Home Buying Made Clear
Knowledge is power in real estate. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding the mortgage process helps you make confident decisions. Get the facts before you need them.
Video Education Library
Learn at your own pace with our comprehensive video library. Each video covers essential topics to help you make informed decisions about your home purchase.
Getting Started Videos
- "Credit Scores Explained" (5 min)
- "How Much House Can You Afford?" (7 min)
- "Down Payment Options in Texas" (6 min)
- "When to Start Your Home Search" (4 min)
Texas Programs Videos
- "TSAHC Programs Overview" (8 min)
- "TDHCA First-Time Buyer Programs" (6 min)
- "VA Loans Explained" (7 min)
- "FHA vs Conventional Loans" (9 min)
Process & Closing Videos
- "Pre-Approval Process Walkthrough" (10 min)
- "Making Competitive Offers" (8 min)
- "What Happens During Underwriting" (6 min)
- "Closing Day Explained" (12 min)
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly mortgage payments with our easy-to-use calculator tool.
Input Your Details
$
%
Payment Summary
ESTIMATED MONTHLY PAYMENT
$2,742
Payment Breakdown
Principal & Interest$1,950
Property Tax$500
Home Insurance$125
MIP$167
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Your actual loan terms may vary.
Texas Home Buyer Programs Explained
Discover which assistance programs you may qualify for and how they can help you buy your home
TSAHC Programs
Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation offers down payment assistance to qualified buyers.
Requirements: 620+ credit score, income limits by county, first-time buyer or hero profession
- Down payment assistance up to 5%
- Competitive interest rates
- Grant or deferred loan options
TDHCA Programs
Texas Department of Housing offers My First Texas Home loans with assistance
.
Requirements: First-time buyers, income limits, homebuyer education course
- 30-year fixed rate mortgages
- Closing cost assistance
- Mortgage Credit Certificate available
VA Loans
Veterans Administration loans for eligible military service members and veterans.
Requirements: Military service, Certificate of Eligibility
- No down payment required
- No mortgage insurance
- Competitive rates
FHA Loans
Federal Housing Administration loans with flexible credit requirements.
Requirements: 580+ credit score, 3.5% down payment
- Low down payment option
- Flexible credit requirements
- Available statewide
USDA Rural
USDA Rural Development loans for eligible rural and suburban areas.
Requirements: Property in eligible area, income limits
- No down payment required
- Below-market interest rates
- Flexible credit standards
Conventional Loans
Traditional mortgages with competitive terms and flexible options.
Requirements: Varies by lender, typically 620+ credit score
- 3-5% down payment options
- No income limits
- PMI can be removed
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Learn from others’ experiences and protect your home purchase
Before Pre-Approval
- Applying for new credit cards
- Making large purchases on credit
- Changing jobs without discussing with lender
- Moving money between accounts without documentation
- Co-signing for others
During the Process
- Making major financial changes
- Skipping final walkthrough
- Not shopping for insurance early
- Wiring funds without verification
- Assuming everything is final until closing
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
Credit requirements vary by program: FHA loans require 580+ for 3.5% down, conventional loans typically need 620+, VA loans have no minimum but lenders prefer 580+, and Texas programs often require 620+.
How much should I put down?
Down payment options include: 0% for VA, USDA, and some Texas programs; 3-3.5% for FHA and conventional loans; and 20% to avoid mortgage insurance on conventional loans.
How long does the mortgage process take?
Pre-approval typically takes 24-48 hours. From contract to closing averages 21-25 days, depending on loan type, appraisal, and documentation.
Can I buy a house with student loans?
Yes, student loans are included in your debt-to-income ratio calculation. We can help you understand how they affect your qualification and explore options.
What if I'm self-employed?
Self-employed buyers have several options including bank statement loans, DSCR loans, and traditional documentation. We specialize in self-employed financing solutions.
Free Resources & Downloads
Get detailed guides and checklists to support your home buying journey
Complete Home Buyer Guide
50-page comprehensive guide covering the entire process from credit to closing
Texas Programs Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all Texas first-time buyer programs and requirements
Document Checklist
Printable checklist for organizing your mortgage application documents
Budget Worksheet
Calculate exactly how much house you can afford with our detailed worksheet
Ready to Apply Your Knowledge?
Now that you understand the process, let’s discuss your specific situation. Get personalized guidance from our Texas mortgage experts.