Business Profile

Housing Consultants

Homestead Designation Services, LLC

Headquarters

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Housing Consultants.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Homestead Designation Services, LLC's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

28 total complaints in the last 3 years.
1 complaint closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

Initial Complaint
Date:02/05/2024
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
This business tries to take money from people to make their tax designation homestead exempt. We all know that it is free to file for a homestead exemption for tax purposes for your home. This company has already scammed me out of money before, and I tried reporting with the Better Business Bureau, but I have not received any information as of yet how this was going to be resolved.
Business Response
Date: 02/06/2024
Dear BBB,
It looks like we marketed to this individual. We have no record of ever providing services for **************. We have never charged $250.00 for the services that we do provide. Additionally, we have nothing to do with tax exemptions. This is stated over and over in our service offer. ************* should figure out who she paid $250.00 to and contact that company.

Sincerely,
Homestead Designation Services
Initial Complaint
Date:02/01/2024
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received a letter in December to send $89 regarding my homestead exemption. Yesterday I received another letter to send additional money after I was scammed out of $89. I almost didnt catch it but their greed had me finally look in to and realize this business is a scam. Please stop contacting me and stop scamming people out of money.
Business Response
Date: 02/02/2024
Dear *******,
You contacted our customer support on January 31st, requesting a refund. It was communicated to you at that time that the service you requested from ** had no impact on property taxes. The representative informed you that your refund would be issued on 2/1/24. You assumed we were assisting you with the process of exemption, but that is not the service we provide. If you would like a copy of the request you submitted, we would be happy to send it to you. In the request for service you completed, it is clearly stated that designation of homestead (the service we provide) has no effect on property taxes. Again, you refund was mailed out.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/02/2024
The language your business chooses to use intentionally deceives the reader into believing your business directly contributes to establishing a Homestead exemption with the county tax office. You intentionally include language which makes the reader believe your service is urgent and must be purchased immediately. In reality, you provide nothing of value whatsoever.
Returning my money is insufficient. Your service is NOT clearly statedOtherwise, why would you need to defend yourselves repeatedly across multiple complaints and websites? Why wouldnt you have a business phone number to enable clear and quick communication? Honest businesses make communication easy.
You need to stop preying upon well-intentioned homeowners immediately.
Business Response
Date: 02/03/2024
Dear *******,
The following is clearly stated in our service offer:
The designation of homestead under ***** PROPERTY CODE is distinct from the homestead tax exemption. Under the ***** tax code if a homeowner files for and receives tax exemption, they will receive a designation of homestead eventually for free. Designation of homestead is not and does not affect homestead TAX EXEMPTION. For information regarding tax exemption please contact the appraisal district.
You certified that you read and understood our service offer. As soon as you contacted our office and requested a refund, our representative assured you that it is being processed. Since then, your refund was mailed out. We are not sure what more we can do for you. Again, if you would like a copy of the service offer you accepted, wed be happy to provide you with it. If you take the time to read it, you will see that there is no ambiguity whatsoever regarding the service we offer.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/09/2024
I still have not received anything. I was told a check was mailed over a week ago.
Initial Complaint
Date:01/11/2024
Type:Order Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
On 8/29/23, we sent a check for $89 to homestead designation services believing that the paperwork we were filling out was the application itself. On 8/23/23, we sent another check in the amount of $64 in response to yet another letter claiming the money was needed to complete paperwork. When I called the *************************** to check on the status of our homestead apllication (since I hadnt heard anything) I learned we had no such application on file. Not only were their communications incredibly deceptive, but they basically stole from us since they did not do the task they claimed they were going to. We would like a refund and for the BBB to do anything they can to help shut down this dishonest and morally bankrupt business so tjat it doesnt keep happening to other people. We filed a dispute with our bank but it was denied.
Business Response
Date: 01/11/2024
Dear *******,
We provided the services you requested. Designation of homestead has no effect on tax exemption. Exemptions are done through the county appraisal district. This is stated in our service offer multiple times. You acknowledged having read and fully understanding our advertisement for service before accepting our offer to assist you with the process of homestead designation.
The following was disclosed and acknowledge by you: "The designation of homestead under ***** Property Code is distinct from the homestead tax exemption. Designation of Homestead is not and does not affect homestead TAX EXEMPTION. For information regarding tax exemption please contact the appraisal district."
We prepared your designation of homestead document and we recorded your designation of homestead affidavit in public records with the **********************. We will process your refund and mail it to the address on file. Please allow at least five business days to receive the refund. You can contact our customer support team directly by e-mail *********************** if you have further questions, or if you would like a copy of the request for service that you submitted to our office.
Customer Answer
Date: 01/12/2024

