Austin property taxes are one of the most confusing and expensive parts of homeownership in Texas. In Episode 1 of Homeowner Hotline, Open House Austin broker Steph and founding realtor Jenn sit down to demystify the whole process: how your home's appraised value is calculated, what a Texas homestead exemption actually does for your tax bill, why the 10% homestead cap is one of the biggest wins for long-term homeowners, and the exact steps to protest your property taxes with Travis County, Williamson County, or Hays County.

Whether you just bought your first home in Austin, you've owned for years and never protested, or you're staring at your 2026 appraisal notice wondering "how did they get this number?" — this episode is your cheat sheet. Steph and Jenn walk through key deadlines (mid-March appraisal notices, the May 15 protest deadline, January 31 tax due date), what evidence actually wins a protest hearing, the most common mistakes Austin homeowners make, and whether to DIY or hire a property tax protest company.

Plus: stick around for an invite to Comps & Cocktails, Open House Austin's upcoming event where Steph walks you through your home's value, your appraisal, and the protest process in person (yes, there are cocktails).