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Texas Mortgage Authority

Texas Home Buying & Mortgage Insider Blog

Expert guidance on Texas home loans, refinancing strategy, credit building, and navigating the Lone Star State real estate market — from licensed Texas mortgage professionals.

4.8%

Avg 30-yr fixed
TX rate (2025)

$310K

Median TX home
price 2025

95%

FHA min. down
payment coverage

21 Days

Our avg close
timeline

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First-Time Buyers
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New Construction
Buying New Construction in Texas: Builder Contracts vs. Your Own Lender

Why using the builder's preferred lender costs you — and how to negotiate incentives without sacrificing loan terms.

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Pre-Approval
Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval in Texas: The Difference That Wins Offers

In competitive Texas markets, a TBD underwritten pre-approval beats a pre-qual every time. Here's why — and how to get one.

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Down Payment
How to Get 100% Financing in Texas: VA, USDA, and Bond Programs Explained

Zero-down options exist for qualifying Texas buyers. This guide maps out the real eligibility requirements — including geographic restrictions on USDA loans.

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Market Guide
Austin vs. Houston vs. Dallas vs. San Antonio: Which Texas Market Is Right for You?

Price-to-rent ratios, school district scores, commute patterns, and job market comparisons across the four major Texas metros.

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Refinancing Strategy
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Cash-Out Refi
Cash-Out Refinance in Texas: The 80% Rule and What It Means for You

Texas homestead laws cap cash-out refis at 80% LTV — a unique restriction with big implications. We explain the Texas A6 lien and how to plan around it.

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Rate Strategy
Rate Lock vs. Float Down: Which Strategy Saves Texas Buyers More?

In a volatile rate environment, the float-down option can save thousands — if you know how to evaluate it. A lender's guide to rate lock math.

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Loan Types
ARM vs. Fixed-Rate in Texas: When an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Actually Makes Sense

If you plan to sell or refinance within 5–7 years, a 5/1 or 7/1 ARM at today's rates can outperform a 30-year fixed. The math, explained plainly.

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Equity
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan in Texas: Critical Differences Buyers Miss

Texas's once-a-year HELOC rule and 3% fee cap are unlike any other state. Here's the regulatory landscape and smart timing strategies for Texas homeowners.

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Credit & Qualification
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Credit Building
How to Raise Your Credit Score 50+ Points Before Applying for a Texas Mortgage

The specific dispute, utilization, and authorized-user strategies that work fastest — with realistic timelines for each technique.

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Self-Employed
Mortgage for Self-Employed Texans: Bank Statement Loans vs. Conventional Options

Write-offs that reduce your taxes can also kill your mortgage approval. Here's how to document income as a Texas business owner or 1099 contractor.

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DTI Ratio
Debt-to-Income Ratio for Texas Mortgages: What's the Max and How to Lower Yours Fast

Conventional allows up to 50% DTI with strong compensating factors. FHA, VA, and USDA have different rules. This chart breaks it all down.

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Investment
Texas Investment Property Loans: What Lenders Actually Require in 2025

20–25% down, 0.5–0.75% rate add-on, and stricter reserve requirements — plus how DSCR loans bypass income verification entirely for Texas investors.

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