Not even a pandemic can squash rising property values in Bexar County
RELATED: U.S. home prices soared in January by most in seven yearsMost Bexar County residential property owners will get a notice this week of their new valuations, and they are up an average of 6.9% despite lockdowns, shutdowns and vanishing paychecks. “Pandemic or no pandemic, there’s a market that’s quite active,” said Chief Appraiser Mike Amezquita, with the Bexar County Appraisal District. “It’s our job to follow the market and try to reflect what values are doing in each and every neighborhood.”AdEven Amezquita anticipated values would cool off this year. “We like living in a historic district,” White said. The deadline for most to file an appeal in Bexar County is May 17.
Here are the most valuable changes you can make when trying to sell your home
Some home projects can increase your value, others can preserve it and some might not be worth the money you spend on them. “When building your home, make sure you remember you’re probably not going to live there forever. Avoid spending too much on mechanical elements of your home if you’re planning to sell. Lastly, as you make these changes, make sure they all work together so you can get the most value out of your home. AdRELATED: 5 home improvement projects from Texas YouTube star April Wilkerson
What are the benefits of hiring licensed contractors when doing home improvements?
The contractor tells you it’s not important, don’t worry, they have vast experience and can save you a bundle. “Hiring a licensing contractor should give you more protection. It generally means you’re hiring someone that’s educated in the task that you want to have done, and experienced in what the job is,” Hicks said. AdIn addition to potentially getting a more experienced pro, hiring a licensed contractor can also help to avoid some costly situations. “In some states, having a license also requires having workers comp insurance, and that’s protection for you, the homeowner.
What are the best ways to find, decorate a new home office space?
With remote working likely being a concept that sticks around, even after the pandemic is over, creating a productive work space at home is more important than ever. When it comes to creating a great space to work from at home, she offers these five tips. Moran said setting a good work tone in your space is vital through the proper use of furniture. Using vibrant, dynamic colors is usually the best way to go for decorating an office space, Moran said. Making sure there aren’t too many items stacked up in one area is important for a productive office space as well, Moran said.
Having your home inspected every 2-3 years can be very beneficial, experts say
Having a comprehensive check-up of your home during the cooler months can be very beneficial. in fact, this may even be a good time to have a formal home inspection. Although many of us only have our house inspected when we purchase it, it’s a great habit to have an inspection every 2-3 years. Mother Nature isn’t the only one creating potential hazards during the winter months. “Studies have shown that the winter months run the highest risk for electrical fires in the homes.
Icy conditions a challenge for San Antonio firefighters responding to fire at Northeast Side home overnight
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio firefighters spent all night battling a blaze at a home on the Northeast Side, as weather conditions made it a challenge. Fire crews responded to the home around 10 p.m. Monday in the 5700 block of Spring Sunshine, not far from Nacogdoches Road. Authorities said no one was inside the home at the time the fire broke out. Firefighters said the freezing weather conditions made extinguishing the blaze a challenge, and ice made it difficult for crews to arrive at the home. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Some tips to make your plans for home improvements less scary
When assessing what changes to make to your home this year, some improvements will be your choice. But some improvements are necessary, like repairing big problems you uncover in your new house. To plan for improvements around your home, it helps to have a system to guide your strategy. “I recommend walking around your house, just like you’re getting ready to buy it, because that’s when you’re going to be most critical. Write down everything you see and don’t worry about budget just yet,” Angie’s List Co-Founder, Angie Hicks said.
Some tips to help get 2021 more organized
“I always say, if it’s overwhelming, start small. “Pantries are a great spot to start because things expire,” Baer said. “Final piece of advice is shop for containers last, once you know what is going back in that space,” said Baer. Seeing an organized and uncluttered finished product will give you the satisfaction and confidence to keep going. They can create the plan, handle the clean out, and give some great tips for what to do with those items that you’re ready to let go of.
Nearly 30 found in Texas smuggling operation, 1 man arrested
HOUSTON – An Honduran man was charged on Friday with harboring more than two dozen people who authorities say were being held in a Houston home as part of a human smuggling operation, according to a federal prosecutor. The smuggling operation was discovered Thursday evening after one of the men who was being kept inside the home escaped and was seen running down a residential street in his underwear, yelling that he had been kidnapped, Houston police said. After their discovery, the immigrants were taken to a school gymnasium to get out of the cold, police said. At the home, authorities also found 36-year-old Mauro Dominguez-Maldonado, who prosecutors allege was in charge of watching the immigrants and performing other duties as part of the smuggling operation. Dominguez-Maldonado, who authorities say was living illegally in Houston, was arrested and later charged with harboring.