Mortgage guidance · Licensed state
Mortgage broker serving Texas
Michael DuBois is a mortgage broker serving eligible buyers and homeowners in Texas, one of 14 states where he is licensed through Stonebridge Mortgage Inc. For first-time buyers, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) publishes a homeownership program worth checking before you commit to a financing plan.
Which Texas first-time-buyer resource is available?
Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program is published by Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). TSAHC’s official program page describes fixed-rate mortgage loans paired with down-payment assistance for low- and moderate-income households, including first-time and repeat buyers. If eligible, assistance may be up to 5% of the loan amount for down payment and/or closing costs, offered as a grant or a forgivable second lien loan; the page states that program terms, income, purchase-price, credit, property, and other requirements apply. Apply through a TSAHC-approved participating lender.
Program availability, rates and borrower eligibility change. Ask the agency or a participating lender to confirm the current rules for the property and your application.
How might Texas property taxes affect the payment?
Texas has no state property tax. Local taxing units set rates and collect property taxes; the amount depends on the property’s local appraisal and applicable taxing units, exemptions, and rates. Use the Texas Comptroller and Texas.gov guidance linked below, then confirm the property's details with the county Tax Assessor-Collector.
Official references: Texas Comptroller: property tax basics · Texas.gov: property tax transparency
Get a property-specific estimate from the local assessor or tax office; a seller's existing bill might not reflect your future taxes.
What should a Texas buyer know about closing costs?
Closing costs are separate from the down payment and can include appraisal, title insurance, government taxes, and prepaid property taxes, insurance, and interest. Who pays can depend on the contract or state law; seller or lender credits may still be reflected indirectly in the price, loan amount, or interest rate. The CFPB's official closing-cost guidance is linked below.
References: CFPB: mortgage closing costs
Review the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure for your actual numbers and any credits or assistance. Michael can help you ask the right questions while the lender and settlement provider confirm the figures.
Texas mortgage questions
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to use Home Sweet Texas?
No. Home Sweet Texas is not limited to first-time buyers; TSAHC indicates that some repeat buyers may qualify, while specific options or targeted areas can follow different rules. A TSAHC-approved lender should review your ownership history and current requirements.
Where can Texas buyers check first-time-buyer programs?
Texas buyers can start with TSAHC’s official Home Sweet Texas program page, then speak with a TSAHC-approved participating lender. The lender can identify the applicable first-time-buyer option and check the current income, purchase-price, credit, property, and other requirements.
How are property taxes handled in Texas?
Texas does not impose a statewide property tax. Local taxing units determine and collect the bill using the property’s appraisal, applicable exemptions, and local rates; the Texas Comptroller and county Tax Assessor-Collector can provide property-specific details.
Which closing costs should a Texas buyer plan for?
Plan for costs beyond the down payment, including the appraisal, title insurance, government taxes, and prepaid taxes, homeowners insurance, and interest. The contract and applicable law may determine who pays, so compare credits and final amounts in the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
Does the Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program guarantee assistance?
No. TSAHC assistance is subject to program requirements and current availability, so it is not promised for every applicant. Confirm the assistance form and final terms with TSAHC or an approved participating lender.