How much house can I afford in Texas?

All-in cost first, always. Estimate only — not a loan quote or pre-approval.

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Texas at a glance

Median home price
$345,000
Typical closing costs
1%–3% of price
Transfer tax
None
Closing custom
escrow
Homestead exemption
Texas offers a mandatory general residence homestead exemption for school district taxes: $140,000 of assessed value (Texas Tax Code §11.13(b), increased from $100,000 by a 2026 constitutional amendment). Homeowners age 65+ or disabled qualify for an additional $60,000 school-district exemption (total $200,000). Local taxing units may offer additional optional exemptions (up to 20% of appraised value, minimum $5,000). Once qualified as a homestead, annual increases in appraised value are capped at 10%. Applies automatically in subsequent years once filed once.

First-time buyer / down payment assistance programs

  • My First Texas Home (TDHCA)

    Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs program offering a below-market 30-year fixed-rate mortgage plus up to 5% down payment/closing cost assistance as a 0%-interest deferred second lien (repaid at sale, refinance, or payoff) for first-time homebuyers and veterans.

  • Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC)

    Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation program for teachers, firefighters, police/correctional officers, EMS personnel, and veterans: 30-year fixed mortgage plus down payment assistance and Mortgage Credit Certificates.

  • Home Sweet Texas Home Loan Program (TSAHC)

    Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation program for low- and moderate-income Texas homebuyers generally: 30-year fixed mortgage plus down payment assistance and Mortgage Credit Certificates.

  • Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

    TDHCA program providing a federal tax credit equal to 15% of annual mortgage interest paid (roughly $2,000/year in savings) for eligible first-time homebuyers, usable alongside a first mortgage.