Dallas–Fort Worth · first-time buyers
Your first home in DFW, step by step.
Browse homes listed by local Realtors, take the TA-Next first-time buyer course, and get pre-approved when you are ready.
Homes for sale
Fresh listings across Dallas–Fort Worth
New Dallas–Fort Worth listings are on the way
Local Realtors are adding their homes now. Tell us what you are looking for and we will send matching homes as soon as they are listed.
Your path to the keys
Four steps from renting to owning.
Take the buyer course
TA-Next Academy's American Dream course: financing, down payment, credit and your money plan.
Get pre-approved
Know your real monthly number and price range before you fall in love with a house.
Find your home
Browse homes from local Realtors, on a list or a map, and contact the agent directly.
Close and move in
Title company, final walkthrough, keys — then file your homestead exemption.
Educational course · TA-Next Academy
First-Time Home Buyer Strategy
A step-by-step guide to mortgage financing, down payments, credit scores and building the right financial strategy before you buy your home.
First-time buyer FAQ
Questions first-time buyers ask us most.
Down payment, credit, Texas assistance programs, the option period and closing — short, straight answers.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the program. Some conventional options start as low as 3% down, FHA as low as 3.5%, and eligible VA borrowers can buy with $0 down. Texas down payment assistance can cover part of it.
See what fits you →How much do I need to save in total?
Beyond the down payment, plan for closing costs and reserves. In Texas you also put up earnest money and usually an option fee when your offer is accepted. We help you build a realistic target.
Does my credit need to be perfect?
No. Many programs work with a range of credit profiles. We explain what affects your options and what to fix first if anything needs work.
What loan is best for first-time buyers?
It depends on your finances and goals. FHA and conventional low-down-payment programs are common starting points; VA is worth checking if you or your spouse served.
Is there down payment help in Texas?
Yes. Statewide programs include TDHCA's My First Texas Home and TSAHC's Homes for Texas Heroes and Home Sweet Texas, and many cities and counties run their own. They have income and price limits that change, so we check which ones fit your income and the county you are buying in.
What is pre-approval and why get it first?
A lender's review of your income, credit and assets that shows how much you may borrow. It sets your real budget and makes your offer stronger with sellers.
Start a pre-approval →For Texas Realtors
List your Dallas–Fort Worth homes here — free.
Add a listing once in GR CRM and publish it to DFW First Home and the rest of our Texas network. Your name, brokerage, license and phone appear on every listing page — buyers contact you directly.
- Your own agent page with all your active listings
- Map, photo gallery and open house dates on every listing
- Buyer inquiries go to you, not to a lead marketplace
Ready to see what you can afford?
A pre-approval takes a few minutes to start and tells you your real price range.