First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Texas
Buying your first home is easier when you separate the decision into four numbers: purchase price, monthly payment, cash-to-close, and reserves after closing. We help Texas first-time buyers compare eligible mortgage programs and understand the tradeoffs before making an offer.
You may need less than 20% down.
The right down payment is not automatically the largest or smallest amount you can afford. It should be evaluated alongside monthly payment, mortgage insurance, seller credits, reserves and your post-closing cash position.
Conventional
Eligible first-time buyers may have access to low-down-payment conventional options. Income and program restrictions can apply to certain offerings.
FHA
FHA financing can provide flexible qualifying and a low minimum down payment for eligible primary-residence borrowers.
VA
Eligible Veterans, service members and qualifying surviving spouses may purchase with no required down payment, subject to entitlement and underwriting.
USDA
Eligible borrowers purchasing qualifying rural or suburban properties may have access to no-down-payment USDA financing, subject to income and geographic rules.
Down-payment assistance
Texas and local assistance programs may help eligible borrowers with down payment or closing costs. Terms, repayment and income limits vary.
Seller credits
Negotiated seller concessions may help with eligible closing costs or temporary/permanent rate strategies, within program limits.
Build the pre-approval around the offer you want to make.
Bryce Kennemer is a Texas mortgage broker and Branch Manager with Guarantee Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1808043. His personal funded-loan records include 840 closed loans totaling more than $260 million through August 4, 2026.
First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Texas: FAQs
How much do first-time home buyers need to put down in Texas?
It depends on the loan program and borrower eligibility. Some conventional programs can permit low down payments, FHA has a low minimum down payment, and eligible VA or USDA borrowers may have no required down payment.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use FHA?
No. FHA financing is not limited to first-time buyers, although it is commonly used by them.
Can first-time buyers receive down-payment assistance in Texas?
Potentially. State and local programs have their own income, purchase-price, occupancy, education, credit and repayment requirements.
When should I get pre-approved?
Ideally before serious home shopping so you understand your budget, documentation needs, estimated cash-to-close and any program limitations before making an offer.
Want numbers for your actual scenario?
Tell us what you are trying to accomplish. We can compare eligible loan structures and explain the payment, cash-to-close, pricing and underwriting tradeoffs before you decide.
Guarantee Mortgage, LLC | Company NMLS #279696 | Equal Housing Opportunity. For informational purposes only. Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, property and program eligibility. Rates, terms and guidelines may change without notice.
