Water Districts or MUD- What is it?

In Texas, a very common term used by real estate agents is "MUD". MUD is an achronym for Municipal Utility Districts. Sellers of homes in a MUD district must provide written notice regarding the taxing authority of the MUD. This notice will disclose the potential for annexation of the property by a municipality or the potential for dissolution of the MUD. The forms also disclose the amount of property tax associated with the MUD and the amount of bonds issued.
What is a MUD?A Municipal Utility District (MUD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas authorized by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to provide water, sewage, drainage and other services within the MUD boundaries.
How is a MUD created?A majority of property owners in the proposed district petitions the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality to create a MUD. The TCEQ evaluates the petition, holds a public hearing, and grants or denies the petition. After approval, the TCEQ appoints five temporary members to the MUD's Board of Directors, until an election is called to elect permanent Board members, to confirm the MUD's creation, and to authorize bonds and taxing authority for bond repayment.
How does a MUD work? The publically elected Board of Directors manages and controls all of the affairs of the MUD subject to the continuing supervision of the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. The Board establishes policies in the interest of its residents and utility customers. A MUD may adopt and enforce all necessary charges, fees and taxes in order to provide district facilities and service.
Will my taxes be higher in a MUD? MUD tax rates, like all property tax rates, vary according to property values and debt requirements. MUD rates generally decline over time as the MUD is built out and operating and debt service costs are shared by more homeowners.

I hope this information clears up the MUD for you. Just let us know if you have questions. We will go to work for you!

Luxury Living in The Woodlands

You may have recently read in the local newspaper about the sale of the most expensive resale home in Montgomery County, Texas. The home was located in Carlton Woods, a gated community within The Woodlands, and sold for $5,000,000. The home was listed for sale on February 19, went under contract on April 21, and closed on June 27, 2008.
You may be wondering what are some other things happening in the area in the luxury home market. As of today, there are 75 homes in The Woodlands listed in MLS priced for sale at $1,000,000 or more (currently active on the market). There are 9 homes in MLS listed for $1,000,000 or more under contract. But, most significantly, there are 54 homes in The Woodlands listed in MLS that have sold since the first of the year that were listed for sale at $1,000,000 or more. The sold prices range from $925,000 to $5,000,000. Some homes were new and some were resale and the sales price averaged 95% of list.
We are luxury home marketing specialists and would love to help you with the sale or purchase of your home. All of our clients, regardless of price range, are important relationships to us and we treat everyone with honesty, integrity, and hard work. Why not call the Knotts today and put us to work for you?