What are the requirements for first-time home buyers in Texas?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 03, 2026
Eligibility
- Borrowers must have a minimum credit score of 620.
- Borrowers must meet income and loan requirements.
- Property must be located in Texas and not exceed purchase price limits.
- Property must be a single-family home or a single-unit condominium.
- Some manufactured housing allowed.
What credit score do you need to buy a house Texas 2020?
Most Texas lenders will need to see a credit score of at least 580 to issue a government-backed Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan. Having a credit score below 580 doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from obtaining the loan, but you may be expected to put down a larger down payment.
How much do first-time home buyers have to put down in Texas?
If you’re a first-time buyer in Texas with a 20% down payment, you can get a conventional loan — likely with a low interest rate and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). Putting 20% down will keep your monthly mortgage payments low. It might also give you an edge in competitive housing markets like Austin or Dallas.
How can I buy a house with no down payment in Texas?
There are currently two types of government-sponsored loans that allow you to buy a home without a down payment: USDA loans and VA loans. Each loan has a very specific set of criteria you need to meet in order to qualify for a zero-down mortgage.
Is it easy to get a house in Texas?
Buying a house is exciting, but it’s by no means easy. Everything from the local economy to your financials to the housing market in Texas will impact what home you buy and how much it costs. Mortgage rates are low: In Texas, mortgage rates average 2.39% for a 15-year mortgage and 2.93% for a 30-year mortgage.
How much money do I need to put down on a house in Texas?
The minimum down payment is 3.5% for a loan protected by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This means you will get the FHA’s maximum financing offers at 96.5%, and you will need a minimum credit score of 580. If your down payment is 5% or more, FHA will charge lower costs.