---
title: First-Time Home Buyer Texas | Step-by-Step Guide | Aravian Financial
description: "First-time home buyer guide for Texas. Learn the steps, loan programs, down payment assistance, and how to get pre-approved. Kris Syevens NMLS #566937 | Aravian Financial."
---
- Buy a Home
- [Pre-Qualify Now](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify)
- [Get a Rate Quote](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote)
- [Loan Programs](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/loan-programs)
- [First-Time Buyers](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/first-time-buyers)
- [Down Payment Assistance](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/down-payment-assistance)
- Refinance
- [Rate & Term Refi](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/refinance)
- [Cash-Out Refinance](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/cash-out-refinance)
- [Streamline Refinance](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/streamline-refinance)
- [Loan Types](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/loan-programs)
- [Conventional](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/conventional)
- [FHA](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/fha)
- [VA Loans](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/va)
- [USDA](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/usda)
- [Specialty Loans](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/specialty-loans)
- [Calculators](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/calculators)
- [Blog](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/blog)
- About
- [About Kris](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/about)
- [Meet the Team](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/team)
- [Reviews](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/reviews)
- [Careers](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/careers)
- [Contact](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/contact)
[Pre-Qualify](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify) [Get a Quote](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote)
Buy a Home ▾
[Pre-Qualify Now](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify) [Get a Rate Quote](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote) [Loan Programs](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/loan-programs) [First-Time Buyers](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/first-time-buyers) [Down Payment Assistance](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/down-payment-assistance)
Refinance ▾
[Rate & Term Refi](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/refinance) [Cash-Out Refinance](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/cash-out-refinance) [Streamline Refinance](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/streamline-refinance)
Loan Types ▾
[Conventional](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/conventional) [FHA](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/fha) [VA Loans](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/va) [USDA](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/usda) [Jumbo](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/jumbo) [Reverse Mortgage](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/reverse-mortgage) [Specialty Loans](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/specialty-loans)
[Calculators](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/calculators) [Blog](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/blog)
About ▾
[About Kris](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/about) [Meet the Team](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/team) [Reviews](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/reviews) [Careers](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/careers) [Contact](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/contact)
[Pre-Qualify](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify) [Get a Quote](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote)
# Buying Your First Home in Texas. Here is How It Works.
Buying your first home feels overwhelming until someone walks you through it. Kris Syevens at Aravian Financial has helped hundreds of Texas first-time buyers go from confused to closed. No pressure, just answers.
[Get Pre-Approved](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify)[See My Loan Options](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote)
As low as 3% down
Down payment assistance available
No credit pull to get started
Texas Licensed Broker
Texas Licensed Broker
20+ Lender Partners
TSAHC Participating Lender
Equal Housing Opportunity
3%
Min Down (Conventional)
3.5%
Min Down (FHA)
$0
Down (VA / USDA)
Up to 5%
DPA Available in Texas
## The Texas Home Buying Process — Step by Step
Here is the entire process from start to keys in hand. Understanding each step removes the anxiety and puts you in control.
1
### Get Pre-Approved
Before you look at homes, know your budget. Pre-approval tells sellers you are a serious buyer and tells you exactly what you can afford.
2
### Choose Your Loan
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, or DPA programs. Kris identifies which programs you qualify for and which gives you the best terms.
3
### Find a Home
Work with a real estate agent to find a home within your pre-approved budget. Your pre-approval letter makes your offer competitive.
4
### Make an Offer
Your agent submits an offer. Once accepted, you are under contract. The clock starts on inspections and financing.
5
### Inspection and Appraisal
A home inspector checks the property. Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the purchase price.
6
### Underwriting and Clear to Close
Your loan file goes through underwriting. Kris manages this process and communicates any conditions quickly.
7
### Closing Day
You sign documents at a title company, funds are transferred, and you receive your keys. The whole process typically takes 21-30 days.
8
### You Own Your Home
Congratulations. Your mortgage payment replaces your rent. You are building equity with every payment and benefit from Texas no state income tax.
## First-Time Buyer Loan Programs in Texas
As a first-time buyer you have access to more programs than most borrowers. Here are the most popular options in Texas.
Most Flexible
#### FHA Loan
3.5% down, 580+ credit score, flexible debt-to-income ratios. The most popular choice for first-time buyers with moderate credit.
[Learn More →](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/fha)
Lowest Cost
#### Conventional
As little as 3% down through Fannie Mae HomeReady or Freddie Mac Home Possible. No upfront MIP and PMI is removable.
[Learn More →](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/conventional)
Military
#### VA Loan
Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active duty. No PMI ever. The most powerful home loan available.
[Learn More →](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/va)
Rural Texas
#### USDA Loan
Zero down for eligible Texas properties outside major metro areas. More areas qualify than most people expect.
[Learn More →](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/usda)
Texas DPA
#### TSAHC Down Payment Assistance
Up to 5% of your loan amount as a grant or forgivable loan. Works on top of FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional.
[Learn More →](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/tsahc)
Heroes
#### Homes for Texas Heroes
For teachers, first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers. Enhanced DPA limits and competitive rates.
[Learn More →](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/tsahc)
## What Lenders Look At
Understanding how lenders evaluate your application removes uncertainty from the process. Every lender weighs four main factors:
**Credit score and history** — Shows your track record of repaying debt. Higher scores unlock lower rates and better programs.
