Houston Home Loans

Houston is the energy capital of the world, the home of the Texas Medical Center, and one of the most diverse cities in the country. It’s also massive — the metro sprawls across Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston counties, each with its own housing dynamics. From The Woodlands down to Pearland, from Katy out to Baytown, the price range and neighborhood character shift dramatically depending on where you land.

The Houston economy doesn’t ride a single industry. Oil and gas still anchor the job market, but healthcare, aerospace (hello, NASA), shipping through the Port of Houston, and a growing tech sector keep demand broad.

That diversity makes Houston’s housing market more resilient than people assume — and at a median around $330K, it’s still one of the more affordable major metros in the country.

Loan Programs Available in Houston

We lend across the entire Houston metro — inside the Loop, the Energy Corridor, and every suburb in between.

Available programs:

• FHA Home Loans — 3.5% down. Strong demand in areas like Pasadena, Cypress, and Spring for first-time buyers.
• VA Home Loans — Zero down for eligible veterans. Houston’s veteran population is one of the largest in Texas.
• Conventional Loans — Fixed-rate 15- and 30-year terms. The go-to for buyers with solid credit and 5–20% down.
• Jumbo Loans — Financing for homes in River Oaks, Memorial Villages, West University Place, and The Woodlands where prices clear the conforming limit.
• USDA Loans — Zero down in eligible outlying areas of the metro.
• Bank Statement Loans — Built for Houston’s self-employed workforce. Oil and gas contractors, consultants, and independent business owners qualify using bank deposits.
• DSCR Loans — Qualify using rental income on investment properties. Houston’s renter population supports strong cash flow in most zip codes.

Houston Housing Market

Houston’s median sits around $330K, which buys a lot more house than the same money in Austin or DFW. The sheer size of the metro means prices, styles, and lot sizes vary wildly depending on which direction you drive.

Here’s the submarket breakdown:

• Inside the Loop (610): $400K–$1M+. Montrose, the Heights, Midtown, and EaDo have seen significant appreciation. Older bungalows sit next to new townhome construction. The Heights in particular has blown up — a teardown lot there can run $400K before you even build.
• Memorial / Energy Corridor: $400K–$800K. The oil and gas executive corridor. Larger lots, established neighborhoods, proximity to the major energy company campuses along I-10 West.
• River Oaks / West University / Bellaire: $700K–$3M+. Houston’s luxury tier. Jumbo financing is the norm. River Oaks is old money; West U and Bellaire attract families chasing the school districts.
• Katy: $300K–$550K. The western suburb that’s basically its own city now. Massive master-planned communities (Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch), strong schools in Katy ISD, and a commute that’s manageable if you time it right.
• Sugar Land / Missouri City: $280K–$500K. Fort Bend County’s flagship suburbs. Sugar Land has one of the most diverse populations in the state. New Town Center development has added density and walkability.
• The Woodlands / Spring: $350K–$700K. Montgomery County’s premier community. Corporate campuses for ExxonMobil, HP Enterprise, and others are right here. Higher price point than most Houston suburbs, but you get a lot for it.
• Pearland / League City / Clear Lake: $280K–$450K. Southeast side. NASA/Johnson Space Center drives employment in Clear Lake. Pearland has seen rapid growth with a mix of new construction and established neighborhoods.
• Cypress / Tomball: $300K–$500K. Northwest suburbs with strong new construction. Cy-Fair ISD is one of the largest districts in the state.

What Buyers Need to Watch

• Flooding is a real factor. Houston’s flat terrain and heavy rainfall create flood risk that varies block by block. Flood insurance is required in many areas and optional-but-smart in others. Check FEMA maps before you fall in love with a house. Lenders will require proof of coverage if you’re in a designated flood zone. Post-Harvey, many buyers also check whether a home has flooded previously — disclosure laws in Texas require sellers to answer honestly.
• Property taxes hit hard. Like the rest of Texas, Houston’s property taxes are high — Harris County effective rates hover around 2.0–2.3%. MUD (Municipal Utility District) taxes add another layer in newer suburban developments, sometimes pushing total effective rates above 3%.
• Self-employed borrowers are everywhere. The energy sector is full of independent contractors, oilfield service companies, and small operators. Bank statement loans are one of our most-requested products in Houston for exactly this reason.
• The investor market is deep. Houston’s low price-to-rent ratio makes it a favorite for out-of-state investors. DSCR loans let you qualify on the property’s income, not yours.
• No zoning — seriously. Houston famously has no formal zoning. Deed restrictions exist in many neighborhoods, but land use is more flexible than anywhere else in the country. Good for investors, occasionally surprising for homeowners.

Why Buyers in Houston Choose 1st Nationwide

Houston’s size and complexity mean you need a lender who actually knows the market — not just a rate sheet.

• We understand Houston’s flood dynamics. We’ll walk you through insurance requirements and how flood zone status affects your loan — before it becomes a closing surprise.
• Self-employed solutions that actually work. Houston’s economy runs on contractors and independent operators. Our bank statement loan program was practically designed for this city.
• Investor-friendly lending. Whether you’re picking up a rental in Third Ward or a portfolio property in Sugar Land, our DSCR program qualifies the property, not your personal tax returns.
• Licensed in Texas, NMLS #1437886. Direct lender. No broker fees, no unnecessary layers.

Get Started

Whether you’re buying your first home in Katy, refinancing in the Heights, or picking up a rental in Third Ward — we’re ready when you are.

Call (833) 350-9185 to talk through your situation, or apply online to get the process moving.

We’ll match you with the right program and walk you through what to expect — no surprises at the closing table.