Low Down Payment FHA Options from a Trusted Texas FHA Lender
Looking to buy your first home in Texas? Lone Star Financing is a trusted Texas FHA lender offering affordable FHA loans for first-time homebuyers.
With low down payments, flexible credit guidelines, and competitive rates, FHA financing makes homeownership more accessible across Texas.
FHA Loan Qualifications:
- Stable employment/income
- Minimum FICO 600
- Must be primary residence
- 50% or lower debt to income ratio
- Minimum 3.5% down payment
Lone Star Financing offers FHA loans for first-time homebuyers with low down payments, flexible credit guidelines, and competitive rates—helping make homeownership more accessible across Texas.
These Texas FHA loan guidelines highlight common qualification standards for borrowers seeking FHA financing in Texas.
First Time Home Buyers
Minimum FICO Credit Score
600
Minimum Down Payment
3.5%
Maximum Loan To Value
96.5%*
Maximum Debt To Income
50%*
Mortgage Insurance
Yes
Years Since Bankcruptcy
2
Years Since Foreclosure
3
Years Since Short Sale
3
Special Qualification Requirements
NONE
FHA loans in Texas remain one of the most flexible mortgage options for first-time and repeat buyers statewide.
Texas FHA Loan Guidelines
- 2026 FHA loan limits: $541,287
- More flexible credit qualifications
- Minimum down payment: 3.5%
- Higher debt-to-income ratios
- Gift funds OK for down payment
Things to Know About FHA Loans for Texas Borrowers
Learn the key things to know about FHA lending, including FHA requirements, down payment options, and credit flexibility. This short video helps first-time home buyers understand how FHA financing works and what to expect.
Questions about Texas FHA loans? Speak with an FHA expert today.

