Work through each section in order. Check items off as you complete them and watch your progress climb. Use the calculators to sanity-check your numbers before you make an offer.
Checklist completion
Keep total monthly housing ≤ 28% of gross income and total debts ≤ 43% DTI.
Tip: Put this PDF on the opt-in confirmation page to boost completions.
1) Get Your Money Right
Illustrative; actual costs vary by lender, title, taxes, and insurance.
Property taxes and insurance hit harder in Tarrant/Denton. Budget honestly—don’t go house-poor.
2) Gather Documents for Pre-Approval
3) Shop Lenders & Get Pre-Approved
For a $350,000 example. Verify current rates with your lender.
4) Down Payment Assistance / Grants
Texas options include TSAHC, TDHCA – My First Texas Home, and USDA (if property qualifies). VA buyers may combine certain assistance toward closing costs—ask your lender.
Some assistance raises your base rate or adds a lien. Read the fine print before you lock.
5) Choose Your Agent (Local to Haslet/Tarrant/Denton)
6) House Hunting (Discipline Wins)
Location beats upgrades. You can change countertops—not floodplains, schools, or commute.
7) Offer Strategy
8) Option Period = Inspections
Walk if foundation is moving, flood risk is high, or issues are uninsurable without expensive mitigation.
9) Appraisal & Underwriting
10) Insurance, Title, & Survey
11) Final Walkthrough & Closing
12) After Closing (Texas-Specific)
Budget 1–2% of home value annually for maintenance. On $350k, that’s $3,500–$7,000.
Calculators
Affordability Quick Check
Enter numbers to see your max PITI.
Mortgage Payment Estimator
Enter details to calculate a payment estimate.
These tools are educational—confirm numbers with your lender before making offers.
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