This is a link to the original article written on Fort Worth Weekly. Skyrocketing property valuations, culture of deception, and baseless allegations. What's the worst that could happen? On June 10, 2022, I stood up early in the meeting to address the five-member board of the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD). I had come to inform the board that I would not allow any further attacks by Randy Armstrong, TAD's director of home valuation. It is clear as day that Armstrong, and by extension, TAD do not appear to be my supporters. Mainly because I devote most of my spare time to assisting residents to challenge their exorbitant property values. This pushed Armstrong to file a complaint against me. During the meeting, I stated that there is an item on the agenda regarding the letter that my attorney addressed to the board. There haven't been many information regarding what's going on up until now. Someone filed complaints against my licensure as a property tax consultant in October 2021. I initially dismissed the complaint as unfounded. But for the board, this becomes significant because of who filed the complaint and how Jeff Law, the chief appraiser, strongly supports it. I went on to say that an investigator with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) purportedly indicated that the complaints were made by TAD, not a TAD employee. Armstrong's use of TAD letterhead and the personal knowledge revealed in his accusations indicate that he is allegedly utilizing TAD resources. Despite the fact that the topic was just discussed and not voted on, the board members decided that Law should look into it, in spite of having been aware of the allegations since November and has done no action to curb Armstrong's alleged misbehavior. Law, who usually deals with personnel issues, agreed to oversee the probe. However, that is a conflict of interest according to Gary Losada, a former TAD member. For Losada, Law should not be allowed to probe his own activities due to a history of withholding embarrassing facts from the board, something we've heard before in the form of a whistleblower complaint. We revealed details from a series of anonymous letters purportedly written by one or more TAD employees a year ago ("Shining a Light on TAD," June 2021). Law was singled out by the whistleblower, who claimed that the top appraiser used his position to conceal software flaws that resulted in incorrect property tax estimates over the years. It pains me to know that TAD's board of directors declined to hold Law accountable for failing to handle significant claims like mine. TAD's leadership may have set the appraisal district on a road that would eventually force the board of directors to evaluate if maintaining Law as chief appraiser is worth the financial risk.

Chandler found this article through our electricity partner and thought it was vital information to share.   There is a lot of misinformation out there about what happened during the recent Texas freeze with power outages and what is happening now.   Misinformation examples include: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeFPSod4/ (Don’t use automatic payments with your provider, she was on a wholesale pricing plan, those on fixed-pricing don’t need to worry)   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7TpzX79dV4&feature=youtu.be (ERCOT controlling power)   While we understand the frustration and confusion, Energy Ogre CEO Jesson Bradshaw who has been in the electricity industry for over 20 years can share his unbiased thoughts, what actually transpired and what consumers need to know.   Below are some answers he has directly addressed for Energy Ogre members and others asking for answers. He is available to your audience either live or online should you like to have a conversation. We have a blog post addressing many of these questions here.   Feel free to use clips from Jesson’s interview here as we have provided unedited footage for your use: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10XQX-Na0GnN8ONRid-71c6njaluAtegh/view?usp=sharing     Can the fixed rate in my contract be changed by my provider, ERCOT, or the PUCT? Are my bills going to skyrocket because of the storm? No, your fixed-rate energy charge cannot be changed during the term of your contract and you should not expect a drastic increase in your bill. The terms of service allow for minor administrative changes in TDSP fees but your energy charge is locked into a fixed price. Energy Ogre enrolls members in fixed-rate plans ONLY. You are not subject to wholesale market prices and your bill will only increase when your usage increases. Who or what is to blame for the electric grid failure in Texas? Energy Ogre CEO Jesson Bradshaw explains that no one thing or entity, in particular, is to blame for the electric grid failure that left millions of Texans without electricity for hours and/or days. There were several problems, and he asks people consider them all—especially how rare this weather storm was. According to Jesson, the storm broke some records dating back to the 1800s.  What happens if my provider goes out of business? What is a POLR? When a provider is forced to shut its doors, a regulated process enforced by the PUC transfers its customers to a POLR or Provider of Last Resort. Online disinformation has reported that while on a POLR you could pay extraordinarily high prices as high as $9.00/kWh. This is completely FALSE. In the past, POLR rates have been slightly higher but tended to stay around 18c to 20c/kWh. If you are transferred to a POLR you may incur slightly higher charges for a short amount of time, while Energy Ogre works to immediately transfer you to a new provider and put you in the lowest rate available in the market. If you are not an Energy Ogre member, we strongly recommend you look for a new and less expensive provider.  Should I take my card off of autopay before I get an outrageous bill? If you are an Energy Ogre member and are on autopay, you can rest assured that you will not see drastic price increases in your bill since you are in a fixed-rate contract. If you are not an Energy Ogre member and are currently in a variable, index, or wholesale rate, you will want to call your provider to determine what options are available to you. Removing a payment method has the potential to leave someone without power, and unable to get power from a new provider if money is still owed to the former provider! Of course, Energy Ogre members can depend on us to figure this stuff out for them and do most of the work necessary to undo the switch hold.  My contract expires in March/April/May, how will the freeze affect my new contract rate? Currently, rates for March/April/May don't seem materially impacted by this short-term and outlier weather event as the power grid has already returned to normal market operations. If you are an Energy Ogre member, we are confident we will be able to find new or renewal rates that are as market competitive as possible. It is the same adage that we cannot control market prices, but we surely can work to place folks in the lowest ones available. For now, the wholesale market looks to have stabilized, but there we can anticipate investigations/ bankruptcies/ potential rule changes ahead.    About Our Relationship with Energy Ogre: Energy Ogre uses an advanced algorithm to help people find the lowest electricity cost for only $10/mo. When you sign up through our this link, you get a free month. Chandler personal uses Energy Ogre to save hundreds on his electric bill.   

