Homeowners · 2026 edition
Smart Homeowner Tips for North Texas
Buying the home is step one. These are the small things smart North Texas homeowners do to save money and avoid headaches.
By Tee Adewunmi, REALTOR®3 min read · Updated September 202601Your first 30 days
- File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district
- Save your closing documents, survey and warranty info in one place
- Change the locks and garage codes
- Find your water shut-off and electrical panel
- Set up utilities and trash service in your name
- If new construction: calendar your 11-month warranty walkthrough
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02How your name is on the deed matters
Texas is a community property state. Married couples can often title a home as community property with right of survivorship, so ownership passes to the surviving spouse without probate. Ask the title company or a Texas attorney before closing which option fits your situation.
03Protest your property taxes every year
- Watch for your noticeAppraisal notices usually arrive in spring.
- Check the valueCompare it with what similar nearby homes actually sold for.
- File by the deadlineGenerally May 15, or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later.
- Bring evidenceComparable sales, photos of needed repairs and any issues with the home.
04North Texas home care
- Foundation: our clay soil shrinks and swells. Keep moisture around the foundation steady during hot, dry months.
- Roof and hail: check after big storms and know your policy's wind and hail deductible.
- HVAC: service it every spring and fall, and change filters regularly.
- Freeze prep: know how to shut off water and protect exposed pipes.
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