Texas Mortgage and Refinance Rates

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On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 7.76%. The national average 30-year fixed refinance APR is 7.93%, according to Bankrate's latest survey of the nation's largest mortgage lenders.

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Current mortgage interest rates in Texas
How to find the best mortgage rate in Texas for you
Mortgage options in Texas
First-time homebuyer programs in Texas

Current mortgage interest rates in Texas

As of Tuesday, September 26, 2023, current interest rates in Texas are 7.66% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.82% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. After hitting record lows in 2021, mortgage rates have risen sharply in 2022. The higher rate environment makes housing affordability a challenge for Texas homebuyers. While mortgage rates are difficult to predict, housing economists expect them to remain well above their historical lows.

Refinance rates in Texas

While interest rates no longer are at historic lows, you might be able to do a cash-out refinance to pay for renovations. You can use Bankrate’s mortgage refinance calculator to run the numbers.

How to find the best mortgage rate in Texas for you

Shopping around for a mortgage is crucial. By comparing at least three offers, borrowers can save thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Bankrate can help you find the best mortgage deal in today’s volatile rate environment.

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Mortgage options in Texas

Known for its warm weather and diverse population, Texas is the second-most populous state in the country. The Lone Star State is attracting new residents at a dizzying pace: In 2021, Texas had the largest population growth of any state, according to Census estimates.

If you’re looking to get a mortgage in Texas, you have several options.

Texas conventional mortgages: To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you’ll generally need a minimum credit score of 620 and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio less than 45 percent. If you make a down payment of less than 20 percent, you’ll need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), as well.
Texas FHA loans: If your credit history disqualifies you from a conventional mortgage, you might be able to secure a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). A credit score of at least 580 can help you get an FHA loan with a down payment of just 3.5 percent. You can still get an FHA loan with a credit score of 500, but that requires a 10 percent down payment. With an FHA loan, you’ll typically need a DTI between 31 percent to 41 percent. FHA loans generally have lower interest rates than conventional loans.
Texas VA loans: If you’re a veteran or active-duty member of the military, you may qualify for a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A VA loan doesn’t require a down payment or mortgage insurance, but you do need to pay a funding fee, which typically ranges from 2.3 percent to 3.6 percent of the purchase price.

First-time homebuyer programs in Texas

If you’re looking to purchase your first home in the Lone Star State, you have access to several first-time homebuyer programs. Most help buyers who haven’t owned a home in the past three years. Learn more about Texas first-time homebuyer programs.

My First Texas Home: Managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), the My First Texas Home program offers mortgages designed with smaller monthly payments. The program also provides small loans to help homebuyers cover down payments and closing costs. These can be worth up to 5 percent of your mortgage. You can find a participating lender online.
Homes Sweet Texas Home Loan Program: You don’t need to be a first-time homebuyer to take advantage of the Homes Sweet Texas Home Loan program, which offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and down-payment assistance grants worth up to 5 percent of the loan amount. You don’t need to pay the grants back, but you do need to meet certain income limits, which vary by county. You can find a participating lender online.
Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program: The Homes for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program is open to police officers, veterans, teachers, corrections officers and emergency medical services personnel. The benefits are the same as those in the Homes Sweet Texas Home Loan Program.
TSAHC Mortgage Credit Certificates: Mortgage credit certificates offered by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) let you take tax credits based on how much you pay in interest on your mortgage each year. You can calculate your savings here.