  My tax bill is too high. I can’t afford the house!!! Here is a list of options to consider... Reduce your insurance cost. Your house payment likely includes taxes, insurance, principle, and mortgage interest. If your payment has increased, there is a good chance your insurance rates have increased. Many people are significantly overpaying. We have expert insurance agents on staff that shop A-rated insurance carriers and get them to compete to provide the best quote… for free. We save some clients a ton of money. Just send us an email and we’ll be happy to get you a free quote.   Reduce your utility cost. This company is saving Chandler over $250/mo on average (and it only costs $10/mo!!!). It’s borderline magical. We wanted to offer the same service to you, so we partnered with them. Use this link to sign up, and you get the exact same service paying the exact same as you would if you went directly to them. The only difference is by using our link they agree to contribute $2 to help fund our free tax protest service for every person that signs up. Go here to see how much you can save.  Drop your PMI. Ask your lender if they are charging you mortgage insurance (or PMI). This is a cost that lenders charge if you have less than 20% equity. With house prices increasing so rapidly, there's a good chance you already have enough equity to force the lender to drop PMI even if you purchased your house last year. All you have to do is call them and ask what documentation they need. It may be much easier thank you think.  Reduce your utility consumption. Here are 50 ideas that can help reduce your electricity consumption.  Ask your mortgage company to spread out your escrow shortage over 24 months. If you have a mortgage and your monthly payment has increased in the past year or so, it is likely due to an escrow shortage because your taxes and/or insurance have gone up. Your mortgage company likely uses a 12-month payment plan by default to pay off your escrow shortage, but they usually don't tell you that you have additional options. To help lower your payment just call your mortgage company and simply ask them if you can pay out the escrow shortage over 2-3 years. Most of the time they just say yes without any issue or push back. A 10-minute phone call could drop your payment by hundreds. I’m keeping track of which companies agree to this and which ones won’t. Please let me know if your mortgage company agrees to spread out your escrow shortage or refuses. It will help me help others. Here’s what I have so far: Status on Mtg co’s Triple check to make sure your exemptions are in place. The appraisal district can actually cancel your exemptions anytime without a great reason, such as, if mail they send you is returned undeliverable. This video shows how to verify your homestead exemption is in place in Tarrant County.  If you find out you need to file, this page provides the form you need, step-by-step instructions, and a video to that answers all your questions.  Go here to get the form you'll need and a tutorial video that will answer all your questions and demonstrate how to fill out the form.  Buy a smaller house - Obvious, but it's still an option. Hard times call for hard decisions. Moving far enough away so you would be in a different tax district. Either a… Different county Different school district Move out of your neighborhood if it has a PID (public improvement district) Move to a rural area so you avoid city tax all together Rent. Would it help if I had a list of every rent house and every apartment in the area that fits your price range? Move into a house that doesn’t have an HOA Move-in with a friend/family Buy bigger so you can rent out rooms Buy a house with a garage apartment and rent out the apartment Live in an RV (sounds crazy, but I routinely sell houses because people are doing this more and more) Consider a condo or townhouse Buy a barndominium Move into a tiny house Build a shipping container house Buy with land so you can raise animals, crops, eggs, and sell stuff to offset housing expenses. Rent out your current house and move into another home to create extra income. Biggest issue: Solve the cash-flow crunch by making extra income This article & video covers at-home in-quarantine ideas Sell your possessions (garage sales / online classifieds etc) Eliminate debt Cut down on luxury items Rent out space in your garage to allow (item or vehicle) storage for other people Rent out an extra bedroom on Airbnb  Start an in-home business - childcare, adult care (skilled nurses/caretakers), pet care (boarding, walking), sell home-baked goods, make crafts to sell on Etsy, volunteer to host parties for MLM friends Profit from your yard: Plant berries, vegetables, flowers to sell, make compost from worms Provide fulfillment (boxing and shipping) services for other home-based entrepreneurs Allow people to shoot movies/film at your house: https://gov.texas.gov/film/page/your_property_in_films Have more ideas? We want to share them. Please email them to us at chandler@chandlercrouch.net Options we’re trying to avoid, but are still viable options to consider Stop making payments… forbearance, bankruptcy, foreclosure

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Property appraisal notices usually sent to owners on or around April 1, will be delayed this year because of closures caused by COVID-19. Tarrant Appraisal District The Tarrant Appraisal District just announced that they are delaying sending out property tax value notices until May 1, 2020. Jeff Law, chief appraiser for the Tarrant Appraisal District, states that TAD will honor protest filings up to June 1, 2020. The appraisals will be based on local market data as of January 1, 2020. But if the local market data presented to TAD that indicates the current health crisis has impacted your market value as of January 1, that information may be taken into consideration. TAD encourages people to file their protests online at tad.org because that would be the safest and healthiest approach for everyone. On a side note, taxing entities are also asking to delay the implementation of Senate Bill 2 rate caps. The Senate Bill 2 provision  attempts to constrain school district property taxes. In the meantime, it is still up in the air until the stay at home orders are lifted. Dallas Central Appraisal District  The Dallas Central Appraisal District is planning to mail Real Property Appraisal Notices on May 15, with a June 15 protest deadline date assuming the Shelter In Place Declaration is not extended. The earliest the protest deadline will be for properties in Dallas County is June 15 (not May 15). While DCAD’s physical office is closed until April 30 due to the Shelter In Place Declaration, DCAD is still conducting business remotely. For 2020, it’s highly likely that there will be no face-to-face informals, so everyone is encouraged to use their online programs to conduct business remotely. Tax consultants will be advised in early May on how the exchange of information will be handled during the 2020 ARB Process. Please note that before DCAD will engage in any remote value discussions with agents or owners, they will first need to file a protest for 2020. DCAD encourage everyone who intends to file a 2020 protest to file the protest as soon as possible so that we can begin the process of value settlement discussions.  With regard to the BPP Rendition deadline, which has been extended to May 15 for all, DCAD suggest to use the Online BPP Rendition system or send your BPP renditions electronically as opposed to sending them via the US Mail. Also, please file sooner than later so they have ample time to review and process them. If you have already mailed them through the US mail, then if possible please e-mail a PDF of your filings so they can process them electronically and the staff can review them remotely. The BPP e-mail address is bppcs@dcad.org. Denton County Appraisal District The Denton County Appraisal District will start mailing out the notices in the last week of April. They are encouraging online or by-phone appeal process.  Collin County Appraisal District Collin County also has no set dates in mailing out value notices. What to Expect The protest process may look completely different this year. The appraisal districts are still trying to figure out how they can legally reorganize the entire system to allow avenues to protest and come to an agreement of a fair value without having to appear in person. Since the proposed values are going to be the values based on the local market data as of January 1, 2020, more people may want to protest a higher value this year to keep their taxes from increasing significantly. The appraisal districts are making health their primary concern. They want to do what they can to avoid in-person protests as much as possible. They are going to be as generous as they can justify. Tax Protest Advice It is highly encouraged to use the downtime to start collecting estimates from contractors about repairs that may need to be done. You should take photos and become well-acquainted with the condition of your house so you are ready when it is time to protest. If the appraisal districts are willing to settle and it is fair or close to fair, please accept it. Remember that you owe it to you and your family to make sure the value is reasonable.