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved. HOWEVER, I regard this only as satisfactory in that I will (supposedly- we will see) get my money back. But my main purpose for submitting this complaint is to advocate for shutting this company down for deceptive business practices or at the very least for enforcing very clear designation of what this application is for and what its not for. A lot of people who have busy lives and are in a huge rush will fill out the form send it back to this incredibly predatory company, thinking it is their homestead tax exemption application (especially people new to the state not realizing you shouldnt have to pay a dime) I for one, filled it out with a baby on my hip with three others yelling in the background. And this is exactly what they want. Busy people or people who simply dont know any better to fall into their trap. I mean, if the purpose of this application was not to reduce our property taxes then what on earth was it for? How did it benefit us? Let me guess, it didnt. Shame on them. I hope somone sues the c*** out of them or they get shut down ASAP.

Regards,

***************************
Initial Complaint
Date:12/18/2023
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I paid $153 to this company on September 2023 along with a notarized document for homestead designation recording. I called my tax office this morning and they have not received any information or have my home on file for recording services. I demand a refund as services were not rendered. I have been scammed as the letters I received by mail were legitimate and the representative I spoke to this morning from *************************) also told me that unfortunately many people are being scammed by this company.
Business Response
Date: 12/19/2023
Dear *****,

You requested assistance with preparing and recording your designation of homestead. The services you paid for were provided.
We don't offer help with tax exemptions. Filling for tax exemption is done by the homeowner through the Appraisal District. This was disclosed in our service offer and accepted by you. A copy of the request for services you submitted can be provided upon request. Please e-mail customer service at *********************
We will process your refund and mail it to the address on file. Please allow at least 5 business days to receive the refund.
Initial Complaint
Date:12/14/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received a letter in the mail indicating that I needed to fill out a form and send in money to this business in order to receive a homestead exemption (received this December 13, 2023). I reached out to the Comal County tax office and they noted this is a scam. This business does not do anything.
Business Response
Date: 12/15/2023
Unfortunately you gave a distorted account of what you assumed was the service we provide to the appraisal district. Our advertisement for service has nothing to do with tax exemptions. This is clearly and repeatedly stated in the service offer you received. We assist homeowners with the process of designating and recording their primary residence as homestead. Again, exemptions are done through the appraisal district only. We will remove you from our database and will insure that you don't receive any future solicitations for homestead designation.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/15/2023
I understand what your letter says, but it also indicates that it's necessary to get this Homestead notation, when it is not.
Business Response
Date: 12/16/2023
Dear *******,
Your assertion is incorrect. Our advertisement for service does not imply what youre suggesting. Quit the contrary, the opposite is stated in our advertisement:
The designation of homestead under ***** Property Code is DISTINCT from homestead tax exemption. Designation of Homestead is NOT and does NOT affect homestead TAX EXEMPTION.
Again, the service we offer (Designation of Homestead) has no implication on the service we do NOT offer (Tax Exemption).
If you have no interest or need for the service we offer, simply disregard it. As stated in our previous reply, we will remove you from any future advertisements for service.
Customer Answer
Date: 12/20/2023
The designation of homestead under ***** Property Code is what you say you provide, and you indicate there is some value to having this designation, which is not true. You rely on the wording being similar to the tax designation to fool people into giving you money.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/23/2023
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Filed for a homestead on the provided application and sent in the check required. Our home is not listed as a homestead and the business is not answering multiple messages.
Business Response
Date: 10/31/2023
Dear BBB,
Please verify with ************* that this dispute was resolved prior to the complaint she filled with your office.
Initial Complaint
Date:10/23/2023
Type:Order Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I sent a check to them on September 20, 2023 as they pretended to be the legitimate ***** service for Homestead exemptions. They apparently found out I had applied for the exemptions and sent me a letter asking for the money and threatening that the exemptions would not be worked on if I did not send the check for $89.00. I since found out on their website they are only a local LLC and not a legitimate local govt agency. On this page you can see a warning by the local ***** AG about this company: *************************************************************************************************************************************
Business Response
Date: 10/23/2023
Unfortunately, this complaint is based on assumptions that are simply not accurate. We clearly state in our service offer that we offer "Designation of Homestead" assistance to homeowners and NOT tax exemptions. We have no knowledge if a homeowner applied for tax exemption, as exemptions are done with the Appraisal District in the county where the property is located. We don't understand the claim that our designation service offer "threatened" this homeowner's tax exemption process. Our service has no effect on tax exemptions. Lastly, we disclose that we are NOT a government agency or affiliated with any governmental entity. We offer document preparation and recording services for Homestead Designations and that is the only service we provide.
We regret that the homeowner misunderstood our service offer and his refund will be processed immediately.

