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Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday Memorial Day Weekend

Money

Posted by rbutler on Friday, May 15 @ 8:34pm

During Memorial Day weekend, Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales and use taxes on purchases of certain energy efficient products. The 2009 Energy Star sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day).

The products qualifying for the exemption are:
  • air conditioners priced under $6,000 (room and central units)
  • clothes washers (but not clothes dryers)
  • ceiling fans
  • dehumidifiers
  • dishwashers
  • light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent)
  • programmable thermostats
  • refrigerators priced under $2,000.
For more information, see http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx96_1331/

Reduce Your Property Tax

Money

Posted by rbutler on Monday, March 16 @ 4:14pm

The American Homeowner's Association is giving away their Homeowner's Property Tax Reduction Kit, which is normally $29.99. It's got ways for you to check your assessment, identify errors, and how to appeal it.

Having successfully appealed my own taxes in the past, some quick advice:
  • For our area, information on filing an appeal can be downloaded from the Collin county assessor's website.
  • Find comps. Please be aware, Texas is a non-disclosure state so the sales price is not published. What you will see on certain websites is the loan amount or the asking price.
  • Don't be timid.

2009 HOA Dues

Money

Posted by rbutler on Saturday, February 28 @ 2:45pm

Please remember, 2009 HOA dues must be paid in full by today. If you have not already sent in your payment, you may use PayPal to send your payment to paypal@maxwellcreek.org. The total due today is $228.80; after today, additional late, collection, and interest fees will apply.

2009 HOA Dues - Due Date

Money

Posted by rbutler on Friday, December 19 @ 10:56am

The dues mailing for 2009 was not mailed until Monday, Dec 15th. Because of the late mailing, dues will not be considered late until January 15th. A notice is included with the mailing explaining this.

2009 HOA Dues

Money

Posted by rbutler on Sunday, December 14 @ 1:36pm

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the annual assessment for 2009 will remain at $220.00 for fiscal year 2009-2010. Per the Covenants, payment is due in full January 1st, 2009 and interest and additional fees will apply if received after that date. If, for any reason, you are unable to pay assessments by the due date, please contact the Association. We would prefer to amicably work out a payment plan rather than begin legal proceedings.

There are a number of additional budget pressures for 2009 including:

  • increases in the cost of materials (plants, wood, brick)
  • an increase in our service costs from vendors
  • an increase in the water rate by the City
  • and the high costs of repairs in 2008
  • an inflation rate of 5%
Despite all of these increases, the Board felt that due to the current issues in the economy we would try to do our part and keep costs down as much as possible. Of course, this also means that we will have to pare down most capital improvements for the 2009/2010 fiscal year.

Neighborhood Garage Sale - Saturday 13th

Money

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, October 10 @ 7:54pm

The HOA will be hosting the Fall neighborhood garage sale this coming Saturday the 13th from 7am - 12pm. We will be placing signs in the Common Areas, and placing advertising in local newspapers.

If you'd like to participate, just set up shop or get ready to browse!

2007 HOA Dues Are Due on 1/1/07

Money

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, December 20 @ 11:16am

Just a quick reminder to everyone that the 2007 HOA Membership Dues are due in full on January 1st, 2007. If received after that date, per the Covenants of the Association, interest will begin accruing at 18% APR.

HOA Dues For 2006

Money

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, December 28 @ 1:02pm

As most everyone should be aware by now, HOA dues for 2006 have been increased to $230 from the previous $180, a difference of $4.17 per month.

None of us like to see our expenses go up, but the Maxwell Creek Homeowners Association, to remain viable and able to serve our community, must have the funds to do so on a current basis and build a contingency fund for ongoing as well as unforseen expenses. Right now, the Association is operating very close to the nub, with very little money in reserve.

For the past several years, to save money, the Board has tried to self-manage the Association, and has done a most creditable job. Board members have served without pay while working full time, (with little or no help from the membership or volunteers) and the responsibilities have become overwhelming. As a result, we are now in the process of hiring a Management Company to assume responsibility for the day-to-day workings of the Association.

All members of the Association were alerted to the necessity of an increase, in writing, in advance of membership meetings, and in the in the 3rd quarter newsletter. Unfortunately, at this time we are not equipped to handle credit card payments. As indicated in the letter that accompanied the statements, accounts are not considered delinquent until February 28.

Several Recent Area Crimes

Money

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, December 1 @ 4:27pm

This is a notice to everyone that there have been several recent crimes (burglary and theft) throughout the neighborhood, on Woodstream, Briarhollow, and Elm Spring. In two of the cases, vehicles parked on the street were broken into. We strongly encourage everyone to park their cars in their garages, and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.

Reminder on HOA Dues

Money

Posted by rbutler on Monday, February 23 @ 1:03pm

If you haven't paid your annual dues for the Association, this is a reminder that they must be received by this Saturday, February 28th. Any dues still owed past this date will be subject to an 18% APR retroactive to January 1st, as specified in the Covenants.

HOA Dues Invoices Mailed

Money

Posted by rbutler on Sunday, December 21 @ 7:39pm

Annual dues for the Association next year will be $170 per home. Invoices will be mailed to all residents during the week of December 22nd, and payment must be received by Saturday, February 28th, 2004. Any dues received after this time will be subject to an 18% APR (retroactive to January 1st) as specified in the Covenants of the Association.

Neighborhood Garage Sale Results

Money

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, June 4 @ 12:00am

From all reports, the neighborhood garage sale last weekend was a complete success! Thanks to everyone who participated -- we had over 25 families, and we've heard several reports of homes bringing in several hundred dollars each! Some of the great comments that were heard from shoppers was how wonderful it was to have all the homes concentrated in a smaller area, as well as how many people had seen the advertising placed in the paper by the HOA.