Allen Lundberg
Sr. Loan Officer
NMLS #277507

Chris Lederer
Production Manager
NMLS #2004549

Jen Papaelias
Sr. Loan Officer
NMLS #2692859

Ryan Wood
Sr. Loan Officer
NMLS #1757471

Brett Dempsey
Branch Manager
NMLS #2014728
Work with a licensed Texas FHA lender backed by experienced loan officers who understand FHA guidelines and Texas lending requirements.
About FHA Loans in Texas
What are the Benefits of FHA Loans?
So what is a Texas FHA loan? A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is a government-backed mortgage designed to help individuals with lower credit scores and limited down payment funds purchase a home.
- Lower Down Payment: A big advantage to first time home buyers is that a FHA down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.
- Flexible Credit Requirements: While conventional loans usually require a higher credit score, at Lone Star Financing we can go down to 600 credit on FHA loans.
- Competitive Interest Rates: FHA mortgages in Texas come with competitive interest rates, which can reduce your monthly mortgage payment compared to other home loan options.
- Assumable Loans: Texas FHA loans, are one of the few loan types that are “assumable” meaning that you when you sell your home, the buyer may be able to take over your existing loan under its original terms. This can be a favorable selling point for prospective buyers in Texas.
- High Loan Limits: 2026 FHA loan limits in Texas are now $541,287 for most counties but this loan limit varies from county to county.
What are the Texas 2026 FHA Loan Requirements?
FHA loans are a perfect option for first time home buyers, due to lower down payments and easier credit guidelines. The FHA program is designed primarily to assist borrowers who do not meet the requirements for conventional loans. Learn more about FHA loan requirements at Lone Star Financing.
- Credit Score: While Texas FHA loans are more lenient than conventional loans, a higher credit score can still improve your chances of approval and result in better loan terms.
- Down Payment: A minimum down payment of 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value is required for those with credit scores of 580 or higher. If your credit score is between 500 and 579, a down payment of at least 10% is necessary.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio: FHA guidelines suggest that your total debt-to-income (DTI) ratio should be no more than 43%. This includes all monthly debts, such as your mortgage payment, credit card bills, and other loans.
- Property Requirements: The property must be a primary residence and meet certain standards set by the FHA to ensure it is safe and habitable. An FHA-approved appraiser will assess the property.
- Mortgage Insurance: Texas FHA loans require both an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) and monthly mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). This insurance protects the lender in case of default and is a key feature of FHA loans.
Texas FHA Refinance
- Streamline Option (Rate and Term)
- No Appraisal / No Income * Full Doc Loans
- Rate and Term / CashOut
- Closing Costs can be rolled into loan
- Terms: Up to 30 Years
- Purchase financing: up to 96.5% LTV
- Refinance financing: up to 97% LT
Texas FHA mortgage refinancing offers homeowners an opportunity to lower their mortgage rates and adjust their loan terms, potentially leading to reduced monthly payments and significant long-term savings. This type of refinancing, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, is especially beneficial for those with existing FHA loans or for first-time refinancers. It provides access to favorable terms with less stringent credit requirements compared to conventional loans. Additionally, refinancing in Texas can help consolidate debt or access home equity, making it a versatile option for improving financial stability and managing housing costs.
WHAT ARE TEXAS FHA QUALIFICATIONS?
For single-family homes, the 2026 FHA loan limit in Texas is $541,287 but it varies by county.
To qualify for an FHA loan, you’ll need to meet the following requirements.
- Stable employment/income
- The home will be your primary residence
- No foreclosures (last 3 years)
- 50% or lower DTI ratio
- Minimum 3.5% down payment
- Money to cover the upfront mortgage insurance premium (UPMIP), which could be anywhere from 2 – 6% of the purchase price.
Things to know about Texas FHA Loans
- Pre-Qualification: Start by getting pre-qualified for your FHA loan in Texas. This involves providing basic financial information to a lender to determine how much you might be eligible to borrow.
- Documentation: Gather necessary documentation, including proof of income, credit history, and employment verification. This information helps the lender assess your financial stability.
- Application Process: Complete the FHA loan application with Lone Star Financing to get started online. We will review your financial documents, credit report, and property details to determine your eligibility.
- Home Inspection and Appraisal: Schedule a home inspection and appraisal. The FHA requires an appraisal in Texas to ensure the property’s value supports the loan amount and meets safety standards.
- Loan Approval: Once your loan is approved, you’ll proceed to closing. During closing, you’ll review and sign final loan documents, and the mortgage will be funded.
Call or Apply Online and see why Lone Star Financing is the Best Mortgage Lender in Texas!
GOOD Based on 58 reviews Posted on Gyzenia TuckerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Jen Papaelias at Lone Star Financing and I cannot rave enough about her. She went above and beyond to make sure that I was able to purchase my dream home. The few minor bumps we had, she was able to help us work to get them fixed. Lone Star Financing will be the first suggestion I give everyone when looking to purchase a home!Posted on ADRIANA CASTROTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely knowledgeable, efficient and best customer care .Posted on Brodrick ColbertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had the pleasure of working with Brett Dempsey and his team over the years and he provides a first class service with the customer always in mind.Posted on Daniel RamirezTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jen made our first home mortgage process easy and stress-free! She was extremely responsive, explained everything clearly, and helped us secure a great rate. Jen answered all our questions promptly and made sure we understood every detail before closing. Her professionalism and expertise were invaluable for first-time buyers. Highly recommend Chien for anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable loan officer!Posted on Sharon DarbyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding experience with LoneStar Mortgage, thanks entirely to Brett. He did a phenomenal job from start to finish. His knowledge, creativity, and experience made all the difference, especially when challenges arose. He handled everything with confidence, professionalism, and genuine care. Him and his Team were absolute pleasures to work with and truly went above and beyond. We could not have completed this process without them. Highly recommend Brett D to anyone looking for an exceptional mortgage opportunities.Posted on Bettis MorelockTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brett is so helpful! Quality service! Can't recommend enoughPosted on Dan AndrewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I don't typically write reviews but I wanted to acknowledge the excellent service from this company, in particular Chien was knowledgeable, responsive, and a pleasure to work with!Posted on LukeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Chien at Lone Star Financing. Chien is very knowledgeable, patient and efficient. She was always available when we needed to contact her, and secured us a great rate.Posted on Chuen Leik LowTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. amazing service from Lone Star Financing! Chien was knowledgeable, responsive, and made the mortgage process effortless. always knew what was happening and felt in great hands. Highly recommend!!!