**Income and employment** — Stable, documented income for at least 2 years. W-2 employees and self-employed borrowers both qualify.
**Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)** — Your total monthly debt payments divided by gross income. Most programs want this below 43-50%.
**Assets and down payment** — How much you have saved and where the funds came from. Gift funds are allowed on most programs.
## Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to buy my first home in Texas?
First-time buyers in Texas can purchase with as little as 0-3.5% down depending on the loan program. FHA requires 3.5%, conventional starts at 3%, VA and USDA require 0% for eligible borrowers. Down payment assistance programs through TSAHC can cover up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs to near zero. You will also need funds for closing costs (typically 2-4% of the loan) unless you negotiate seller concessions or use a no-closing-cost structure.
What credit score do I need to buy a house in Texas?
Credit score requirements vary by program. FHA requires 580 for 3.5% down (500-579 with 10% down). Conventional loans have no GSE minimum but lender overlays apply. VA has no minimum credit score. USDA typically requires 640 for automated approval. Working with a broker like Kris means your application is matched to the right program for your credit profile, rather than being declined and having to start over.
What is the first step to buying a home in Texas?
Get pre-approved. Pre-approval requires no credit pull to get started with Kris. Once you decide to move forward, Kris reviews your income, assets, and credit to determine how much you qualify for, which programs fit your situation, and what your estimated payment and closing costs will be. Pre-approval typically takes 24-48 hours and gives you a letter you can present with any offer.
Are there first-time buyer programs in Texas?
Yes. Texas has excellent programs including TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes (for teachers, first responders, veterans, and nurses), TSAHC Home Sweet Texas (for all eligible buyers), and city programs in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. TSAHC provides up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant or forgivable loan that can cover your down payment and closing costs. Kris is a TSAHC-participating lender and can apply these programs directly.
How long does it take to buy a home in Texas?
Once you are under contract on a home, the mortgage process typically takes 21-30 days to close. The timeline from starting your home search to closing depends on the market, but many buyers are in their new home within 60-90 days of starting the process. Getting pre-approved before you start searching puts you in the fastest possible position to close.
What are closing costs for a first-time buyer in Texas?
Closing costs in Texas typically range from 2-4% of the loan amount and include lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, survey, prepaid property taxes and insurance, and government recording fees. Seller concessions, lender credits, and down payment assistance programs can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket closing costs. Kris provides a detailed loan estimate showing all costs before you commit to anything.
### Ready to Start?
No credit pull required. Get your options in 24-48 hours.
Min Down Payment0 - 3.5%
DPA AvailableUp to 5%
Min Credit (FHA)580+
Typical Close21-30 days
TSAHCParticipating Lender
[Get Pre-Approved](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify) [See My Loan Options](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote)
Rates and requirements subject to change. All loans subject to credit approval. Not a commitment to lend. NMLS #566937.
**Kris Syevens**NMLS #566937 · Aravian Financial
#### Related Programs
- [FHA Loan](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/fha)
- [Conventional](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/conventional)
- [VA Loan](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/va)
- [USDA Loan](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/usda)
- [Down Payment Assistance](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/specialty-loans)
- [TSAHC Programs](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/specialty-loans)
- [All Loan Programs](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/loan-programs)
## Ready to become a Texas homeowner?
Takes 2 minutes. No credit pull. No pressure. Just answers.
[Get Pre-Approved](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify)[View Loan Programs](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/loan-programs)
×
First-Time Buyer
First-Time
Buyer's Guide
Kris Syevens · NMLS #566937
Free Guide
## Get Your First-Time Buyer's Guide
Enter your details and we'll send it straight to your inbox — plus an instant download.
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Send Me the Guide
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By submitting, you agree to be contacted by Aravian Financial. NMLS #566937 | NMLS #2691016.
## Your guide is on the way!
Check your inbox for your copy. You can also download it right now below.
[Download Now](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/hubfs/First%20Time%20Buyer%20Guide.pdf)
Independent mortgage broker serving Houston and all of Texas. NMLS #566937 | Aravian Financial NMLS #2691016.
#### Buy
- [Pre-Qualify Now](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify)
- [Get a Quote](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote)
- [First-Time Buyers](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/first-time-buyers)
- [Down Payment Help](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/down-payment-assistance)
- [Calculators](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/calculators)
#### Loan Types
- [Conventional](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/conventional)
- [FHA](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/fha)
- [VA](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/va)
- [USDA](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/usda)
- [Specialty Loans](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/specialty-loans)
#### Company
- [About Kris](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/about)
- [Meet the Team](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/team)
- [Reviews](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/reviews)
- [Careers](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/careers)
- [Blog](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/blog)
- [Contact](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/contact)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/privacy-policy)
- [NMLS Consumer Access](https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
Equal Housing Opportunity
© 2026 Aravian Financial. All rights reserved. Kris Syevens, NMLS #566937
[Privacy](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/privacy-policy)[Terms](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/terms)[NMLS Access](https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
Aravian Financial, NMLS #2691016 | Kris Syevens, NMLS #566937 | Licensed Mortgage Broker, State of Texas. This is not a commitment to lend. Rates, terms, and programs are subject to change without notice. All loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.
[Pre-Qualify](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/pre-qualify)[Get a Quote](https://www.aravianfinancial.com/get-a-quote)
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