Buying your first home in DFW? Start here.
I bought my first home in Mansfield in 2025 at 29, so I know how emotional and confusing this gets. Here's what you actually need, what it costs in DFW, and how to get from 'just looking' to keys without surprises.
You probably don't need 20% down
Putting 20% down avoids PMI on a conventional loan, but waiting years to save it often costs more than the PMI does. What matters more is what you have left in the bank the day after closing.
Texas down payment assistance
Texas has state programs that help with down payment and closing costs, including programs from TSAHC (Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation) and TDHCA. Some are aimed at teachers, nurses, first responders, and veterans; others are based on income. I've completed TSAHC's broker origination certification and can tell you quickly whether you qualify.
Assistance programs have income limits, credit minimums, and rules about the loan they pair with. It's worth a 15-minute call to see if free money is on the table before you decide anything.
What a home really costs in DFW
Online calculators show principal and interest. In Texas that's only part of the payment.
- Property taxes are high here (Texas has no state income tax) and are part of your monthly payment through escrow.
- Homeowner's insurance in North Texas has gone up a lot. Get real quotes early.
- MUD and PID assessments apply in many newer communities.
- Closing costs typically run 3-5% of the loan amount. Sellers can sometimes cover part of it.
- Homestead exemption: file it after you move in to lower your taxable value.
See real monthly payments for $350k, $450k, and $600k homes in DFW →
The first-time buyer roadmap
We talk budget, timeline, and which programs fit. No credit pull needed to start.
A real, lender-reviewed pre-approval that listing agents take seriously.
Need one? I work with trusted DFW agents and can connect you.
I target clear-to-close in 15 days and keep you updated the whole way.
Common questions
How much do I need to buy my first home in DFW?
Down payments can be as low as 3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA, and 0% for VA. Plan for closing costs of roughly 3-5% of the loan amount as well, though seller credits and Texas down payment assistance can reduce what you bring.
Is there down payment assistance in Texas?
Yes. Texas offers programs through TSAHC and TDHCA, including options for teachers, nurses, first responders, and veterans, plus income-based programs. Each has its own requirements, so it's worth checking eligibility early.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
It depends on the loan. FHA allows lower scores than conventional, and VA guidelines are flexible. I can do a soft credit check first to give you a directional read without affecting your score.
Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit?
A hard credit pull typically lowers your score by a few points temporarily. I can start with a soft pull, which doesn't affect your score, before doing anything formal.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell a lender. Pre-approval means your credit, income, and assets have been verified and a lender has reviewed the file. Sellers take pre-approvals much more seriously.
I'm Matthew Parra, a mortgage broker with Hometown Lending based in Mansfield, TX. I've been originating loans in DFW since 2020 and shop 50+ wholesale lenders for every client. Rated 5.0 on Google. Read my reviews →
Let's look at your numbers
Tell me a little about your situation and I'll get back to you the same day, usually within a few hours.
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