In case of emergency, you have to consider what you would eat. Now, you go to Walmart and you cannot see anything anymore but some canned meat product. If you are gonna prepare, you need to make sure that what you are gonna buy has long shelf life and most importantly, you need to make sure that your kids will love them. Find out what canned meat these kids would eat in case of emergency. Choices of Potted Meat The Verdict

Everyone is compelled to stay at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. With classes being suspended, we have realized that transitioning from the public school setting is not a walk in the park. It is even way different than homeschooling. And we, as parents are trying to figure this out. Children are accustomed to being in public school. Now coming home, the whole world has changed. And now, parents need to embrace this totally new concept. Maintaining Emotional Stability Know that your reactions are going to feed your child's reactions.  So if you're freaking out, they freak out too because they feel it. Cut yourself a break from social media. It only shows picture perfect moments that make you doubt yourself. Find success in the day. Celebrate small wins with your spouse or kids and know that you are doing the best you can. Give grace. Give yourself grace, give the teachers grace, give the kids grace. Focus on the fact that this is an incredible time to spend with your family. Give up control and let them lead. Change their perspective by being creative. Establish a schedule or routine but do not engage with power struggle. Walk away until your kids are ready to move forward. Use technology to your advantage to save your sanity. Homeschooling Different Children Children have varied learning styles. They can learn at different settings-- at home, at school or even while playing. Do not put so much stress on yourself about trying to make sure that your kids learn everything they're supposed to learn and do everything they are supposed to do. They will learn just by being around you. Come up with general school hours that would work for them.  If you're an early morning family, do early mornings. If you're if you're a night owl. Push it a little bit later. Give the first hour and a half to one kid in the next hour and half to a different kid. Offer them a list to be done for the day and let them choose. Allow them to choose their environment. Some kids need a desk and a quiet space, others learn better by moving. You do not need to be the teacher always. You don't have to teach everything. There are lots of people who have great content online. Challenges in Transitioning to Public School at Home Setting Kids who thrive off a structured environment can easily be bored when they get interrupted. Some kids may feel like they need to sit at home on their computers. Have them lay in a chair with a tablet versus the desk or them eat whenever they want. Parents say that the syllabus content is way too much to accomplish in a day, others say it is just enough. Teaching kids in different age groups with different learning styles is different from teaching kids in the same age group at school.  Technological challenges like: Internet connection issues Having trouble with logging into online classes Having several kids at home but they only have one computer or laptop to share with. Screen time versus online learning. Screen time is for leisure. It is the eyes looking at a screen. However, virtual learning is just like learning in the classroom. They do their lesson, generalize then take a break. Takeaways The secret is figuring out what is best for you.  There are a lot of answers, but you just have to pick one and roll with it. Enjoy your time, make memories every day, start a little family journal. Parents should be patient, kind and courteous to our teachers. They are working around the clock to make sure that lessons run as easily and smoothly as possible. Resources Speakers: Mindy Williams (Pro Mom & Realtor) Brooke DeLuna MS, LPC (Professional Coumselor) Amanda Hopper (Homeschool Mom) Websites: For counseling - https://brighterpossibilitiesfc.com/ Children books: Epic reading www.getepic.com Scholastic (not usually free) - https://www.scholastic.com/home/ ABCmouse - https://www.ageoflearning.com/8a08850bc2=T1290355973.1585148191.6738 Khan Academy for math- www.khanacademy.org Prodigy for math - play.prodigygame.com Cool math games  - https://www.coolmathgames.com Neok12 for math, reading, science, social studies - https://www.neok12.com/ Squiggle park for reading - www.squigglepark.com Storyline for reading - https://www.storyline.net/ wordville for reading - https://wordville.com/readingcomp/ K12 reader for reading and writing - https://www.k12reader.com/grade-level/grades-k-12/ Mystery Doug for science - mysterydoug.com National Geographic - kids.nationalgeographic.com History for kids for social studies - www.historyforkids.net Typing club for writing - www.typingclub.com Mad libs for kids - https://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/writingcorner/storybuilder/ English worksheets land - https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/ E- learning for kids - https://en.e-learningforkids.org/ PBS learning media - https://klrn.pbslearningmedia.org Highlights kids - https://www.highlightkids.com/activities Fun brain - https://www.funbrain.com Smithsonian online exhibits - https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/online Smithsonian education - http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/index.html Audible is doing free kids books - https://www.audible.com/ The Academy of active Learning Arts and Sciences - http://aalasinternational.org/rtol/ Achieve3000  -  https://achieve3000.com/community-resources/remote-learning-2020/ Adobe - https://helpx.adobe.com/enterprise/kb/covid-19-education-labs.html Amazon - https://edhesive.com/amazon/free_access American Museum of Natural History - https://www.amnh.org/explore Babbel - https://welcome.babbel.com/en/student-discount/ offering 3 free months of language High school SAT prep Google Earth Lunch doodles with Mo Willems - https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems?fbclid=IwAR2I2cft3pn3zaEPUhD1PtoNYeLKTiDoHya8zsIhgFSlexurriGLDNIJSlg 

Tangible and practical ways to make money at home.  Nobody wants to believe this, but this is actually the easiest part of the whole process. Most people get stuck here though because fear and panic has already set in. This does not mean you are incapable of coming up with good ideas. You absolutely are, but there is a fundamental principle that I have seen true in my life and there’s a good chance it's pretty universal. When fear sets in or you get filled with emotion, creativity evaporates and you become less resourceful.  Being in a playful, non-serious mentality allows creativity to flourish which creates resourcefulness. Pray, meditate, read the bible, watch some motivational videos, go outside, take a nap, then reset. Begin a brainstorming session. Consider all ideas, even bad ones and just let the ideas flow. Realize that business only exists to solve problems.  Let problems be your signposts. Another way to say this is, where is the demand? Find problems and ask yourself if there is an opportunity to serve. It is not a sin to look for opportunity in despair. Quite the contrary, imagine how many opportunities there are to share the gospel in a time like this. Look to solve problems and to serve. The question of how much to charge needs to be secondary. Forget about money making, forget about practicality, forget about restrictions.  Your full-time job now becomes trying to create income. Start with the obvious ones like Amazon, Kroger,  Costco, or any kind of delivery service. Where do you see problems? Focus on how you can serve others.  What are people already doing virtually at home that you can do? Now that everybody is at home, what new problems or opportunities to serve exist now? Do a singing telegram Scavenger hunt Organize parades Assist seniors with grocery buying etc. Business exists because problems exist and people come up with solutions that have value. You have to focus on the problems. You can literally drive around and look for problems and look for areas to serve. Look on Facebook and look at posts and realize the areas that people are complaining about and once in a while you will find a gold nugget. Think about all the things you used to do and realize that people must now come up with creative ways to do the same things that we used to do. What areas are we limited in now, then brainstorm on each one of those areas. Find businesses that have been successful moving virtually. Analyze how they do it and then go find businesses in the same sector that have not been successful and teach them how to do it. Look for needs. What problems do we have and what creative solutions can you come up with? Make a TV show or other entertainment thing Don’t like being online, but know someone zany that lives it. Chances are the zany type is not organized and may not be technical. Maybe you could edit video that the person produces and keep the ship steered straight. Tutor online Gardening, building things in people‘s backyards, fences All of construction is opened for business Bring people's trash cans up to their house Chalk art on sidewalks. Ask for a donation - serve, if they donate, great! Sanitizing services - what can you sanitize - cars, houses, offices, sanitize on a different level in a different way, sanitize things other people are not sanitizing. At night nobody is out Ice cream truck Making calls  Sales calls - for what industries Customer service calls - what companies can uniquely use this? Wellness checks  Writing articles Go to Fiverr and Upwork. See what services they are doing. Do not try to play the same game. Tweak it… Are they doing anything to the masses that you could offer locally and monopolize a niche market Make crafts What can you sew Make surgical masks Make food Cut hair Clean cars What creative dishes can you construct out of the food people don’t usually want to eat in their pantry. Find out what’s not selling at the grocery store and figure out how to make something out of it. A craft, a recipe. Entertainment - See Neil Diamond’s new remake of “Sweet Caroline” What can you remake Ask people that are working right now what they need.  Offer counseling or companionship - no solutions, only a listening ear What issues are rich people grappling with right now Search indeed to see what jobs employers are looking to hire for. Can you do any of these things except do them better by doing them locally The businesses that are hiring are maxed out. Can you try to help be the connector that takes applications, screens, then offers up ready-to-go employees Mow lawns Disinfect trash cans Knock, Seek While we are in the midst of terror and trepidation, I feel that it is just fitting to share these very timely Bible verses: Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. A Friend Comes at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8) 5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking (Luke 11:9-13) 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 If a son asks for [e]bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Essential Businesses Below are the business that still operate in times of crisis: Grocery stores Stores that sell essential household goods Convenience stores Liquor stores Pharmacies and drug stores Day care facilities Medical facilities Non-profit service providers Homeless and emergency shelters Office buildings Essential government buildings Airports and transit buildings Transportation systems Residential buildings and hotels Manufacturing and distribution facilities Landscaping and lawn care businesses Construction and renovation businesses

