Good info for first time homebuyers. You will get lots of offers after you buy a home as the transaction is a public record.
So you may have bought a new home this year, if so, congratulations. The home buying process can be a fun and interesting process. Hopefully you had a good experience.
Most likely when you closed on your home you went to the title co and signed a ton of paperwork.
In that paperwork is probably a form to fill out so you can get your homestead exemption. If not I will post a link for you at the bottom to find your Taxing Office.
Come Jan 1st you can then file for your homestead, but not before the 1st. You have till April 30th to get the form in.
Now is the important part.
Watch out for scams. You will most likely get a very official looking notice in the mail that says "company name" will file your homestead for $25. All this company does is fill in your information and fax the form to the Tax Office.
THIS SERVICE IS FREE so please don't pay anyone to do this for you. Just send in the forms yourself.
Here is the link to the Tax Appraisal offices. http://www.txcountydata.com/selectCounty.asp If your county is not in the drop down box then visit this link. http://www.txcountydata.com/links.asp This site does not have all the counties, but it is a good start.
Enjoy saving money this Jan 1st.
Here are a few more ways to save money on your next home purchase or let a friend know how to save.
That would be a great holiday gift.For new home anywhere in Texas purchases please see http://www.RebateOnTexasHomes.com
For resale home purchases anywhere in Central Texas please see http://www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com
Tom, This has been going on since I got in to real estate 14 years ago. It amazes me that they still get away with it but they do.
I haven't heard of that one yet.
The forms in Michigan have your Social Security number on them so I can't imagine handing that over to a stranger and paying him to take it.
Something I remind my clients every time at the closing table.
There is a minimal cost to file here so the scammers charge way more than $25!!!!! Awesome reminder for TX residents!
Hi Tom, Thanks for the reminder to tell our clients to not fall for this. Like the OU hat, I am a texas okie!