Alix's Real Estate Ramblings & Resources: Homestead Exemption 2012

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!!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Homestead Exemption 2012

If you purchased a home in 2011 as your primary residence, it is time to file for your Homestead Exemption!

A homestead exemption is a reduction in homeowners' property taxes. Once granted, this exemption is automatically renewed each year as long as you 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.

Different counties have different deadlines for filing, but most are April 1st. CHECK YOUR COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR WEBSITE TO VERIFY YOUR DEADLINE AND FILING REQUIREMENTS.

Here are some links to counties in the Metro Atlanta area for your convenience: