Flood Insurance When Buying a Home in Texas: What to Know Before December 11
FEMA now sells flood insurance online, and the program can write new policies only through December 11 unless Congress acts. Here is when Texas buyers need flood insurance, what the…
How to Remove PMI on a Conventional Loan in Texas
Fannie Mae now lets servicers reach out to homeowners who may be able to drop mortgage insurance, and Texas prices are mixed this fall. Here are the four ways to…
Buying a New Construction Home in Texas: Builder Incentives and What to Check
Builders are cutting prices and offering incentives this fall. Here is how to compare a builder's package, your right to shop for a mortgage, what Texas new home contracts say…
What Closing Costs Include and How to Lower Them in Texas
What do closing costs include, and what is different in Texas? A plain-English look at the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, title insurance and survey in Texas, prepaids and escrow,…
VA Loans for Texas Veterans: A Plain-English Guide
A plain-English look at VA-backed loans for Texas veterans: who may qualify, the Certificate of Eligibility, the funding fee, VA appraisals, and Texas programs like VLB home loans and disabled-veteran…
Refinancing in Texas: When It Makes Sense (or Not)
Refinancing can fit some goals and cost more in other cases. We explain common reasons, how to think about break-even and closing costs, the Texas home equity rules, and when…
Buying a Home in Texas with a Low Credit Score (and How to Improve It)
A lower credit score can make buying harder, but it doesn't have to end the process. Learn what lenders review, how to check your reports for free, dispute errors, and…
Texas Property Taxes and Your Monthly Mortgage Payment
Your Texas tax bill doesn't come from your lender, but it shapes your payment. Learn how appraisal districts, exemptions, protests, escrow, and MUD and PID charges fit together.
How Much House Can You Afford in Texas?
What can you really afford? We explain debt-to-income ratio, down payment, mortgage insurance, and the Texas costs that surprise buyers: property taxes, homeowners insurance, and special district fees.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Texas: Which Fits You?
Not sure which Texas first-time buyer program fits you? This plain-English guide compares FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans with TSAHC and TDHCA down payment assistance and the Mortgage Credit…