Buying your first home in Greater Houston.

It depends on the program. Some conventional options start as low as 3% down, FHA as low as 3.5%, and eligible VA borrowers can buy with $0 down. Texas down payment assistance can cover part of it.

Beyond the down payment, plan for closing costs and reserves. In Texas you also put up earnest money and usually an option fee when your offer is accepted. We help you build a realistic target.

No. Many programs work with a range of credit profiles. We explain what affects your options and what to fix first if anything needs work.

It depends on your finances and goals. FHA and conventional low-down-payment programs are common starting points; VA is worth checking if you or your spouse served.

Yes. Statewide programs include TDHCA's My First Texas Home and TSAHC's Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas, and many cities and counties run their own. They have income and price limits that change, so we check which ones fit your income and the county you are buying in.

A lender's review of your income, credit and assets that shows how much you may borrow. It sets your real budget and makes your offer stronger with sellers.

Typically income, asset and identity documents — pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements and ID. The exact list depends on your program; self-employed buyers may qualify with bank statements.

Most Texas purchase contracts let you pay the seller an option fee for a set number of days in which you can cancel for any reason. That is when you do your inspections. Once the option period ends, that right to walk away is gone.

A title company. It holds the earnest money, checks the title, prepares the closing with your lender and records the deed. Title insurance premiums in Texas are set by the Texas Department of Insurance.

Many loans close in roughly 30–45 days once you are under contract. Having your documents ready and a pre-approval in hand keeps it on schedule.

Rates change daily and depend on your credit, down payment and program. A personalized quote is more accurate than a number on a website.

File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district — it lowers the taxable value of the home you live in. In Greater Houston that is usually the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) or the Fort Bend, Montgomery or Galveston county district.

Yes. Every home on this site is listed by a licensed Texas Realtor; you can contact the listing agent or bring your own buyer's agent.

Take TA-Next Academy's American Dream course: mortgage financing, down payments, credit scores and building the right financial strategy before you buy.