Hope's Home Truths
Your New Homeowner Guide
Key Tasks, Deadlines & Resources for the Houston Area
A simple, organized roadmap for the weeks and seasons after closing — so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Hope Sampson
Global Real Estate Advisor · Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
713.928.0282 · hopesampson@kw.com
Right Away Address Updates Homestead Protest Annual Calendar Resources Note from Hope
Week One
Right Away
“Congratulations on your new home! The items below are the ones I see clients overlook most often — nothing complicated, just a little organization. Work through them at your own pace, and call me anytime you have a question.”
  • ●
    Re-key locks & reset garage codes Day 1–3
    Change exterior locks (or rekey existing hardware), reset the garage door code, and update any keypad or smart-lock codes from the previous owner.
  • ●
    Confirm utilities are in your name Day 1–3
    Electricity, gas, water/sewer, trash, and internet — confirm each account has been transferred and the final bill went to the seller, not you.
  • ●
    File your Homestead Designation Week 1–2
    Optional but recommended: recording this notice with the county clerk offers added legal protection of your home. Separate from the tax exemption below.
  • ●
    Update your homeowner's insurance Week 1
    Confirm your policy reflects the correct address, coverage amount, and effective date. Ask about bundling auto/umbrella for a multi-policy discount.
  • ●
    Locate your shut-offs & breaker panel Week 1
    Know where your water shut-off, gas shut-off, and electrical panel are before you need them in an emergency.
  • ●
    Register appliance & system warranties Week 1–2
    HVAC, water heater, appliances, and any builder or home warranty — register online and save documentation in one folder.
By Day 30
Address & Records Updates
  • ●
    File a USPS change of address 1–2 weeks
    Submit online at usps.com/move or in person at your local post office. Mail can take 7–10 days to begin forwarding.
  • ●
    Update your Texas driver's license or ID Within 30 days
    Texas law requires your address to be updated within 30 days of moving. Most homeowners qualify online through Texas DPS — see the Resource Directory below. Your license address must also match your homestead exemption application.
  • ●
    Update your voter registration Within 30 days
    Update online through the Texas Secretary of State or your county voter registrar, especially if you've moved counties.
  • ●
    Update banks, employer & auto-pay accounts Within 30 days
    Banks, credit cards, payroll/HR, auto insurance, subscriptions, and any account that mails statements or sends a card.
  • ●
    Register with your HOA (if applicable) Within 30 days
    Set up your owner portal, confirm dues/due dates, and request the community's governing documents if you don't already have them.
January – April 30
File Your Homestead Exemption
  • ●
    What it does
    Lowers the taxable value of your primary residence and caps how much your appraised value can rise each year, once established. It is free to file — never pay a third party to do it for you.
  • ●
    Who qualifies
    You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1, and your Texas driver's license or ID must show this property's address.
  • ●
    When to file
    File as soon as you close — you do not need to wait for January 1 or for your Notice of Appraised Value. The deadline is April 30 of the tax year.
  • ●
    Where to file
    File with the appraisal district for your county — Harris (HCAD), Fort Bend (FBCAD), or Montgomery (MCAD). See the Resource Directory below for direct links.
  • ●
    Other exemptions to ask about
    Over-65, disabled person, and disabled veteran exemptions stack on top of the general homestead exemption for additional savings.
Spring
If You Want to Protest Your Value
  • ●
    Watch for your Notice of Appraised Value
    Most residential notices arrive by mail in April. This is separate from your exemption — it states what the county believes your home is worth for tax purposes.
  • ●
    File your protest on time
    The deadline is May 15, or 30 days after your notice was mailed, whichever is later. Filing a protest is free, and the review board cannot raise your value simply because you protested.
  • ●
    Bring evidence
    Recent comparable sales, photos of needed repairs, and contractor repair estimates are the most persuasive evidence at an informal review or formal hearing.
  • ●
    Not sure if it's worth it?
    I'm always happy to pull recent comparable sales for your property so you can decide whether a protest makes sense — just reach out.
Property tax rules and deadlines can change. This guide reflects general information current as of 2026 — always confirm specifics with your county appraisal district.
Education First. Strategy Always.
Your Home's Annual Calendar
WhenWhat to Handle
JanuaryHomestead exemption window opens. Replace smoke & CO detector batteries. Schedule HVAC heating check.
Feb – MarchInspect roof & gutters after winter weather. Service or flush water heater. Check for foundation drainage issues before spring rains.
AprilHomestead exemption deadline (Apr. 30) if not already filed. Test sprinkler/irrigation system. Inspect attic insulation before summer heat.
MayProperty tax protest deadline (May 15) if applicable. Schedule HVAC cooling tune-up before peak summer demand.
June – AugMonitor AC performance and replace filters monthly. Inspect roof and fencing after storms.
SeptemberProperty tax statements typically begin arriving. Inspect roof and gutters ahead of fall rains.
OctoberSchedule HVAC heating check. Test smoke & CO detectors, replace batteries.
NovemberProperty taxes due (delinquent after Jan. 31). Drain outdoor hose bibs before first freeze.
DecemberInsulate exposed pipes ahead of freeze risk. Review insurance renewal & plan ahead for the new year.
Education First. Strategy Always.
Resource Directory
County Appraisal Districts
Homestead Exemptions & Protests
Harris County (HCAD)
Homestead exemption, property search, and online protest filing.
hcad.org · 713-957-7800
Fort Bend County (FBCAD)
Homestead exemption, property search, and online protest filing.
fbcad.org · 281-344-8623
Montgomery County (MCAD)
Homestead exemption, property search, and online protest filing.
mcad-tx.org · 936-756-3354
State & Local Agencies
Records, ID & Registration
Texas DPS — Driver's License
Update your address within 30 days of moving; most homeowners qualify online.
dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license
USPS — Change of Address
File online or at your local post office to begin mail forwarding.
usps.com/move
TX Secretary of State — Voter Registration
Update your voter registration address or check your current status.
votetexas.gov
Texas Comptroller — Property Tax
Statewide guidance on exemptions, protests, and taxpayer rights.
comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax
Harris County Tax Office
Property tax statements, payments & account balances.
hctax.net
A Note From Hope
Welcome Home
Owning a home comes with a learning curve, and you don't have to navigate it alone. If a deadline sneaks up on you, a contractor recommendation would help, or you simply have a question — I'm only ever a call or text away.
Hope Sampson
Global Real Estate Advisor · Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan
713.928.0282 · hopesampson@kw.com
Email Hope ↑ Back to Top
There's Always Hope in Real Estate.