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Conventional loans in Texas

Quick answer

Conventional loans in Texas allow as little as 3% down (about $7,812 on a $260,400 home) with a 620+ credit score, up to the $832,750 baseline conforming limit.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsLast updated

Conventional loan snapshot for Texas

ItemEstimate
Minimum down payment3%
Minimum credit score620
Typical TX home value$260,400
3.5% down on typical home$9,114
20% down on typical home$52,080
Avg. effective property tax1.58%/yr (~$343/mo)
Income for typical home (31% rule)$87,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Which Texas programs pair with Conventional loans?

  • My First Texas Home: A first mortgage with down payment assistance for first-time buyers and veterans.
  • My Choice Texas Home: Assistance for buyers who are not first-time buyers but meet income limits.
  • Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC): Assistance for teachers, first responders, nurses, corrections officers and veterans.

Details and current limits: Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) & TSAHC.

How does a conventional loan work?

Conventional loans are made by private lenders and usually sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Because they follow those agencies' guidelines, they're called conforming loans. You can choose a fixed rate (15, 20 or 30 years) or an adjustable rate.

Your rate and mortgage insurance cost depend heavily on your credit score and down payment, so improving either before you apply can noticeably lower your payment.

Who qualifies for a conventional loan?

  • Credit score: generally 620 minimum.
  • Debt-to-income (DTI): up to 45%, and sometimes 50% with strong compensating factors.
  • Down payment: 3% (HomeReady, Home Possible, 97% LTV programs) to 5%+.
  • Steady, documented income — usually two years of history.
  • Property: primary homes, second homes and investment properties are all allowed (with higher down payments for non-primary homes).

Conventional loans in Texas cities

Conventional in HoustonConventional in San AntonioConventional in DallasConventional in AustinConventional in Fort WorthConventional in El PasoConventional in ArlingtonConventional in Corpus ChristiConventional in PlanoConventional in LubbockConventional in LaredoConventional in IrvingConventional in GarlandConventional in FriscoConventional in McKinneyConventional in AmarilloConventional in Grand PrairieConventional in BrownsvilleConventional in KilleenConventional in PasadenaConventional in MesquiteConventional in DentonConventional in McAllenConventional in WacoConventional in MidlandConventional in CarrolltonConventional in LewisvilleConventional in AbileneConventional in PearlandConventional in Round RockConventional in College StationConventional in RichardsonConventional in The WoodlandsConventional in League CityConventional in OdessaConventional in BeaumontConventional in Sugar LandConventional in TylerConventional in AllenConventional in EdinburgConventional in Wichita FallsConventional in San AngeloConventional in New BraunfelsConventional in ConroeConventional in AtascocitaConventional in TempleConventional in MissionConventional in BryanConventional in BaytownConventional in LongviewConventional in PharrConventional in GeorgetownConventional in Flower MoundConventional in Cedar ParkConventional in MansfieldConventional in Missouri CityConventional in HarlingenConventional in North Richland HillsConventional in San MarcosConventional in Leander

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Conventional loans are available statewide in Texas through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.

Often yes. Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) & TSAHC and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.

Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve Texas.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.