Qualifying as a First-Time Home Buyer in Texas

Did you know that the definition of a first-time buyer isn’t restricted to people purchasing their first property ever? According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it also includes the following: A person who has not owned a residence for at least 3 years. A single parent who previously co-owned a home while […]

How Home Loans Work in Texas

If you’ve thought about buying a house in the Lone Star State, you’re not alone. It’s a great place to live! You might wonder how to get a mortgage in Texas, so we’ve put together a list of what you should know about Texas home loans. TDHCA (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs) Texas […]

How FHA Loans Work

FHA loans are a great option for first time home buyers — if this is your first home purchase, a Texas FHA home loan is probably your best option with its low down payment and easier credit standards. Your down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price and closing costs and […]

Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval

It’s important to understand the difference between a mortgage pre-qualification and a mortgage pre-approval. Many homebuyers think of these as interchangeable terms that mean the same thing. But they’re actually quite different, and could ultimately play a role in whether the seller accepts your offer. You’ll want to obtain both pre-qualification and pre-approval before you begin […]

Introduction to Mortgage Types

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, the lending process can seem quite complicated. You may find yourself overwhelmed with new terminology, paperwork, state and federal regulations, and required documentation. A good place to begin your journey is with an understanding of the three basic kinds of mortgage loans.

Advice for Solo Homebuyers

According to an analysis of first-time homebuyers released by Zillow in 2015, “First-time homebuyers are older and less likely to be married than they were in the past.”
This shouldn’t come as a big surprise, since we’ve seen that Millennials—even those who are making this purchase with a partner—are opting to save for a home in lieu of…

A Second Chance at Low Mortgage Rates in 2016

When the Federal Reserve raised interest rates a month ago, many people expected mortgage rates to be affected as well, and homebuyers may have felt they’d missed out on the historical lows mortgage rates had fallen to by that point.

4 Things You Should Be Doing Now to Buy a New Home Next Spring

The holiday season will be over before you know it, and it will be time yet again for New Year’s resolutions and house hunting season. If you’ve thought that next year is the year you want to buy a new home, here are a few things you should be doing right now: 1. Save If […]