This past year, we protested on over 16,800 properties. We helped draft and pass a property tax reform bill with State Representative Matt Krause and we played an integral part in the Tarrant Apprisal District (TAD) Board of Directors Election - all for free. None of these accomplishments would have been possible if it weren't for the clients that chose our team of expert realtors to help them buy or sell their property. We all owe these clients and all our incredible team a debt of gratitude. In this video: 1:27 How to prepare for your tax protest 2:30 Update on TAD election results 6:42 Real Estate Market Update - Past 8:40 Real Estate Market Update - Present 9:37 Real Estate Market Update - Future How to prepare for your tax protest The first step to prepare is to wait until your property tax value notice is received which will happen sometime within the first 2 weeks of April. If we are registered to protest for you this year, it will take us until mid-April to deliver your value notice because we need to digitize them and send them to you through email. If you are not currently registered with us, you may sign up for free at freetaxprotest.com. Update on TAD election results A couple months ago TAD had their Board of Directors Elections and we saw a few issues with the election process. There was a big push to renominate and reelect the current board of directors. There would have been no change over the next two years if this happens. We are thankful that we got involved and we asked for your help. The results were mind-blowing. With your help, 3 new members were elected: Kathryn Wilemon, Rich DeOtte and Gary Losada. We have been to every board meeting since they got elected and they are doing a great job asking tough questions, identifying the truth in every issue, and innovating ways on how to improve the system. Real estate market update If you are waiting for a good time to buy a house because you want real estate prices to fall, historically, we have not seen them fall, even through the worst of times. Interest rates and our strong housing market are keeping our inventory levels low. Inventory levels could be heading even lower. The lower the number gets, the stronger the real estate market is.   Once again, our appreciation would never be enough to repay you for all your support. If you know anybody thinking of buying or selling a house, please send them our way. It is how we fund everything that we do. You can absolutely count on us, it will be an honor to serve you.          

Here are the updated tax rates in Tarrant County for 2019-2020 as approved by the tax entities.  

Here are the updated tax rates in Denton County for 2019-2020 as approved by the tax entities.    

As a renter, you have many choices to make—from location to square footage and, of course, amenities. But, as generations of renters change, so do the most popular amenities in rental communities and apartments. Depending on your lifestyle, you’ll have certain needs to prioritize, as well as a number of preferences that can make or break a potential apartment. Although these choices vary by individual, there are some amenities that tend to gain more popularity than others. As such, the industry adapts and offers amenities that cater to the demands of the highest number of renters. Here are some of the most popular amenities for renters: Apartment Amenities When it comes to what you need in your home, it’s all about comfort. In areas with hot summers and/or cold winters, an HVAC system is a must, and it’s on the list of most renters. If you’re renting in Fort Worth, TX—or anywhere in the South, really—you definitely need an air-conditioning unit in your apartment. The same applies to an in-unit washer and dryer—a perk that boosts convenience and comfort by saving renters time and energy. Related: Living and Moving To Fort Worth, Texas: The Definitive Guide >>> Another important aspect of rental apartments—especially in a big city—is the space; not necessarily how much space you have, but rather how it’s divided for use. For example, storage space or a basement is also high on the list of preferred amenities. That’s because having a dedicated area where you can store your stuff translates into more usable space in the apartment—and less clutter. Renters also tend to look for balconies, patios, or outdoor space as part of their home. Also on the list of most-desired amenities are those typically specific to the younger generation: high-speed internet and Wi-Fi for both work and entertainment. Another trend driven by generational differences gave rise to the abundance of pet-friendly apartments, which provide amenities for the furry friends of renters. Community Amenities As for the larger community or building, renters also need usable common space. Consequently, parking or a garage ranked high on the list of community amenities renters demand. Additionally, younger renters are also asking for electric vehicle charging stations, as well—a new development since the eco-friendly movement picked up steam. As far as entertainment, it’s only natural to prefer relaxation options close to home, especially for families with children. Therefore, many renters seek communities with pools and outdoor green spaces. Moreover, kids need space to play and nurture their connection with nature. So, a more private and protected green area inside a community is often important, especially to young parents. Trends vary by generation, area, and interests. However, it’s interesting to see which amenities are most requested by renters. This offers insight into the lifestyle of the modern renter, and shows what perks are now considered absolute needs that people no longer consider living without. About the author: Mihaela Buzec is a passionate reader and writer with an affinity for language and linguistics, as well as the latest technological developments. She discovered her passion for real estate at RENTCafé, and you can read more of her articles on their blog.

