Mortgages in Texas: what to know before you borrow.
How closings, taxes, insurance and building actually work in Texas, in plain English, and which program fits which borrower. Buying in Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin or anywhere else in the state: start here, then ask Rosie the specifics. Sean originates in all 50 states.
The Texas realities that shape a loan
How closings work
Title companies run closings statewide, and the seller customarily pays for the owner's title policy. There is no state income tax.
Taxes and transfer costs
With no income tax, property taxes carry more of the load and are higher than most buyers from other states expect. The homestead exemption matters, and the Texas constitution places its own limits on home-equity and cash-out lending that do not exist elsewhere.
Insurance
Hail and wind drive premiums across the state; coastal counties rely on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association for wind coverage and often need flood insurance too.
Building and renovating
Building is common and relatively fast in most counties, with no zoning at all in some unincorporated areas. Foundations on expansive clay soil are the inspection item to ask about.
Veterans
One of the largest veteran populations in the nation, anchored by Fort Cavazos, Joint Base San Antonio and the Gulf Coast. Few counties are high-cost, so zero-down purchases are routine.
State programs
First-time and lower-down-payment programs in Texas run through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Ask Rosie whether one fits before you assume it does not.
Plain-English notes, not legal or tax advice. Verify the specifics for your county and town.
Pick the page for who you are
The program fits the borrower, not the zip code. Each page is written for Texas.
Texas mortgage FAQ
Does Sean lend in Texas?
Yes. Sean originates in all 50 states, Texas included, through a national portfolio lender with the same file and the same underwriter from application to close.
What is different about buying in Texas?
Title companies run closings statewide, and the seller customarily pays for the owner's title policy. There is no state income tax. With no income tax, property taxes carry more of the load and are higher than most buyers from other states expect. The homestead exemption matters, and the Texas constitution places its own limits on home-equity and cash-out lending that do not exist elsewhere.
Which program fits me in Texas?
It depends on who you are, not where you are: physicians, veterans, builders, renovators and high-net-worth borrowers each have a page for Texas below. If you are not sure, ask Rosie first, free, any hour, and book Sean when you are ready.
Ask first. Book when you're ready.
No forms. No credit check. No follow-up calls unless you ask for one. Just a conversation with Rosie about Texas.
Ask Rosie