (and later bursting).

Drip Faucets – Running water is much more difficult to freeze than standing water. For this reason, it is recommended that when the mercury drops, you do something to get the water in your pipes flowing. Even just a small trickle from faucets in & out of your home can be enough to prevent freezing.Conservation Tip: Stick a bucket or pan under dripping faucets to save the water and use for watering houseplants.

Adjust Thermostat – Try to avoid huge temperature drops in your home overnight. It’s recommended that you keep temperatures in your home above 55°F, especially if the home is vacant, or if you leave town.

Open Cabinets – Keep air flowing around the pipes inside your home by opening cabinet doors in areas that house plumbing (think under the kitchen & bathroom sink). The warmer air surrounding the pipes can help stop them from freezing, and also warm them up slowly if they do manage to turn icy.

Run Pool Pumps – For those of you with pools, keeping the pump running constantly during deep temperature drops. Standing water in the pump or in the lines of the pump are at a great risk for freezing, and could result in costly repairs if they burst.

The biggest problems come not in the freezing of the pipes, but when frozen pipes defrost too quickly and then burst. If your pipes do freeze, first locate your shutoff valve to prevent extensive damage from gushing water if they do break open. Then, slow is the key word when warming them up. Blow dryers and warm towels/blankets are the top recommended methods. If you’ve any doubt as to what to do, have a plumber handy, just in case.

This list is intended to include just a few of the many actions you can take to try and prevent damage to your home during freezing temperatures. If you want more details, contact a reputable real estate professional who would be happy to assist.

image courtesy of Jimmy_Joe

San Antonio real estate and property information provided by Kimberly Howell Properties. Kimberly Howell Properties does not assume any liability or responsibility for the operation or content of any of the linked resources, nor for any of the interpretations, comments, graphics, or opinions contained therein. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. KJH Properties, Inc. is a licensed real estate brokerage in the State of Texas, Equal Opportunity Employer, and supporter of the Fair Housing Act.