Your Spring 2026 Homeowner Checklist | RealtyHaus
Spring 2026 · Homeowner Checklist

Your Spring 2026 Homeowner Checklist

Everything smart Texas homeowners do this time of year — tax protests, maintenance, insurance reviews, and more.

Key Numbers

The dates and dollars that matter this spring.

Tax Protest Deadline May 15

File at traviscad.org. Don't miss it.

Avg Insurance Premium $3,291

Up 55%+ since 2019. Time to shop.

Avg Protest Savings $1,404

87% of Travis County protests succeed.

Homestead Filing 10 min

File once. Save thousands every year.

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Do These First

Priority: Tax & Money Moves

These save real money and have real deadlines. Handle them before anything else.

DEADLINE · MAY 15

File Your Tax Protest

If your appraised value went up more than your home's market value, protest it. Most protests result in reduced assessments. File online at traviscad.org — it takes minutes.

Austin Data

87% of Travis County protests succeed. Average savings: $1,404. The filing is free and you can do it yourself.

Check our tax protest guide for the full strategy.

ONE-TIME FILING

Confirm Your Homestead Exemption

If you own and occupy your home, file your homestead exemption. It's free, takes minutes, and saves you thousands every year. You only file once — check if yours is active at traviscad.org.

What You Save

$100K+ off your assessed value for school district taxes alone. Plus additional exemptions for over-65, disabled, and disabled veterans.

Full details in our homestead exemption guide.

ANNUAL REVIEW

Shop Your Insurance

Texas premiums are up 55%+ since 2019. Get 3+ quotes from different insurers. Bundling home + auto saves 15-25%.

Texas Average

$3,291/year average premium per TDI data. Switching carriers or adjusting coverage can save hundreds.

Our insurance guide has 7 proven ways to lower your premium.

KNOW YOUR NUMBER

Know Your Home's Current Value

Market values shift constantly. Get a current analysis so you're making decisions with real numbers — whether you're refinancing, protesting taxes, or just curious.

Why It Matters

Your home's value affects your tax protest evidence, your insurance coverage amount, and your refinance eligibility. Know where you stand.

Spring Maintenance

HVAC & Home Maintenance

Austin summers are brutal on your HVAC. Get ahead of it now. Tap each item to check it off.

  • Replace air filters (every 1-3 months)
  • Schedule professional HVAC service (spring + fall)
  • Inspect outdoor condenser for debris
  • Test thermostat function and accuracy
  • Check refrigerant levels
  • Clean condensate drain line
  • Inspect ductwork for leaks
  • Test all smoke and CO detectors
Exterior

Exterior & Yard

Winter in Central Texas is mild, but it still takes a toll. Walk your property and check these.

  • Inspect roof for winter damage and missing shingles
  • Clean gutters and downspouts
  • Check foundation for cracks or settling
  • Trim trees and shrubs away from house
  • Power wash siding, walkways, and driveway
  • Inspect and repair fencing
  • Test irrigation system and adjust sprinkler heads
  • Check outdoor lighting and replace bulbs
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We'll flag anything worth addressing before summer — value, taxes, insurance, maintenance.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

May 15. File online at traviscad.org. Check out our tax protest guide for step-by-step instructions.
Twice a year — spring and fall. Change filters every 1-3 months depending on your home's air quality and pets.
Yes. A current assessment is important for tax protest accuracy, insurance coverage, and general awareness of your equity.
File your tax protest before May 15, confirm your homestead exemption is active, and shop your insurance. These three actions often save homeowners thousands. Learn more about homestead exemptions.
Shop annually, bundle home + auto, raise your deductible, and harden your home (roof upgrade, updated plumbing, etc.). Our insurance guide details 7 proven ways to lower your premium.
Your Move

Keep Your Home Running Like a Haus

Get a market analysis, tackle your spring checklist, and save money where it counts.

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