High School education plays a crucial role in any student's life. Whether plans are to continue to post-secondary education, immediately enter the workforce and train through apprenticeships, a well rounded and positive high school experience can leave a lasting impact. Fort Worth is full of well-rated High Schools that feature extensive lists of programs and extracurricular activities. Here are just some of the top schools in the area. Quick Jump To Links R L Paschal High School | Boswell High School | Central High School | Harmony School of Innovation | South Hills High School | Western Hills High School | Nolan Catholic High School R L Paschal High School 3001 Forest Park Blvd, Fort Worth Texas R L Paschal High School is in the Fort Worth Independent School District and is the largest and oldest in their district.  Founded in the 1880s, the school was known as Fort Worth High School. It was also in a different location than it is currently.  It was located at 200 South Jennings. In 1910 there was a fire that broke out in the school which forced a move to Canon and College street. The school was renamed to Central High School. R L  Paschal after a former principal who retired in 1935.  In 1955 the school again relocated to its current location where it still remains after outgrowing the former building.  There have been impressive alumni that came from the Paschal.  In 1950, Alan Bean graduate and went on to be an astronaut and was the fourth man to walk on the moon.  He also paced the Paschal flag on the moon. There are 151 teachers at the school and 2,522 students in attendance.   Students have the opportunity to participate in the Gold Seal Program.  This Program offers innovative, industry-driven courses to match students' interests, learning styles, and college and career goals.  Students must have advanced coursework in all their core classes.   View homes for sale near R L Paschal High School >>> Boswell High School 5805 W Bailey Boswell Rd, Fort Worth Texas Boswell High School is part of the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District.   Founded in 1962, it currently serves 1,898 students that attend the school.  There are 120 faculty members.   There are a number of athletic opportunities for the students.  They include: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball and wrestling. Clubs are established so that students may become involved in extracurricular programs that spark their interest and expand their knowledge.  Some of them include the Environmental Club - students bring awareness of environmental issues to the Boswell High School community. Family, Career and Community Leaders of America - a career and technical student organization that functions as a part of the Family and Consumer Science education curriculum.  It allows students to participate at the local, state and national levels. This club expands students leadership potential and develop skills for life.  It also addresses student concerns, including peer pressure, nutrition and fitness, career exploration, family relationships, teen violence and substance abuse.  Fish Heads Mentor Program - Students in the high grades assist incoming 9th graders transition to high school.  Those chosen to be mentors go through a rigorous interviews and competitive selection process.  The mentors connect with the freshmen a few times a month.  Thespians - for all students who want to be part of the Theatre events at the school. There are courses offered through the College Board’s Advanced Placement that allow students to take college level coursework while still in highschool. View homes for sale near Boswell High School >>> Central High School 9450 Ray White Rd, Fort Worth Texas Central High School opened its doors in August 2003.  It received its name due to the central location between the two other Keller Independent School District  high schools.  The mascot of the school is the Chargers and takes place in the form of a lightning bolt.  Central High School has 2,500 students with a freshman class of 700 students.  The school belongs to the Keller Independent School District.  The mission of the school is that all students are inspired to learn, the value of character, courage to lead and commitment to service. There are a number of clubs and organizations that students have the opportunity to participate in during their time at Central High School.  They include: Academic Decathlon, AVID club, Band, Battle of the Boks Team the Bolt Yearbook, CAM Club (Cosplay, Ane, Manga), Charger Champions, Circle of Friends, The Circuit Broadcast, French Club & French Honor Society, German Club, Green Cord,, Illuminator, Interact Club, Math UIL Team, Math Honor Society, National English Society, National Science Honor Society, Senior Class, Spanish Club, Student Council and Youth in Government. Central High School has many sports programs that are available to the students.  There is also the Booster Club, which is a non-profit organization that provides equipment, funds and services for the athletic programs at Central.  The Booster club also provides scholarships for college bound athletes. View homes for sale near Central High School >>> Harmony School of Innovation - Fort Worth 8100 S Hulen St,  Fort Worth Texas Harmony School of Innovation- Fort Worth is a public charter school for students in grades 6-12.  The school is part of the state-wide Harmony Public School system.   There are 57 Texas public charter schools that focus on Science, Math, Technology and Engineering.  The curriculum is student centered.  Their mission is that each student is prepared for higher education that is conducted in a safe, caring and collaborative atmosphere.  Harmony Schools are accredited by the Texas Education Agency. Students are enrolled through a lottery process.  Harmony School of Innovation - Fort Worth has 978 students enrolled in the school.  The average class size is 21. 66.1% of Harmony graduated attend a 4 year Institution and 25% attend a 2 year institution. There are a number of courses offered through Tarrant County College during the school year.  Students must meet Texas Success Initiative standards and pay fees to enroll. There are 5 campus values.  The acronym PRIDE are what will prepare the students for success.  THe PRIDE acronym stands for: Professionalism - appropriate language and clothings, honest and good manners.  Respect - Others students and staffs belongs are treated with respect.  Students show tolerance for different views and beliefs. Involvement - participation in school activities and events.  Effective use of time and planner.  Determination - personal and academic goals are constantly being worked on with enthusiasm and self motivation.  Excellence - Strives for high level of achievement, personal honors and awards. While to school is highly focused academics and preparing their students for college, there are many sports programs that students may join.  In addition to sports, the school offers many clubs.  There are readiness and leadership programs for all students.  They also offer clubs to get the students moving such as zumba, ping pong and gardening.  There are many dedicated clubs that are academic oriented, and others just for fun.  They include : Anime, arts and crafts, Harry Potter, movies and rock art to name a few. Harmony offers an after-school program that compliments the students education with fun and mentally stimulating experiences.  The class goes beyond the standard curriculum and focuses on the student’s interests. View homes for sale near Harmony School of Innovation >>> South Hills High School 6101 McCart Ave, Fort Worth Texas South Hills High School opened on August 10, 1998.  The school only had 400 students as it was only a freshman campus.  Over the next three years a class was added making the school grades 9-12.  The student population increased yearly and soon an addition was needed to accommodate all the students.  There are currently 2,152 students enrolled in the school with 122 teaching staff.  The school is in the Fort Worth Independent School District The school offers many athletic and club opportunities. These programs enrich the students high school experience.  The Lit Club is a group that meets to discuss reading, writing, speaking and listening. In the Lit Club they talk about the books they are reading and recommend books to the other students in the group.  The students are also challenged in speaking, communicating and how to be better listeners.  The library has all the equipment needed in order to make videos and music in their studio.  View homes for sale near South Hills High School >>> Western Hills High School 3600 Boston Avenue, Fort Worth Texas Western Hills High School was first opened on the same location as Arlington Heights High School in the fall of 1968.  There were 714 students that attended the school at that time.  In January 1969, the school moved to its new home where it still currently remains.  The enrollment jumped from 714 students to 2,243 students.  In 1980, the number of enrollments dropped to 2,052.  Although the enrollments went down, there was a need to expand and a second floor was added to the building.  In 2013, the school year ended with 1,503 students.  At the present time, Western Hills High School has approximately 900 students.  There is a Cougar that can be found in the front foyer that the class of 1973 paid for in memory of one of their students that was kidnapped and later found strangled to death.  The Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps offers elective course and PE credit for the Western Hills High Students.  The courses focus on leadership development, self-discipline and responsible patriotic citizens.  Integrity, personal worth and physical fitness are of great importance.  For those interested in advanced course may enroll in the Aviation Honors Ground School proving they have met the prerequisites in their Freshman and Sophomore year.  Western Hills has the only Air Force JROTC program.  There are a variety of other clubs and sports programs the students could engage in.  View homes for sale near Western Hills High School >>> Nolan Catholic High School 4501 Bridge St, Fort Worth Texas Nolan Catholic School was founded in 1961 and serves students from grade 9 - 12.  There are approximately 850 students enrolled.  There are 64 faculty members, and 45% of the teachers have advanced degrees.  In 2019-2020, the school will be undergoing a $32 million enhancement.  This will include updates to the existing building, new classroom furniture, additional outdoor classrooms, a state of the art Natatorium and an Integrated Design of Engineering and Arts Building.   The school addresses the whole person.  They aim for excellent academics, have an award winning fine arts program, champion level athletics, engineer programs and built on the Catholic faith.  The staff at Nolan Catholic school want to discover the students God given gifts and talents.  The school has impressive academics and is a college preparatory school.  99% of the graduates from the school attend college.  Students are offered the opportunity to do college level work and potentially earn college credit.  There are many student organizations that are available to students.  Some of them include: Ballet Folklorico, BBQ club, Cornhole Club and Improv Comedy Troupe to name a few.  Nolan Catholic School also has a vibrant athletic clubs.   View homes for sale near Nolan Catholic High School >>>

