Post Closing Frequently Asked Questions
Closing on your home is exciting, but what happens next? From final paperwork to utility transfers and tax questions, we’ve answered the most common post-closing concerns to help you settle in with confidence.
- Property Tax Savings & Homestead Exemptions
- Property Tax Protest & Reduction Support
- Home Valuation & Equity Tracking
- Ongoing Homeowner Resources & Support
- Rental Solutions for Temporary Relocations, Military PCS, & Work Assignments
- Future Real Estate Goals & Strategy
A homestead exemption reduces your property taxes by lowering the taxable value of your home. To qualify, you must:
- Use the home as your primary residence (as of January 1st of the tax year).
- Apply with your county’s appraisal district (we can guide you through this process).
The savings vary by location, but in Texas, a homestead exemption can reduce your home’s taxable value by up to $40,000 or more, leading to significant annual tax savings.
Applications typically open in January and close by April 30th of the following year. True North Group provides step-by-step guidance and reminders to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
Down payment requirements vary based on loan type and purchase strategy:
- Conventional Loans: Typically 5-20% down (or as low as 3% for some programs).
- FHA Loans: 3.5% down for qualified buyers.
- VA Loans: 0% down for eligible military buyers.
- USDA Loans: Believe it or not, non-VA qualified buyers also have 0% downpayment options in all of the Texas markets we serve!
- Investment Properties: Usually 15-25% down, depending on the loan.
If you're looking for alternative financing options, we also help navigate seller financing, lease-to-own opportunities, and creative investment strategies.
No, a homestead exemption only applies to your primary residence. Investment properties or vacation homes do not qualify.
If your home’s assessed value has increased significantly or seems higher than similar properties in your area, you may be overpaying. We help analyze your assessment and determine if you have grounds for a tax protest.
Most tax protests must be filed between April and May. The process involves:
- Filing a protest with your county’s appraisal district.
- Presenting evidence that your home is overvalued.
- Negotiating a reduced taxable value.
- Comparable home sales showing lower valuations.
- Any property condition issues that may affect value.
- True North Group’s expert market data and analysis.
Yes! We host annual tax protest events, offering support and expert resources to help homeowners challenge unfair tax assessments.
Stay up to date with our upcoming events and register for either a live event or a webinar!
Working with professionals like True North Group strengthens your case. We provide data-backed evidence and expert advice to maximize your tax savings.
True North Group provides a home valuation and equity tracker that updates in real-time, helping you:
- Monitor market trends in your area.
- Track home appreciation and financial growth.
- Stay informed on refinancing or selling opportunities.
Property appreciation depends on:
- Market demand and housing supply
- Neighborhood improvements and amenities
- Economic conditions and interest rates
- Upgrades and renovations to your home
- Comparable home sales showing lower valuations.
- Any property condition issues that may affect value.
- True North Group’s expert market data and analysis.
Yes! We host annual tax protest events, offering support and expert resources to help homeowners challenge unfair tax assessments.
Stay up to date with our upcoming events and register for either a live event or a webinar!
Working with professionals like True North Group strengthens your case. We provide data-backed evidence and expert advice to maximize your tax savings.
Subscribe to our Market Updates to stay in tune with the market trends and subscribe to our Facebook Group to get Live reviews of the market changes!
Equity is calculated by subtracting your remaining mortgage balance from your home’s current market value. Our Equity Tracking System simplifies this process, ensuring you always know your financial standing.
Your home’s equity is a powerful financial tool that can be used for:
- Refinancing at a lower rate
- Leveraging for investment properties
- Using as collateral for future financial needs
Our Homeowner Hub is an exclusive resource center providing:
- Market reports & home value tracking
- Property tax protest resources
- Preferred contractor & service provider network
- Home maintenance guides
Yes! We maintain a trusted network of professionals including:
- General contractors
- HVAC specialists
- Landscapers & handymen
- Home insurance providers
Absolutely. We work with top lenders to identify the best refinance opportunities, helping you lower payments or cash out equity when needed.
We provide a seasonal home maintenance checklist to help you:
- Preserve your home’s value
- Prevent costly repairs
- Optimize energy efficiency
If you need to move for military orders, a job assignment, or extended travel, but plan to return, renting out your home may be a great option. True North Group offers:
- Property marketing & tenant placement
- Lease management & rental analysis
- Support in transitioning back into homeownership when you return
Our Rental Listing Program provides:
- Comprehensive property marketing to attract top-tier tenants
- Tenant screening & lease structuring for hassle-free rentals
- Flexible leasing options tailored to military personnel and corporate professionals
Yes. We can help you find a short-term or long-term rental while you’re away, ensuring you have a home ready when you return.
We assist in transitioning you back, whether through:
- Lease buyout strategies
- Seamless reintegration into homeownership
- Updated market insights on whether to sell or retain your rental as an investment
True North Group will help analyze your best financial path forward.
Schedule a 30-minute consultation to discuss your rental listing needs. We’ll walk you through pricing, marketing strategies, and how to attract the right tenants—so you can rent your property with confidence.
Of course! We maintain lifelong relationships with our clients and provide ongoing support to ensure you always have expert guidance.
We offer market evaluations, home equity reports, and strategy sessions to help you decide the right time to make a move.
Yes! Whether you’re looking for a rental property, vacation home, or investment opportunity, we guide you in building long-term wealth through real estate.
Book a call with us to discuss when that time might be ripe to either sell, buy, rent, or offer your home for a short term rental!
We assist in transitioning you back, whether through:
- Lease buyout strategies
- Seamless reintegration into homeownership
- Updated market insights on whether to sell or retain your rental as an investment
True North Group will help analyze your best financial path forward.
Schedule a 30-minute consultation to discuss your rental listing needs. We’ll walk you through pricing, marketing strategies, and how to attract the right tenants—so you can rent your property with confidence.
Your Lifelong Real Estate Partner
True North Group
Whether you need help saving on taxes, tracking your equity, renting out your home, or planning your next move, True North Group is committed to providing long-term value well beyond closing.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
We’re happy to answer any concerns you might have.
