Alix's Real Estate Ramblings & Resources: Did you buy a home in 2010? Don't forget to file for your Homestead Exemption

Welcome!

I am an Atlanta native and made the decision in 2007 to leave my job as an architect/urban planner to get my real estate license. This was a difficult decision but has been great since my very first day in my new career and I am really enjoying it! It is so rewarding helping people find that perfect home, and it allows me to continue to satiate my love of good architecture and great neighborhoods!

I attended Georgia Tech (GO JACKETS!!!!) which is where I met my husband. For almost a decade we lived in one of Atlanta's fabulous in-town neighborhoods in a great 1920's Craftsman bungalow with our two dogs and two cats. Following the birth of our first child, we bought a foreclosure in the west Buckhead area and fully renovated it using an FHA 203k loan, which was a fun and sometimes daunting process. And just prior to the birth of our second child, we purchased and renovated a home in downtown Historic Roswell, completing our personal tour of some of Atlanta's best neighborhoods to live in!

I decided to create this blog in order to share useful information and resources about the real estate market and home buying process, as well as hopefully bring some humor and levity to what is often a complex and intimidating process. Enjoy!!!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Did you buy a home in 2010? Don't forget to file for your Homestead Exemption

A homestead exemption is a reduction in homeowners' property taxes. To qualify, you must own and occupy the home as your legal residence and primary domicile on January 1 of the year in which the exemption is being claimed (so since you bought a home in 2010, even if it was on December 31, 2010, this applies to you). Homeowners must apply for this exemption on or before the deadline required by their county (see links below). Once granted, this exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as they continually occupy the home under the same ownership. The home must be your legal residence for all purposes including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your income tax.

You cannot file for homestead exemption on rental property, vacant land, or on more than one property. In addition to basic homestead exemption there are additional exemptions for residents age 62 and older and/or disabled and disabled veterans. You must apply for these exemptions in person. If you are adding or deleting a person's name on a deed, you must re-file for homestead. Refinancing your home will not affect your exemption.

Homeowners may need to provide the Warranty Deed, proof of residence, social security numbers, driver’s license and car tag info.

***if you live in the part of City of Atlanta which is also in DeKalb, you must file in both Fulton and DeKalb Counties***

Fulton County – deadline is April 1, 2011 404-612-6440

http://www.fultonassessor.org/Forms/HtmlFrame.aspx?mode=content/Taxreliefinformation

DeKalb County – deadline is March 1, 2011 404-298-4000

http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/taxcommissioner/homesteadgen.html#applications

Gwinnett County – deadline is March 1, 2011 770-822-8800

http://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.manatron.com/Tabs/Property/HomesteadExemption.aspx

Cobb County – deadline is April 1, 2011 770-528-8600

http://www.cobbtax.org/Forms/HtmlFrame.aspx?mode=content/Exemptions.htm&LMparent=189

Clayton County - deadline is April 1, 2011 770-477-3311

http://www.claytoncountyga.gov/departments/tax-assessor/residential-property.aspx