Who qualifies for a homestead exemption.  Anyone who owns a home on January 1st and uses that residence as their primary home.  This entitles the owner to a $15,000 exemption to lower school taxes this year. 
You can either own a home, condo or mobile home. 

If you own your home you have to file after January 1st and before April 30th.  Do not apply before or after these dates as they will not be accepted and you application will be thrown away.  I listed the link below to follow to apply for your homestead.

http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/50-114.pdf

Thank you,

J.

If you are buying a new home in Texas from any new builder you can get up to 5% cash back based on the base price of the home.  If there are any realtor incentives those will be split 50/50 with you and you also get to keep any buyer incentives. http://www.rebateontexashomes.com