Buying a Home in Texas: Your Mortgage Game Plan

Most Texas buyers start by estimating their payment, checking for down payment help and learning how rate locks work — before talking to a lender. Here's each step.

  • 1 Estimate your payment
  • 2 Check down payment help
  • 3 Understand rate locks

    • The short answer

    To plan a Texas mortgage: (1) estimate your full monthly payment including TX property tax and insurance, (2) check whether you qualify for state or local down payment assistance, and (3) decide when and how long to lock your rate once you're under contract. You can see your options with RealMortgage without an SSN or credit check.

    Three steps before you talk to a lender

    1. Estimate your payment

    See your full payment with TX property tax and insurance.

    2. Check down payment help

    State and local programs that help with down payment and closing costs.

    3. Understand rate locks

    Lock lengths, timing and float-downs explained.

    What's different about Texas

  • Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country — often around 1.6%–2.2% of value depending on the county, city, school district and any MUD. A homestead exemption lowers the taxable value of your primary home.
  • Insurance costs are higher in hail, wind and flood-prone areas, so escrow for taxes and insurance is often a large share of a Texas payment.

    • Texas questions

    How much do I need to put down on a house in Texas?

    As little as 3% on a conventional loan, 3.5% on FHA, and zero on VA for eligible borrowers. TDHCA and TSAHC assistance can help with the down payment or closing costs.

    Can I see Texas mortgage options without a credit check?

    Yes. You can get a quote from RealMortgage without an SSN or a credit check. A credit check happens only with your written permission when you apply.

    Next step

    Estimate your payment in Texas

    Keep exploring

    First-time buyers in Texas

    Programs, credit minimums and steps.

    Mortgage pre-approval guide

    What lenders verify and how long it takes.

    The home buying process

    All 8 steps from search to closing.

    Closing costs explained

    What you'll pay at closing and why.