Anyone who lives in Fort Worth, Texas or is familiar with the area knows the city is home to a large number of great neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for family friendly locations or something close to the hustle and bustle of downtown, Fort Worth has neighborhoods that suit all walks of life.  No matter what area of Fort Worth you choose to call home, there is quick and easy access to its thriving downtown core, diverse business center and historic cultural district. The city offers great amenities, resources, dining, entertainment and shopping which can be accessed with ease. Quick Jump To Links Central Meadowbrook | Overton Park | Rivercrest | Tanglewood | Crawford Farms | Ridglea Hills | Park Glen Here are just a handful of the best places in Fort Worth and what makes them so great! Central Meadowbrook Set among heavily wooded areas and gentle rolling hills is the neighborhood of Central Meadowbrook.  Close to amenities, parks and golf courses are just a few of the reasons this area has become a popular choice for those moving to Fort Worth or around the city. Real Estate: The earliest homes built in Central Meadowbrook date back to the early 1920’s. The majority of the houses built went up post World War II and development continued through to the 70’s and 80’s.  As some lots remained available, new houses have popped up more recently in the area.  There is diverse housing styles in Central Meadowbrook. Stately mansions, some with historical significance, bungalows and tudor styles can all be found throughout the tree lined streets.  As the style of homes vary so do the prices. Smaller, cozy bungalows can be found as low as $180,000 with larger mansions topping out well over $1 million.  Residents of Central Meadowbrook benefit from an active and engaged homeowners association that strives to provide opportunities for community as well as maintain property values.  What’s Nearby: There is plenty to see and do in the Central Meadowbrook area. Notably, within the neighborhood boundaries is the Meadowbrook Golf Course which features an 18 hole course set among rolling terrain and mature landscape. Well kept greens with varying degrees of difficulty has landed Meadowbrook Golf Course on the Top 25 courses in Texas list.  Nearby parks and greenspace include Oakland Lake Park, Gateway Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the nation and Quanah Park which offers direct connection to the Trinity Trail network.  Just south of Central Meadowbrook is East Lancaster Avenue which is home to a large number of dining and retail options and a quick drive for anyone living in the neighborhood.  Schools: The Fort Worth Independent School District operates the schools in and surrounding the Central Meadowbrook neighborhood.  Schools in the Central Meadowbrook area are: Meadowbrook Elementary School Meadowbrook Middle School Eastern Hills High School  Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School  View all homes for sale in Central Meadowbrook, Fort Worth >>> Overton Park Located slightly south of the Clear Fork branch of the Trinity River is the quiet and welcoming neighborhood of Overton Park.  Running by Overton Park is the Trinity River and the Trinity Trails network adding a sense of serenity to the area.  Real Estate: The neighborhood of Overton Park is made up of approximately 1,000 homes. The dominating style of home in Overton Park is classic Texas Ranch single family properties.  The majority of homes were built between 1955 and 1968 and features 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms and an attached single or double car  garages. Properties can be found listed as low as $400,000 but quickly climb to over $1 million depending on size, age and amenities.  The neighborhood benefits from the Overton Park Neighborhood Associations which works to ensure the standard of living that residents enjoy is continually maintained. The Association also hosts a number of events and community activities throughout the year.  What’s Nearby: Residents of Overton Park have prime access to the appropriately named Overton Park. The park features access to the Trinity River and the network of trails.  Overton Park is conveniently located near major roadways and highways which makes commuting a breeze for those needing to get around the city.  The neighborhood is also close to a wide array of shopping, retail and dining options. The Overton Park Plaza, Hulen Mall, Costco, Target and much more is within minutes of Overton Park.  Schools: Schools that service the Overton Park neighborhood are operated by the Fort Worth Independent School District.  Schools in the Overton Park area are: Tanglewood Elementary School W P McLean Middle School Paschal High School  Overton Park is also near the Texas Christian University Campus.  View all homes for sale in Overton Park, Fort Worth >>> Rivercrest Located west of downtown Fort Worth is the prestigious neighborhood of Rivercrest. Surrounding the Rivercrest Country Club, residents of the area enjoy upscale living.  The community of Rivercrest, technically named Crestline, dates back to 1911 when the first house was built in the area. The neighborhood took off between 1917 and 1918 when top oil men chose to build their houses in the area.  Rivercrest is situated along bluffs with riverviews. The area is surrounded by wooded sections which are filled with walking trails.  Real Estate: Many of the homes in Rivercrest date back to the early 1900’s. The neighborhood features a number of historic mansions as well as tudor style and comfortable and cozy bungalows.  Homes within the exclusive neighborhood of Rivercrest typically start over the $1 million dollar mark and can easily reach over $5 million for some of the larger, stately homes.  Mainly consisting of properties with 3 - 6 bedrooms and 2 - 5 bathrooms, homes in Rivercrest also are set on comfortable, mature lots with single, double or triple car garages.  What’s Nearby: The Rivercrest Country Club is a luxury that residents of the neighborhood enjoy. Access to the pristine course and upscale club house have avid golfers frequenting Rivercrest Country Club.  Along with the golf course, Rivercrest is surrounded by wooded areas that feature greenspace and winding trails that are the ideal setting for walks, jogs or bicycle rides.  Set just a few miles from downtown Fort Worth residents of Rivercrest have easy access to the amenities, services, shopping and dining options offered.  Schools: Schools in the Rivercrest area are operated by the Fort Worth Independent School District.  Schools in the Rivercrest area are: Burton Elementary School North Hi Mount Elementary School M L Phillips Elementary School Stripling Middle School Arlington Heights High School View all homes for sale in Rivercrest, Fort Worth >>> Tanglewood Tanglewood is a safe and family friendly neighborhood located slightly southwest of downtown Fort Worth. Tanglewood is situated in the lowlands along the branch of the Trinity River featuring many properties with mature lots and large trees.  Tanglewood is conveniently located near Chisholm Trail Parkway making access to areas surrounding Fort Worth a breeze.  Real Estate: The neighborhood of Tanglewood consists of mainly ranch style properties that due to land restrictions feature double car attached garages. Though the majority of housing in Tanglewood is single story residences there are a number of two storey properties throughout.  