Steps to Buying Your First Home in Texas 2026: Complete 10-Step Guide
MT
Michael Thompson
USDA & Rural Housing Specialist • 14+ Years
Published January 26, 2026 • 9 min read
Buying your first home in Texas? You're in the best state for first-time buyers! Texas offers $5,000-$30,000 in grants, no state income tax, and affordable home prices ($300K median). This complete 10-step guide walks you through the entire Texas home buying process, from pre-approval to closing, with timelines, costs, and insider tips.
🏠 Texas Quick Facts (January 2026)
- ✓Median Home Price: $300,000 (vs $420K national average)
- ✓Best Program: Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) - $5K-$30K assistance
- ✓Timeline: 30-45 days from offer to closing (average)
- ✓Closing Costs: 2-5% of purchase price ($6K-$15K on $300K home)
- ✓No State Income Tax: More money for your mortgage payment!
10 Steps to Buying Your First Home in Texas
📋 Step 1: Get Pre-Approved (Week 1)
What to Do:
- • Compare 3-5 Texas lenders (rates vary 0.25-0.50%)
- • Documents needed: 2 years tax returns, 2 months pay stubs, 2 months bank statements
- • Credit check: Soft pull (doesn't hurt score)
- • Pre-approval letter: Valid 60-90 days
- • Budget: Keep payment under 28% of gross income
Texas Tip: Ask about TSAHC, My First Texas Home, and local city/county programs during pre-approval.
🏡 Step 2: Find a Texas Realtor (Week 1-2)
What to Look For:
- • Experience: 5+ years in your target area
- • First-time buyer specialist: Knows assistance programs
- • Cost: FREE (seller pays 2.5-3% commission)
- • Interview 3 realtors: Choose best fit
| Step | Timeline | Cost | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 3: House Hunting | Week 2-6 | $0 | View 10-20 homes |
| Step 4: Make Offer | Week 6-8 | $500-$2K earnest | Submit written offer |
| Step 5: Home Inspection | Week 8-9 | $300-$500 | Hire inspector |
| Step 6: Appraisal | Week 9-10 | $400-$600 | Lender orders |
| Step 7: Final Loan Approval | Week 10-11 | $0 | Underwriting |
| Step 8: Final Walkthrough | Week 12 | $0 | Verify condition |
| Step 9: Closing Day | Week 12 | $6K-$15K | Sign papers, get keys |
| Step 10: Move In! | Week 13+ | Varies | Celebrate! 🎉 |
Ready to Buy Your First Home in Texas?
Get pre-approved with Texas lenders who know all the state programs, grants, and assistance options. Start your home buying journey today!
Get Pre-Approved in Texas →