Customer Answer
Date: 10/31/2023
This is a follow up of my original complaint against this company. I received a second letter from them demanding another payment of $64.00, in addition to the $89.00 I had already sent naively believing they legitimitale represented the ***** homestead authorities.

Desired Outcome: refund
Customer Answer
Date: 10/31/2023
This is a follow up of my original complaint against this company. I received a second letter from them demanding another payment of $64.00, in addition to the $89.00 I had already sent naively believing they legitimitale represented the ***** homestead authorities.

Desired Outcome: refund
Business Response
Date: 10/31/2023
The refund was already processed and mailed on 10/24/2023. If you dont receive the refund by the end of the week, please e-mail us at *********************.
Customer Answer
Date: 11/01/2023

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

*********************************
Initial Complaint
Date:08/16/2023
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received a letter from homestead designation services after believing I filed an homestead with the county of Bexar, indicating I needed to send them $79 to continue my homestead tax exemption. I received another letter requesting another $52 for fees to record my homestead exemption. This is a scam and I am writing the company to ask for a refund. This company needs to be stopped!
Business Response
Date: 08/17/2023
Dear BBB,

Can you please verify that this individual used our services and not the services of one of our competitors. We are awaiting a response from ******************** as well, as she did contact our office by e-mail.
Please note that we don't offer any services related to tax exemption, therefore the consumer may be contacting a wrong entity.
Initial Complaint
Date:08/04/2023
Type:Order Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received a letter from homestead designation services indicating I needed to send them $79 to file my homestead tax exemption. I received another letter requesting another $52 for fees to record my homestead exemption. This is a scam and I am writing the company to ask for a refund. I have emailed and called them daily, leaving multiple voicemails over weeks. The company has not responded.
Business Response
Date: 08/04/2023
Dear BBB,

Please see the bellow correspondence that took place between our company's representative and the individual making this complaint. ************* e-mailed us, but didn't leave any voice mails. All messages are checked and calls are returned daily. We promptly replied to his initial e-mail three separate times, attempting to assist him, but he never responded to our requests.
From **************, received on 8/3/23
I would like an immediate refund.
Home address:
404 *************.
**********, ** 75057
Originally paid: June 20, 2023
RESPONSE #1, sent on 8/3/23
Hello ******,

Can you attach copy or screen shot of your cancelled check or money order? I look forward to assisting you.

Sincerely,

*****
Customer Support Team

RESPONSE #2, sent on 8/3/23
******,

We don't have a record of your property address. I believe you may be contacting an incorrect company for refund. Please attach copy of cancelled check or money order.

Sincerely,

*****
Customer Support Team
RESPONSE #3 sent on 8/4/23
******,

Two separate e-mails were sent to you yesterday. We don't have a record of providing services for you. Your property address is not in our system. You may have used another document preparation company. We are Homestead Designation Services. If you made a payment to us, please provide copy or screen shot of cancelled check or money order. Please provide proof of payment at your earliest convenience, so that we can assist you or determine if you are indeed contacting a wrong entity.

Sincerely,

*****
Customer Support Team
Initial Complaint
Date:07/08/2023
Type:Service or Repair Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
We received a letter for designation of homestead. We paid over $79 with a mailed money order. We have now received a second letter demanding an additional $52 with the document needing to be notarized. This is a SCAM and they need to be shut down. Also on the most recent letter we received there are grammar errors on the letter.
Business Response
Date: 07/14/2023
Dear *****,
You accepted our service offer to assist you with the designation of your property. The following was disclosed in our advertisement for service: "Once your document has been prepared recording instructions will be sent. An optional $52.00 recording service will be made available to you with includes the County Clerk's recording fee."
The recording instructions that were sent to you, along with your prepared document provided you with two options to record (express option with us, or going directly to your county recorder). We regret that you were not satisfied with our service and will process your request for refund.
Customer Answer
Date: 07/15/2023

Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

***********************

BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.

Cookies on BBB.org

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

If you've experienced an issue

Filter and sort by

Sort by

Complaint status

Complaint type

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Business Response

Customer Answer

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Business Response

Customer Answer

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Customer Answer

Business Response

Customer Answer

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Complaint statuses

Business Response

Customer Answer

Homestead Designation Services, LLC is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.