Pilot Point House Sellers: Water Bills, Sewer Lines and Three Counties

Which appraisal district values your house

Census Bureau population estimates (Census population tables) count all of Pilot Point's residents in Denton County and also list parts of the city, with no residents, in Cooke and Grayson counties. That matters when you are checking your value. Denton County's appraisal districts page says that since January 1, 2008, each appraisal district's boundaries have been the same as the county's, and it tells owners to contact the appraisal district of the county where the property is located. The same page names the districts the Denton County Tax Office works with, including Denton Central Appraisal District, Cooke County Appraisal District and Grayson Central Appraisal District.

For a property in Denton Central Appraisal District, its protest page gives a deadline of May 15 or 30 days from the date the notice was mailed, whichever is later, and suggests evidence such as dated photos and repair estimates. Under Tax Code section 41.44, the written notice of protest is filed with the appraisal review board.

How Pilot Point bills water, sewer and garbage

Section 13.03.096 of the city code covers billings and adjustments. Service is metered, and the city collects for water, sanitary sewer and garbage service. A few points stand out for an owner getting ready to sell:

• The city refuses partial payment of a bill except in rare and unusual circumstances, as determined by the city manager.
• The customer is responsible for water lost through leakage on the customer's side of the meter, regardless of the reason; the code lets the city adopt a bill adjustment policy by resolution.
• A customer over 65 whose name is on the bill can apply, with valid identification, for a senior discount, a credit of $8.00 per month.
• Deposits (section 13.03.093) and late penalty and disconnect fees (section 13.03.094) are set in the code's fee schedule.

A sewer leak notice on an older house

Under section 13.03.074, every owner must keep the private sewer line in good repair to prevent leaks, and the rule covers single-family residences, vacant buildings and vacant land. The city may enter to test the line. If it finds a problem, the steps run like this:

1. A written notice by certified mail gives the owner six months to repair the line at the owner's expense.
2. A reminder follows at 60 days and a cutoff notice at 120 days.
3. Penalties become enforceable at 180 days.
4. If the owner cannot be located or does not respond, the occupant receives the notice.

Clay, concrete or angeburg pipe without proper joints that cannot be repaired must be replaced along the entire private line with PVC schedule 40, and if the owner cannot be located after reasonable diligence or refuses to make repairs within the allowed period, the section lets the city disconnect wastewater flow. If a notice like this reaches you while you are getting ready to sell, keep a copy of the letter and note its date.

Substandard and unsecured buildings

Section 3.07.009 lets the city assess its expenses and, unless the property is a homestead, place a lien that attaches when notice is recorded with the county clerk and is extinguished when the city is reimbursed. Under section 3.07.013, the city may secure an unoccupied building that violates minimum standards and must give notice before the 11th day after securing it. If a house has been empty since a parent moved or passed away, check the doors and windows regularly.

Denton County tax certificates and records

A Denton County tax certificate shows the current status of taxes, penalties, interest and any known costs due on a property. The tax office asks for the current tax year account number, the legal description and the owner's name; the fee is $10 per certificate, paid by cash, certified funds or business check, with no personal checks. General tax questions go to the Property Tax office at P.O. Box 90223, Denton, TX 76202, 940-349-3500.

Deeds and recorded liens, including any city lien filed with the county clerk, are kept by the clerk's Recording Division. For a legal question about an estate, a lease or a home, the Denton office of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (940-383-1406) lists Cooke and Denton among the counties it serves and offers legal help for people who qualify.

Selling to Cash Home Advisors

You can sell your Pilot Point house as-is, without making repairs. We pay all closing costs and can close in 7–14 days. Start at get an offer, see how it works, or read about selling a house that needs repairs and utilities at a vacant house.

Local offices for this area

• Denton County Appraisal Districts
• Denton Central Appraisal District: the protest process
• Denton County Tax Certificates
• Denton County Property Tax
• Denton County Clerk: Recording Division
• Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas: Denton

ZIP codes we buy in: 76258