Your First Home in Fort Worth
Everything you need to know about buying your first home — from pre-approval to closing day
Your 8-Step Path to Homeownership
Check Your Credit & Finances
Pull your free credit reports and review your score. Lenders typically want a 620+ for conventional loans and 580+ for FHA. Calculate your debt-to-income ratio and start building your savings.
Judy's tip: Don’t panic if your score isn’t perfect. I’ve helped buyers with 600-range scores get into great homes. Let’s talk about where you stand before you assume anything.
Research Down Payment Assistance
Texas has some of the best first-time buyer programs in the country. Many Fort Worth buyers qualify for grants or low-interest second loans that cover part or all of their down payment.
Judy's tip: Start this research early — some programs have income caps or funding cycles. I keep a current list of every program available in Tarrant County.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
A pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious and tells you exactly how much home you can afford. This is different from pre-qualification — it involves a full credit and income review.
Judy's tip: I work with several lenders who specialize in first-time buyers. Getting pre-approved before you start looking saves weeks of stress.
Find a Buyer’s Agent
Your buyer’s agent represents your interests throughout the entire process. They’ll help you find homes, write competitive offers, and negotiate on your behalf.
Judy's tip: As a first-time buyer, you need an agent who will educate you at every step — not just open doors. That’s what I do.
Start Your Home Search
With your budget set and agent in place, it’s time to tour homes. Focus on your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, and pay attention to the neighborhood, not just the house.
Judy's tip: I’ll set up a custom search so you see new Fort Worth listings the minute they hit the market. Speed matters in this market.
Make Your First Offer
Your agent will help you craft a competitive offer based on comparable sales, market conditions, and the seller’s situation. In Texas, you’ll also choose an option period length and fee.
Judy's tip: Your first offer can feel scary. I’ll walk you through every line of the contract so you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.
Navigate Inspection & Option Period
During your option period (typically 7–10 days in Fort Worth), you’ll get a professional home inspection. This is your chance to negotiate repairs or walk away with no penalty.
Judy's tip: Never skip the inspection. I’ve seen $500 inspections save buyers $15,000+ in surprise repairs. I’ll be at the inspection with you.
Close on Your New Home
After the option period, your lender finalizes the loan, the title company prepares documents, and you’ll do a final walkthrough. On closing day, you sign, get the keys, and celebrate.
Judy's tip: I’ll review your Closing Disclosure with you before signing day so there are zero surprises. Bring a valid ID and a cashier’s check — that’s it.
Texas First-Time Buyer Programs
TDHCA My First Texas Home
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance up to 5% of the loan amount. Available through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for qualified first-time buyers.
Tarrant County Down Payment Assistance
Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for qualifying buyers purchasing in Tarrant County. Income limits and purchase price caps apply.
FHA Loans
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans require just 3.5% down with credit scores as low as 580. A popular choice for first-time buyers with limited savings.
VA Loans
Available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses. Zero down payment required with competitive interest rates and no private mortgage insurance.
USDA Loans
Zero down payment loans for homes in eligible rural areas outside the Fort Worth urban core. Income limits apply, but many surrounding communities qualify.
Texas Mortgage Credit Certificate
A federal tax credit that lets you claim a portion of your annual mortgage interest as a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. Can be combined with other programs for maximum savings.
Mistakes First-Time Buyers Should Avoid
Not Getting Pre-Approved First
Shopping for homes without a pre-approval wastes time and weakens your offer. Sellers in Fort Worth expect serious buyers to have financing lined up.
Skipping the Home Inspection
A home may look perfect on the surface, but a professional inspection can uncover hidden issues like foundation problems, roof damage, or plumbing leaks.
Making Large Purchases Before Closing
Buying a car, opening new credit cards, or making big purchases between pre-approval and closing can tank your debt-to-income ratio and kill your loan.
Waiving the Option Period
In Texas, the option period gives you the unrestricted right to walk away. Waiving it to seem competitive can leave you stuck with a home that has serious problems.
Not Budgeting for Closing Costs
Closing costs typically run 2–4% of the purchase price on top of your down payment. Use our closing costs calculator to estimate what you’ll owe. View calculator →
Choosing a Home Based on Emotion Alone
It’s easy to fall in love with a home’s aesthetics and ignore practical concerns like commute times, school districts, flood zones, and long-term resale value.
Key Terms to Know
Pre-Approval
A lender’s written commitment to loan you a specific amount based on a full review of your credit, income, and assets.
Earnest Money
A good-faith deposit (typically 1–2% of the price) submitted with your offer. It’s applied to your purchase at closing.
Option Period
A negotiated window (usually 7–10 days) during which you can terminate the contract for any reason in exchange for a non-refundable option fee.
Appraisal
An independent assessment of the home’s market value, required by your lender to ensure the property supports the loan amount.
Escrow
A neutral third-party account that holds funds during the transaction. Also refers to the monthly account your lender uses to pay taxes and insurance.
Title Insurance
A policy that protects you (and your lender) against claims on the property’s ownership history. In Texas, the seller typically pays for the owner’s policy.
PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance — an extra monthly cost required when your down payment is less than 20%. It protects the lender, not you.
DTI Ratio
Debt-to-Income Ratio — your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. Most lenders want this below 43%.
Closing Disclosure
A five-page document your lender must provide at least three business days before closing. It details your final loan terms, monthly payment, and all closing costs.
HOA
Homeowners Association — a governing body in many neighborhoods that charges monthly or annual dues and enforces community rules and maintenance standards.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly payment based on price, down payment, and interest rate.
Calculate payment→Closing Costs Calculator
See a detailed breakdown of what you’ll pay at the closing table.
Estimate costs→Ready to Buy Your First Home?
I'll guide you through every step — from pre-approval to closing day. Let's make your first home purchase a great one.
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