Many of the homes for sale in Tanglewood boast between 3 - 5 bedrooms and 2 - 4 bathrooms. The prices can be found encompassing a wide range starting in the low to mid $300,000’s and see over $1 million.  What’s Nearby: Residents of Tanglewood enjoy access to a bicycle and walking path that meanders through the neighborhood. Along with the path is the Trinity Trails network which offers scenic strolling.  Located just outside of the downtown core of Fort Worth, those who live in Tanglewood are within minutes to restaurants, retail shopping and entertainment options. The Colonial Country Club is on the northern end of the neighborhood and offers a prime golfing experience. The County Club serves delicious drinks and meals and acts as the perfect location for relaxing after a round of golf.  Schools: Schools in and surrounding the Tanglewood neighborhood are serviced by the For Worth Independent School District.  Schools in the Tanglewood area are: Tanglewood Elementary School W. P. McLean Middle School R. L. Paschal High School  View all homes for sale in Tanglewood, Fort Worth >>> Crawford Farms Crawford Farms is an award winning neighborhood bound by the Golden Triangle to the north and Old Denton Road to the west. This well maintained and family friendly neighborhood is full of amenities that will enhance any lifestyle.  Running along the west side of Crawford Farms is Interstate 35W which runs directly into the downtown core of Fort Worth landing commuters in the area in under 20 minutes.  Real Estate: The planned neighborhood of Crawford Farms consists of roughly 1,072 homes which were developed between the years 2001 and 2009.  A very affordable neighborhood, Crawford Farms features newer homes with 2 - 4 bedrooms and 2 - 3 bathrooms. Many of the properties have single or double attached garages and comfortable lots. Prices for homes in Crawford Farms range between $200,000 - $450,000.  What’s Nearby: Residents of Crawford Farms do not have to travel outside of their neighborhood to enjoy a wide assortment of amenities. The area features a large fishing pond, community pool, walking and cycling trails, basketball courts, tennis courts, outdoor gym and playground all for community use.  The Crawford Farms Homeowners Association actively works at maintaining the common areas, ensures codes and violations are dealt with and provide ample opportunity for neighborhood and community events.  When venturing out Crawford Farms residents will have quick and easy access to stores, parks and restaurants all surrounding the neighborhood.  Downtown Fort Worth is a short 20 minute drive making it an ideal neighborhood for those commuting for work or play.  Schools: The schools that service Crawford Farms are operated by the Keller Independent School District.  Schools in the Crawford Farms area are: Eagle Ridge Elementary School  Timberview Middle School Timber Creek High School  View all homes for sale in Crawford Farms, Fort Worth >>> Ridglea Hills Located just six miles from Fort Worth’s business district is the vibrant neighborhood of Ridglea Hills. The neighborhood dates back to 1920 when founder A. C. Luther, “The Father of Ridglea” built a golf course in the area. Soon after residential homes sprung up surrounding the course and Ridglea Hills was born.  The neighborhood provides easy access to all areas of Fort Worth, particularly the west side featuring attractions such as the Cultural District, fine dining and great shopping.  Real Estate: Ridglea Hills is home to approximately 1,300 homes that range in size and style. Properties can be found representing a wide variety of time periods.  As much diversity one would find in property style, they will also find in prices. Homes in Ridglea Hills can be found as low as $130,000 to upwards of $1.5 million. Influencing factors include size, age, amenities and lot size.  When purchasing a home for sale in Ridglea Hills owners become part of an active Homeowners Association whose efforts maintain common areas and a high standard of living for its residents.  What’s Nearby: Ridglea Hills is surrounded by Chisholm Trail Parkway to the east and Interstate 30 to the north making travel around the area an easy task.  In the direct vicinity of Ridglea Hills is the Ridglea Hills Country Club offering premier golfing. The North Z Boaz Park and the Z Boaz Dog Park are just to the west of the neighborhood.  Within minutes of the neighborhood there are a large number of restaurants, dining and service office for residents of Ridglea Hills to benefit from.  For those who work in downtown Fort Worth commuting should take roughly 12 minutes via the Interstate 30 E, making it a popular choice for those looking for a suburban neighborhood close to downtown jobs and amenities.  Schools: The schools that service the Ridglea Hills neighborhood are operated by the Fort Worth Independent School District.  Schools in the Ridglea Hills area are:  Ridglea Hills Elementary School  Luella Merret Elementary School  Benbrook Middle School  Arlington Heights High School  Benbrook High School  View all homes for sale in Ridglea Hills, Fort Worth >>> Park Glen Park Glen is one of Fort Worth’s first planned neighborhoods and was developed by Ross Perot Jr. Park Glen is an award winning community that offers an abundance of amenities, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and affordable real estate options.  Along with its attractive amenities, Park Glen is also ideally located for commuters of Fort Worth or even Dallas. Set just west of Interstate 35 and south of North Tarrant Parkway, Park Glen provides easy access points to major highways and roadways.  Real Estate: The Park Glen neighborhood began its development in the late 1980’s and continued to grow steadily since then.  Homes in Park Glen can be found in a range of styles from different time periods. A healthy mix of older, mature properties with newer modern options are available for those seeking real estate in the area.  Park Glen listings can be found between $200,000 and $500,000 making it a rather affordable neighborhood. The majority of homes in Park Glen are single family dwellings featuring 2 - 4 bedrooms and 2 - 3 bathrooms. It is common to find single or double car attached garages.  What’s Nearby:  The neighborhood of Park Glen features a number of amenities for residents to use such as 7 parks, trails, disc golf, playgrounds, picnic areas and greenspace.  A unique feature of Park Glen is the Arcadia Trail Park that runs through the heart of the neighborhood adding ample greenspace and forestry throughout. This 217 acre park offers walking, jogging and biking paths, scenic areas, playgrounds tennis courts and soccer fields.  For everyday errand running, Park Glen is close to many stores, shopping outlets and service offices.  Schools: Schools in the Park Glen neighborhood are operated by the Keller Independent School District and the Birdville School District.  Some of the schools in the Park Glen area are: Parkview Elementary School  Chisholm Trail Intermediate School Fossil Hill Middle School  Fossil Ridge High School  View all homes for sale in Park Glen, Fort Worth >>> Fort Worth is a city that promotes diversity and welcomes all who wish to call it home and the same can be said for the many neighborhoods throughout. Regardless of your wants and needs Fort Worth is a place where anyone can move to and feel right at home. View all homes for sale in Fort Worth, Texas >>>  

