The right loan for where you are right now
First home, next home, or a smarter refinance, we will walk every option with you in plain English and help you choose with confidence.
First-Time Buyer Programs
Our specialty. A guided, no-pressure path from "can I even do this?" to keys in hand, including down payment assistance options available across the DFW metroplex.
Best for: buying your very first homeConventional Loans
Flexible, competitive financing for buyers with steady credit and a plan. Often the lowest long-term cost when you qualify, with options for as little as 3% down.
Best for: solid credit, a clear budgetFHA Loans
Lower credit and down payment requirements that open the door for more Texas buyers. A great fit when you are still building credit or savings.
Best for: lower down payment, building creditVA Home Loans
Honoring those who served with $0-down options, no monthly mortgage insurance, and a team that knows the process inside and out.
Best for: veterans, active military, eligible spousesUSDA Loans
$0-down financing for eligible homes in rural and many suburban areas around Fort Worth. More neighborhoods qualify than most buyers expect.
Best for: eligible rural and suburban areasJumbo Loans
Financing for higher-value DFW homes that exceed standard limits, structured around your bigger financial picture.
Best for: higher-priced homesRefinancing
Lower your payment, shorten your term, or tap equity. We will show you honestly if and when a refinance actually makes sense for you.
Best for: current homeownersHomes for Heroes®
Extra savings for the local heroes who serve our community, stacked on top of the loan program that fits you best. See if you qualify.
Best for: firefighters, military, teachers, healthcare, law enforcementHow much do you actually need to put down?
Less than most Texas buyers think. Here is how the main programs compare.
Conventional: as low as 3% down
For buyers with steady credit. Mortgage insurance comes off once you reach 20% equity, unlike FHA.
FHA: 3.5% down
Flexible credit guidelines, with options for credit scores many other loans turn away. A favorite for first-time buyers.
VA: $0 down
For veterans, active military, and eligible spouses. No monthly mortgage insurance and no down payment required.
USDA: $0 down
For eligible homes in rural and many suburban areas around Fort Worth, with income limits based on your county.
Which one is right for you?
It is the most common question first-time buyers ask, and the honest answer is that it depends on your credit, your savings, and your plans. Here is the short version.
Choose FHA if you are still building credit or want the most flexible approval. Choose conventional if you have solid credit and want to drop mortgage insurance down the road. We will run both side by side with your real numbers so you can see the monthly difference, not just the rate.
Compare your options →
Texas help for first-time buyers
You may not need to save the entire down payment yourself.
Statewide grant and second-lien programs
Texas programs through agencies like TSAHC and TDHCA can help cover your down payment and part of your closing costs, often starting around a 620 credit score.
Local DFW assistance
Several cities and counties in the metroplex add their own buyer assistance on top of state programs. We will check what you qualify for in your area.
Homes for Heroes savings
If you serve our community, your assistance can stack with Homes for Heroes savings.
Program availability, income limits, and terms change and vary by location. Ask Kimi for the options that fit your situation.
Loan program questions
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
It depends on the loan. FHA is the most flexible, and the minimum is often lower than buyers expect. If you are still building credit, we will show you exactly what to work toward.
What is mortgage insurance, and can I get rid of it?
On conventional loans, mortgage insurance drops off once you reach 20% equity. On FHA loans it usually stays for the life of the loan, which is one reason we compare both for you.
Can I use gift money for my down payment?
Often yes. There are documentation steps so the funds are not flagged in underwriting, and we will walk you through them early so closing stays smooth.
How do I know which loan is best for me?
That is our job. We look at your credit, your down payment, and your goals, then put the options side by side in plain English so you can choose with confidence.
"There is no single best loan, only the best loan for you. The right FHA, conventional, or VA choice can change your monthly payment by hundreds of dollars, so we compare them with your real numbers."
Kimi OrtegaLoan Officer, NMLS #495946 · Producing Branch Manager, Legacy Mutual Mortgage · Serving Texas since 2008
Not sure which one fits?
That is exactly what we are here for. Tell us a little about your goals and we will point you to the right option, no pressure and no obligation.
Get Pre-Approved Today →