Education
Financing paths for DFW buyers
This page is general education, not a loan offer. Rates, fees, program terms, and eligibility change frequently and are set by lenders and program administrators — always confirm current numbers directly with a licensed lender before you rely on them.
Common loan paths
Conventional
Conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Down payment, mortgage insurance, and qualifying guidelines vary by program and lender.
FHA
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration and often used by buyers with shorter credit histories. Carries mortgage insurance premiums for the life of most loans.
VA
Available to eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility is confirmed with a Certificate of Eligibility.
USDA
Guaranteed rural housing loans for eligible properties in designated areas at the outer edges of the Metroplex. Check property eligibility maps before you write.
Jumbo & portfolio
Used above conforming limits or for unusual properties. Terms are set by the individual lender rather than an agency program.
Assistance programs and neutral sources
- Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)
Down payment assistance and mortgage credit certificate programs for eligible Texas buyers.
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
My First Texas Home and related statewide homebuyer programs.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Neutral tools for comparing Loan Estimates and understanding closing costs.
What to do first
- Talk with two or three lenders and compare written Loan Estimates side by side.
- Ask each lender which assistance programs they are approved to originate.
- Get a full pre-approval — not a pre-qualification — before touring, so offers can move quickly.
- Budget for taxes and insurance using county appraisal district data for the exact property, not neighborhood averages.
Want help lining this up?
John can walk you through how each path affects your offer strategy in DFW.