We were initially told that there would be no closing costs, then found out we needed a couple of hundred dollars for closing. Being a new couple and still dealing with Cyn's divorce, we were not able to put anything down. Still we were able to keep our mortgage payment about the say as out apartment rent payment per month.

County, city and school district taxes have screwed us this year, but we are going to file for the Texas Homestead Exemption, which should lower our taxes. I'm also hoping for a little money from my Dad's wrongful death lawsuit, which should allow us a little room to breathe.

Do you know anything about the Texas Homestead Exemption? My Dad talked about it all the time (he was a custom home builder), but I haven't taken the time to look into it and fill out the paperwork.