Scroll below the video for a text summary. 0:45 November real estate market update 5:55 How we're feeding 56 orphans/foster families and what you can do to help 9:35 How to get Santa to visit your child at home for free Market Update Inventory levels are softening because demand is down. Supply remains steady. Home prices continue to stay strong. Details with facts and figures are explained starting at 0:45 in the video below.   Feeding 56 Foster Families for Thanksgiving This year we are partnering with CJ Wilson with foodtronix.com feeding 56 foster families. We need your help: Volunteer to cook. Sign up here. Help by delivering a meal. Sign up here. Donate to feed a family here:  mychosenones.org Click "Give" in the top right corner. Click "special instructions" then enter "Thanksgiving Mission." This will ensure the funds go to the appropriate place   How to get Santa to visit your child at home for free Santa is going to take a break from managing the elves to visit a few lucky families this year, for free. We have an overwhelming demand for this. As a way to thank our volunteers, we will give priority access to sign up for Santa home visits to the volunteers of our Thanksgiving foster feeding mission.    

Register on FreeTaxProtest.com and let us do the rest, all for FREE!    There are 3 levels of protest Automated online protest through the Tarrant Appraisal District website Informal in-person protest (no appointment needed, just walk into TAD's office) Formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing (file a protest on the back of your blue value notice)   Go HERE to begin your Protest Since releasing the video, we have helped thousands of homeowners and saved hundreds of thousands of dollars... all for FREE! Not only that, we were able to figure out the formula that TAD is using. Now, we're helping people get, what we believe to be, is the lowest possible value.  Links and Resources in Video Will protesting hurt my resale value What is the difference between Market Value and Appraised Value Checklist to find and fix property condition issues Use this property tax calculator to see exactly how much the change in value affects your wallet Get our 10 minute $5 brick mortar crack repair secret 

There is quite a controversy surrounding a proposed 27 acre, 35 court private Birth Tennis Club at Rocky Top Ranch built by Taylor Dent will include two large bubble domes to provide a weather proof tennis facility for its members. The proposed development will be located in Keller near Johnson and Keller Smithfield Road. Opposition was so strong that the Keller City Council is now required to have a super majority (6 out of 7 votes) to approve the project.  The entire opposition of the Keller Bubble seems to be about property values. Will this create enough of an eye sore to detour people from buying houses in the area?In real estate the way we value residential property is through a “sales comparison approach.” We look at previous sales of properties that compare ("comps") with the subject property. That's all you have to do in this situation.Only 2 large bubble-like structures come to mind.Comparable Example 1:Valley Ranch Dallas Cowboys inflatable structure built 2003 (same one that collapsed in 2009):Median Sales price in 2003: $190kMedian Sales price today: $415k218% increaseComparable Example 2:The dome in Argyle TX for Cross Timbers Church built approx 2003Median Sales price in 2003: : $255kMedian Sales price today: $452k177% increaseCompare that with the entire Dallas Fort Worth metroplex:2003: $130kToday: $234k180% increaseA couple things to note:It’s impossible to isolate the 1 variable of installing an inflatable dome. Many other factors affect market value. I just think if you compare enough of these markets, you’ll be able to know whether or not installing an inflatable structure correlates with reduced increase in property values. Causation is different than correlation, but its the best we’ve got.Every inflatable structure is different. Valley Ranch was significantly more attractive than Cross Timbers. Distance and proximity of residential housing to the inflatable structure may also matter.Another thing, you just aren’t going to find a private tennis club in a low-class area. There is a status appeal to living near something like this. My hypothesis is that putting the inflatable structures closer to the interior of their 26 acre lot would be sufficient to mitigate any negative effect on property values. There are also many different types of inflatable structure products. Requiring a more attractive version may be in both parties best interest.  I'm not for or against the project. I'm 100% for the community. I just think if both sides work together, the community will benefit greatly. There's bound to be a middle ground in the situation.If you’re interested in learning more about the real estate market, check out this market analysis I recently did for North Fort Worth area.  If you have questions about the Dome or its effect on local property values, please feel free to contact me.Chandler Crouch, Broker / Owner Author of Proven Strategies to Sell Your House for Top Dollar

Poorly Rated Schools in Keller ISD First, I just have to say, there really isn't such thing as a bad school in Keller ISD. Some may not be rated quite as high as another, but if you've ever been to a truly bad school, you'd this article is just focused on the difference between GREAT schools and BEST schools... lets proceed. School District Affecting the Heritage Subdivision Among Others Several people have contacted me recently asking about elementary school redistricting. I thought other people might appreciate the information so, here it is: Redrawing Cape Cod from Lonestar Elementary to Friendship Elementary Old news: Plans to redistrict the attendance zones were discontinued. The reason the plans were discontinued is because of your involvement at the public forums. Find forum agenda and the presentation they used here: https://goo.gl/eqEV2r Lonestar is however very full and the area is still growing, so they may propose this change again in the future. If I want to appeal to have boundary lines redrawn, what do I do? Waiting until the redistricting is proposed then attending the public forum will be the most effective route. Less effective (and possibly counterproductive) would be to contact Billy Kidd (contact info below). When do they notify of changes? One person told me it takes 1 year to fully pass. Previous meeting where the board of trustees voted on it was Nov 30. Previous dates for public forums were mid to late January held in the evening. How do they notify of changes? They do a press release, so news organizations pick it up and disseminate widely. If you have personal experience, please share how you found out and I’ll update this. Can I transfer my child? List of schools accepting transfers: https://goo.gl/DJuMCu Transfer application: https://goo.gl/1ygxSR Dates to submit application for fall semester: March 1 - April 30 (reviewed by June 21) Dates to submit application for spring semester: Oct 1 - Nov 30 (reviewed by Jan 14) They only allow transfers to certain schools. The list changes periodically. Even if your school is listed, transfers may still be denied. If the child has disciplinary issues or is trying to transfer to a school far away, odds are less likely they will be approved. Transferring from one school district to another (not just from one school to another inside the same district) requires a different process. If your child is granted a transfer, it can be rescinded due to academic issues, behavior issues, or changes in overcrowding. Communicate with the school principals about transfers For elementary: If class sizes are at 90%+ capacity, requests will likely be denied For questions email: leanne.shivers@kellerisd.net Address lookup - Which schools would this address go to?: https://goo.gl/jfroHU Feeder pattern - Which middle school and high school does my elementary schools feed to: https://goo.gl/74UXsx Who to talk to: You’re more than welcome to call me (Chandler Crouch). My team is happy to research to find answers. 817-381-3800 broker@chandlercrouch.com Billy Kidd is in charge of analyzing demographics and proposing redistricting billy.kidd@kellerisd.net, 817-744-3971 Hudson Huff was in charge until Billy took over, so he is familiar with the history of any redistricting that took place. hudson.huff@kellerisd.net Karen Davis is Hudson’s assistant: 817-744-3955 March 4, 2017 Update Lone Star rezoning. The change they were proposing wouldn't have immediately changed the overcrowding at the school. It was designed as a phase out that really wouldn't have had an impact for 5 years. They were basing it on saying homes were going to be built in the land next to the YMCA. That was proven to be false information because that land belongs to the Catholic church which still has plans to build a High School there. The demographer was basing his projection on A5 residential going there in about 5 years. It did not change just based on complaints If you're curious whats going on with the Catholic High School plans that you may have heard about for years, just wait, but don't hold your breath. The Catholic Diocese is still raising funds for it, and they don't plan on selling the land. March 3, 2017 Update: I just got some more information from the gentleman that is in charge of proposing changes. He has been very helpful: Boundaries are decided by the need to meet TEA requirements for number of students per class based on the population of the district.Boundaries can be adjusted to address highly populated areas, when space is available at existing campuses or by adding a new school and making adjustments.The conversation begins in house, is shared with the school board, and is presented to the community through public meetings. The School Board will vote on the boundary changes, if passed, it is put in place and communicated on the district website.Parents can request a campus transfer, those transfers are dependent on space availability K-12. A parent could send a request for a boundary change, but it’s subject to the information above #localcommunity #heritagesubdivision