Mortgage Pre-Approval in Texas
Getting pre-approved for a Texas mortgage means a lender has verified your income, credit, and assets and confirmed how much you can borrow, usually within 24 hours. A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're a serious buyer, which matters in competitive Texas markets, and it's the first real step before house hunting.
Get your Texas mortgage pre-approval in as little as 24 hours. With access to TDHCA's My First Texas Home (up to 5% DPA) and the state's generous Homestead Exemption, we'll help you maximize your buying power in the Lone Star State.
The Texas Housing Market Right Now
Texas has shifted decisively toward buyers in 2026. Years of aggressive homebuilding have pushed supply to roughly five months statewide, the statewide median now sits near $345,000, and homes are taking about 68 days to sell. Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth remain steady, while Austin and San Antonio have cooled and corrected, so sellers there are actively offering concessions and rate buydowns. For a pre-approved buyer, that combination of ample inventory and motivated sellers means real room to negotiate on price and terms.
Why do you need pre-approval to buy a home in Texas?
Pre-approval matters in Texas because it proves to sellers you can actually close, and in a fast-moving market that is often what separates a winning offer from one that never gets a callback. Texas is one of America's fastest-growing states, with cities like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio seeing explosive population growth. This influx of buyers, many relocating from higher-cost states, creates fierce competition for homes, especially in the $300K-$600K range. Most buyers in that range finance with a Texas conventional loan, though FHA and VA options remain popular.
The median home price in Texas is approximately $345,000, but varies significantly by metro: Austin averages $450K+, while San Antonio and Houston remain more affordable around $325K. With homes selling within 30-45 days in hot markets, a pre-approval letter is your ticket to being taken seriously. Before you apply, estimate your price range with our affordability calculator.
Texas Market Reality
In Austin and DFW, multiple offers are common. Sellers in these markets often won't review offers without a pre-approval letter attached, making it essential, not optional.
- Compete against cash buyers and relocators
- Know your budget before touring homes
- Qualify for TDHCA/TSAHC down payment assistance
- Take advantage of Texas Homestead Exemption planning
Texas Loan Limits for 2026
Texas uses the standard baseline conforming loan limits
All Texas counties fall under the standard baseline limit. This applies to Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and all other metros.
FHA limits vary by county. Most Texas counties use the 2026 floor of $541,287, while high-cost metros like Austin have higher limits.
Good News for Texas Buyers
With median prices around $345K, most Texas homes fall well within conforming limits. This means better rates and more loan options compared to high-cost states.
What first-time buyer programs are available in Texas?
Texas first-time buyers can combine our own FHA down payment grant with statewide TDHCA and TSAHC assistance of up to 5%, plus the Veterans Land Board and local city programs. Eligibility for every third-party program is confirmed at pre-approval.
FHA Down Payment Grant: 2% or 3.5% With No Repayment
If covering the down payment is your biggest hurdle, our FHA down payment grant provides 2% or 3.5% of the purchase price with no repayment. It is our own product, not a government program, so we can pair it directly with your Texas FHA pre-approval.
- 620 minimum credit score
- No repayment, the grant is never paid back
- Cannot be combined with high-balance loans
- Available on Texas FHA purchases
TDHCA program pairing a 30-year fixed mortgage with up to 5% down payment assistance as a 0% second lien, structured as either a 30-year deferred repayable loan or a 3-year deferred forgivable loan (forgiven after 36 months). Not a grant. 620 minimum credit score; for first-time buyers and qualified veterans. Homebuyer education required.
Same up to 5% assistance and 0% second lien structure as My First Texas Home, but with no first-time buyer requirement. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. 620 minimum credit score.
TSAHC assistance you can take as a grant with no repayment or as a 3-year forgivable second lien. No first-time buyer requirement. 620 minimum credit score (640 for conventional HFA options). Income limits apply and vary by county and program, confirmed at pre-approval.
TSAHC program for teachers, firefighters, police, EMS, corrections officers, and veterans. Same grant or 3-year forgivable second lien structure, and a Mortgage Credit Certificate may be available. Income limits apply and vary by county.
Texas VLB offers loans up to the conforming loan limit ($832,750 for 2026) with discounted rates. 30% disabled veterans get additional rate reductions.
City down payment assistance is also available in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Amounts, occupancy rules, and funding windows change, so we check current availability during pre-approval.
