So, You Wanna Lasso Some Free Land in Texas, Eh Veteran? Howdy, Partner!
Ever dreamt of ditching the city life and channeling your inner Clint Eastwood on a sprawling Texas ranch? Maybe you picture yourself sipping sweet tea on a porch swing, gazing at a field of bluebonnets bigger than your wildest imagination. And hey, if you're a disabled veteran, you might've heard whispers of free land down in the Lone Star State. Well, saddle up, because we're about to sort truth from tall tales.
Hold Your Horses, Maverick! No Free Land Here...But We Got Something Mighty Close
Now, don't get your spurs in a tangle. Texas ain't exactly giving out free land likeHowdy Doody dolls (remember those?). But they do have a program for veterans that's about as good as striking oil: the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) Land Loan Program.
This program isn't exactly handing out free dirt, but it's pretty darn close. Here's the lowdown:
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Super-sweet interest rates: We're talking rates that would make a rattlesnake smile. You can snag a loan for up to $150,000 to buy a piece of Texas paradise, with a low down payment and a 30-year term. That's more time to perfect your two-step than you can shake a stick at.
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Land, glorious land!: The VLB even has listings of land for sale, perfect for aspiring ranchers or anyone who wants some wide-open space to contemplate the meaning of life (or just yell real loud without the neighbors complaining).
Important Note: This program is for Texas veterans only. So, if you're a veteran from out of state, you might need to brush up on your lasso skills to wrangle yourself a residency permit first.
But Wait, There's More! Don't Forget the Taxman
Owning land is pretty darn swell, but property taxes can put a damper on your yeehaw spirit. Luckily, Texas offers a property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Here's the gist:
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100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses can get a complete property tax exemption on their homestead. That's right, say goodbye to a big chunk of that property tax bill!
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Partially disabled veterans can also get a partial exemption based on their disability rating. The more disabled you are, the bigger the tax break.
Bottom Line: Texas might not be handing out free land like candy corn, but the VLB Land Loan Program and property tax exemptions for veterans are pretty darn close. So, if you're a disabled veteran with a hankering for some wide-open spaces, Texas might just be the place for you to hang your hat (or ten-gallon Stetson).
