Houston homeowners could save more than $2,000 annually by filing a free homestead exemption. Learn how to apply with HCAD, what documents you need and what to do if you missed the deadline.
Real Estate
Dallas County homeowners could save thousands of dollars annually by filing a free homestead exemption. Learn how to apply with DCAD, what documents you need and what to do if you missed the deadline.
Celina ISD projects more than 30,000 new homes over its long-range growth period. Learn what Celina's rapid expansion could mean for North Texas homebuyers, homeowners, new construction and real estate.
Compare the major types of mortgage loans available to Texas homebuyers, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, fixed-rate, ARM, first-time buyer and down payment assistance options.
Buying your first home in Texas can feel like a major financial hurdle, especially when you start adding up the down payment, closing costs, property taxes, insurance, inspections, and other expenses associated with purchasing a home. But here's something many first-time buyers don't realize: You may not need 20% down to buy a home in Texas. Qualified Texas buyers may have access to mortgage...
If you own a home in Houston, Katy, Cypress, Spring, Tomball, Humble, or another community in Harris County, your annual property appraisal is something you should review carefully. The value assigned to your property by the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) can have a significant impact on your property taxes. If you believe HCAD has valued your home too high, used incorrect property...
Closing day is getting closer. The boxes are packed, the movers are scheduled, and somewhere on your checklist is a task that seems simple until you actually start researching it: Set up electricity. In many states, you simply call the local utility company. Texas is different. Much of Texas operates in a deregulated electricity market, which means homeowners may have dozens of retail electricity...
If you're a homeowner in Dallas County, there's a good chance you've looked at your annual property tax appraisal and wondered whether your home was valued too high. You're not alone. Every year, thousands of Texas homeowners successfully protest their property's appraised value, often reducing their tax burden and saving hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. The best part? Filing a property tax...
Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)? Learn how ARMs work, their pros and cons, and when they may be a smart financing option for Texas homebuyers.
When most people think about buying a home, they focus on two numbers: The purchase price The monthly mortgage payment While those are certainly important, they're only part of the financial picture. Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn there are several additional expenses involved before, during, and after closing. Planning for these costs can help you avoid unnecessary stress and...