Scout says:"Let’s break down what your home is really costing you."
Select your primary goal to jump straight to the math.
Estimate taxes and see the financial impact of filing homestead and other exemptions.
See exactly how extra monthly payments change your payoff timeline and interest saved.
See what is left for a home-equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance under the 80% limit.
Figures below come from the files behind the calculators. Median prices and appreciation are not included because this dataset does not have a source for them.
State exemption, school taxes only, tax year 2025
$1,932.26 off a $400,000 homestead, tax year 2025. State $140,000 plus the HISD 20% local exemption.
2026 adopted rate 0.8421 per $100, checked 2026-10-21. HISD tax page · HCAD jurisdiction list
Freddie Mac PMMS, week of 2026-10-15
Same survey week. Last checked 2026-10-21.
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A Texas home-equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance cannot push homestead debt over 80 percent of fair market value. Here is the constitutional math, and what it leaves out.
Turning 65 adds a $60,000 school exemption and can cap future school taxes. Here is how the ceiling is set, how it moves with you, and what it does to a Houston ISD bill.
The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice, whichever is later. Here is how HCAD iFile works, what to take to the hearing, and what a lower value does to a 2025 Houston bill.
The school homestead exemption is $140,000 for tax year 2025. Here is who qualifies, when Form 50-114 is due, how late filing works, and what that exemption saves on a Houston ISD bill.
School districts exempt $140,000 of a residence homestead, plus $60,000 if you are 65 or disabled. Disabled-veteran exemptions run from $5,000 to a total homestead exemption. Here are the forms and the deadlines.
Adding just a little extra to your monthly mortgage payment can have a monumental impact. Discover how early principal payments can shave years off your loan term and save you tens of thousands in interest.
Houston real estate has seen significant appreciation. We break down the latest equity trends, how to calculate your home's true value, and smart ways to leverage your equity without over-leveraging your budget.
With brutal Texas summers pushing AC units to the limit, a home warranty sounds like a lifesaver. We break down the true costs, coverage limits, and whether you should buy one.
Texas weather is unpredictable. From Gulf Coast hurricanes to Dallas hail storms, ensuring your home is properly insured is critical. Learn the difference between HO-3 policies, TWIA, and Flood insurance.
With property values soaring, protesting your property tax appraisal is optional and strongly recommended. But should you spend hours gathering evidence yourself, or hire a firm that takes a cut of your savings?
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