What documents do I need for pre-approval in Texas?
For a Texas pre-approval you generally need photo ID, recent pay stubs, two years of W-2s or tax returns, and recent bank and asset statements. Have these ready to speed up your pre-approval.
Missing documents? Don't worry, we'll guide you through alternatives.
Start My Pre-ApprovalHow fast can you get pre-approved in Texas?
Most Texas buyers are pre-approved within 24 hours, and same-day pre-approval is available when you have already found a home. With 20+ years of experience and streamlined processes, we work quickly.
Complete application with documents submitted online. Most approvals within one business day.
Found a home already? Call us for same-day pre-approval when time is critical.
Pre-approval letters valid for 60-90 days. Easy renewal with updated documents if needed.
How Much Home Can You Afford in Texas?
Use our calculator to estimate your buying power before applying for pre-approval.
Home Affordability Calculator
Discover how much house you can afford based on your income and debts
Car loans, credit cards, student loans, etc.
Lenders typically prefer ratios below 45%/45%
Ready to make it official?
Get PreApproved NowHow do Texas property taxes affect my mortgage?
Texas property taxes raise your monthly payment because lenders collect them through your escrow account, so a higher tax rate means a higher total payment even at the same loan amount. Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes average 1.6-2.2% annually, among the highest in the nation. However, Texas offers a generous Homestead Exemption that reduces your taxable value by at least $100,000 (and more in some counties and for seniors/disabled homeowners).
Homestead Exemption Benefits
- $100,000 off taxable value (school district)
- Additional local exemptions vary by county
- 10% annual cap on value increases
- Must be primary residence, apply by April 30
Example on $400K Home
- Without exemption (2%): ~$8,000/year
- With $100K exemption: ~$6,000/year
- Annual savings: ~$2,000
- Monthly escrow difference: ~$167
Why Texas Homebuyers Trust Us
Real testimonials from Texas homebuyers
Serving Texas homebuyers across Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio
All pre-approvals reviewed by experienced Texas loan officers
Texas Pre-Approval: Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what Texas buyers ask us most
What are Texas's 2026 conforming loan limits?
Texas's 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 for most counties. This is the baseline national limit since Texas doesn't have designated high-cost areas for conforming loans. For homes above this amount, jumbo loan pre-approval is required.
What is the My First Texas Home program?
My First Texas Home through TDHCA offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with up to 5% down payment assistance. The DPA can be a grant or 0% deferred loan forgivable after 3 years. First-time buyers with 620+ credit scores are eligible, with income and purchase price limits varying by county.
How do Texas property taxes affect my mortgage payment?
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes average 1.6-2.2% annually, higher than the national average. On a $400,000 home, expect $6,400-$8,800/year in property taxes. However, the Homestead Exemption reduces taxable value by at least $100,000 for your primary residence.
What credit score do I need for Texas mortgage pre-approval?
For TDHCA/TSAHC programs, you need a minimum 620 credit score (640 for manufactured homes). FHA loans require 580+, though most lenders prefer 620+. VA loans typically require 620+. We work with all credit profiles and can advise on improvement strategies.
Are Texas homebuyers gaining negotiating power in 2026?
Yes. Texas has swung toward a buyer-leaning market in 2026, with roughly five months of supply statewide and homes taking about 68 days to sell. Metros like Austin and San Antonio have seen visible price cuts, while Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth remain steadier. That extra inventory gives pre-approved buyers room to negotiate on price, request repairs, and ask for closing-cost help, leverage that simply didn't exist a couple of years ago.
Should I ask for seller concessions in today's Texas market?
Often, yes. Because many Texas homes are sitting longer, sellers are increasingly willing to fund closing costs or pay for a temporary or permanent rate buydown to keep a deal together. Conventional and FHA loans both allow seller-paid concessions within program limits. When you're pre-approved with us, we help you structure an offer that uses those concessions to lower your upfront cash or monthly payment without overpaying for the home.
What is the TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes program?
Homes for Texas Heroes is a Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) program that provides down payment and closing-cost assistance, typically 3% to 5% of the loan amount, paired with a fixed-rate mortgage for eligible professions including teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, and veterans. The assistance can come as a grant that never has to be repaid. We'll confirm your eligibility and combine it with the best loan program during pre-approval.
Get Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Quote
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- ✓ Local Texas market expertise
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